Job interviews are a key part of the hiring process, giving employers a chance to size up potential candidates and see how they fit the role. But interviewers have limits on what they can ask—some topics are off-limits due to laws and regulations. Knowing what’s fair game and what’s not helps keep interviews professional and respectful for both parties. In this guide, we’ll break down what employers can ask you and what they should steer clear of, so you can go into your next interview with confidence and knowledge.
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#1 Age (Unless Required By Law) – Employers Can’t Ask You in a Job Interview
It’s illegal for employers to discriminate against you because of your age. They can’t directly ask you how old you are, or ask sneaky questions that could be used to figure it out, like your graduation year. This protects both experienced workers who bring valuable knowledge and skills to the table, and younger workers who may have the latest training and fresh perspectives. The goal is to ensure the most qualified person gets the job, regardless of their age.
#2 Race, Religion, Ethnicity, or National Origin – Employers Can’t Ask You in a Job Interview
These are all characteristics that are legally protected from discrimination in hiring. An employer cannot inquire about your race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin during an interview. The focus of the interview should solely be on your skills, qualifications, and experience as they relate to the job requirements. Your background is irrelevant to your ability to do the job well.
#3 Sex or Sexual Orientation – Employers Can’t Ask You in a Job Interview
An employer’s job is to assess your capabilities and how well you would fit into the role, not your personal life. Questions about your sex or sexual orientation are off-limits and inappropriate in a job interview setting. These questions do not provide any insight into your ability to perform the job duties and can be seen as a form of bias.
#4 Marital Status or Family Plans – Employers Can’t Ask You in a Job Interview
Whether you’re married, single, divorced, or planning to have children is not a concern of the employer. They should be only interested in your ability to perform the essential functions of the job and meet the required work hours. Questions about your marital status or family plans can be a way for employers to discriminate against candidates who may need time off for childcare or eldercare responsibilities.
#5 Disability (Unless It Impacts Job Performance) – Employers Can’t Ask You in a Job Interview
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination in the hiring process. Employers cannot ask you directly about any disabilities you may have. However, they can legally ask about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. This means they can inquire about how you would perform specific tasks related to the job, but they cannot ask you about the nature of any disability you might have.
#6 Financial Situation – Employers Can’t Ask You in a Job Interview
Your finances are private, and there is no reason why an employer would need to know about them during a job interview. Your financial situation has no bearing on your ability to do the job. Questions about your salary history, debt, or ownership of assets are inappropriate and can be a form of discrimination against candidates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
#7 Work Experience and Skills – Employers Can Ask You in a Job Interview
Employers want to know about your relevant work experience and the skills you possess. Be prepared to discuss your past jobs, your accomplishments, and how your skills and experience align with the specific requirements and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Providing concrete examples of your skills in action will strengthen your candidacy.
#8 Education and Training – Employers Can Ask You in a Job Interview
Your educational background and any relevant certifications you hold can be strong indicators of your qualifications for the job. Employers can ask about your education and training to assess your knowledge base and understanding of the industry or field. Highlighting relevant coursework, projects, or achievements from your education can showcase your preparedness for the role.
#9 Job-related Questions – Employers Can Ask You in a Job Interview
Employers may use various types of questions to assess your fit for the role. These could include scenario-based questions where you have to solve a problem relevant to the position, or behavioral questions that ask you to describe how you handled a specific situation in a previous job. These questions help employers understand your thought process, problem-solving skills, and how you would approach challenges within the role.
#10 Salary Expectations – Employers Can Ask You in a Job Interview
Typically, salary expectations come up later in the interview after you’ve learned more about the job responsibilities, benefits, and company culture. Employers can ask about your salary expectations to see if they align with the compensation range they have budgeted for the position. Knowing your target salary range can help you determine if the job is a good fit financially before you invest significant time in the interview process.
#11 Availability – Employers Can Ask You in a Job Interview
Employers need to know your availability to work, including your preferred work hours, days of the week, and willingness to travel, if required by the job. Be prepared to discuss your availability to ensure it meets the requirements of the position. Some jobs may require flexible hours, nights or weekends, or occasional travel.
#12 Previous Employers – Employers Can Ask You in a Job Interview
Employers may ask for your permission to contact your previous employers for references. If you give your consent, be sure to provide contact information for positive references who can vouch for your skills, work ethic, and contributions to their teams. Having strong references can significantly increase your chances of landing the job.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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