Skip To Main Content

Topics to steer clear of either informally, prior to the start of the interview, or formally, during the interview: age, race, national origin, sex, religion, disability (unless specific to job duties).

Age

  • How old are you?
  • When did you graduate from high school? College?

Personal Life

  • Are you married?
  • Do you intend to get married?
  • Do you have children?
  • Are you a single parent?
  • Do you live by yourself?
  • How many people live in your household?
  • Do you have someone who can take care of a sick child?
  • What is your sexual orientation?
  • Do you have a maiden name?
  • Where does your spouse work?

Ethnic Origin

  • What is your nationality?
  • Where are your parent’s from?
  • What languages do your parents speak?
  • Are you bilingual? (unless job-related)
  • What language do you speak at home?
  • What’s the origin of your name?

Religion/Political Beliefs

  • What church are you a member of?
  • Can you work Sundays? Saturdays? (unless job-related)
  • Are you a member of a religious group?
  • With what political party are you affiliated?

Disabilities

  • What health problems do you have?
  • Can you read small print? (unless job-related)
  • Do you have any back problems?
  • When were you in the hospital last?