5 Forbidden Interview Questions

As the MD of a recruitment agency for all kinds of online marketing and online travel jobs, I know how stressful interviews can be for a candidate. Whenever you travel to a job interview, it is only natural that on the way you'll try and think about every possible question that you might be asked and try and devise an answer to them. But there a few that you can cross off the list, as there are some interview questions that potential employers simply aren't allowed to ask...

How old are you?

It may seem like a very innocuous interview question, but because of the new age discrimination laws, it is now forbidden to candidates how old they are asking. It's not just older people who complain about age discrimination - many younger candidates claim they are discriminated against because they are too young, with employers assuming that they will not have the experience or maturity for the position.

The one exception to this rule is when a candidate's age is as a "genuine occupational qualification classified." This applies in the army and the police, for example, there are minimum ages for employment. Of course, this does not apply to my candidates who are looking online marketing efforts, it may not apply to most of the work, you may apply for - if someone asked you your age (including birth date of the application form problems), they enter a dangerous situation for the people.

Are you married?

This may come across an ice-breaking, sometimes - but many employers, this is not a random interview questions. Some employers prefer single employees, think it is they are more committed to their cause, can not become caught in the family's commitment to be more willing to work overtime or long-distance travel. Other employers prefer married employees who may have a more stable and reliable. Either way, you do not have to answer this question in an interview.

Do you intend to start a family in the near future?

This is a big taboo in an interview situation. For obvious reasons, some employers are not keen on their employees and children, resulting in problems commitments, maternity / paternity leave and flexible working requirements. Employer can ask if for any reason, you may be certain aspects of the work of difficulty; travel abroad, since a long time away from home, make the necessary overtime, and most other areas, but they can not ask direct questions about family.

Are you a member of a trade union?

An employer may not ask for your external associations in an interview, such as your union members. These associations did not have any impact on your ability to do work that can be used for your discrimination. This extends to political and religious organizations, as well, so if any action about your political or religious issues, commitment to these issues crop are very out of bounds.

Are you gay?

With regard to sexual orientation discrimination is illegal, it is difficult to imagine an acceptable reason for a potential employer needs to know this information. In addition to the issue of sexuality, most of the problems of personal life are illegal - for example, was asked if the drinking as a serious form of entertainment.

If you are faced with one of these interview questions, it is best to remember that in all likelihood your interviewer doesn't realise that they are doing something wrong. Directly confronting them and embarrassing them is unlikely to secure the position. You have the choice of politely asking the interviewer why the question is relevant to the position (giving them the chance to rephrase the question), or you can try and answer the question indirectly. For instance, if someone asks about marital or family commitments, you could use it as an opportunity to state your strong commitment to your work and your willingness to work long hours (that is, if you really want the position!) But make sure you know your rights, and always remember the interview questions that your potential employer cannot ask you.