There are some things you absolutely cannot ask during a job interview, and if you are ever asked them, that is definitely not a place you should start working at.
These rules are there for the benefit of the candidate, but they also keep an employer mindful of treating everyone equally. For example, did you know that an interviewer is forbidden by law to ask you how old you are, what language you speak at home, or if you plan to start a family soon? If not, I’m glad that you’re now enlightened, because these rules can be very important. It can keep a potential employer from thinking things like, “Oh, she’s too old to do this job,” or “I hope this guy isn’t a father, because he’s going to need to leave early all the time to help out with the kids.” Nope, you cannot openly consider these things during the hiring process, and that makes the hiring process more equitable for everybody involved.
While interviewing for a senior role at a software company, this job candidate was stunned by a bizarre question asked by the interviewer. At least this person stopped in their tracks and called out the interviewer for thinking it was appropriate to ask such a question, adding that she seemed surprised that they wouldn’t answer. This is very basic stuff, and anyone in a capacity to hire and fire should be well aware of the consequences of asking the wrong questions during interviews. Yikes! Let’s hope she learned her lesson, and kudos to this person for refusing to settle and take a job that was a waving red flag.
