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?