Status: 17.10.2023, 17:30 PM
By: Franziska Kaindl
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Did you know that certain interview questions are not only inappropriate, but also inadmissible? Here is an overview.
The classic questions during a job interview include: "Where do you see yourself in five years?", "What are your strengths" or "How did you find out about our company?". Sometimes, however, recruiters or bosses also slip into territory that many applicants are uncomfortable with or simply does not belong in a job interview – for example, when it comes to: "Do you want children?" This is usually used by employers to find out whether they will soon have to do without you again. In fact, this question, as well as some other topics, is taboo under the General Equal Treatment Act.
Which questions to the applicant are inadmissible?
In general, recruiters are only allowed to ask questions that are related to the job or about topics in which the employer has a legitimate interest. However, this does not include:
- Marital status, family planning or pregnancy
- Health status or past illnesses
- Religion and denomination
- Party or trade union membership
- Ethnic origin
- Assets
- Criminal record
Some interview questions annoy applicants. When it comes to family planning or religion, the employer is usually not even allowed to ask about it. (Symbolic image) © Pond5 Images/Imago
Inadmissible questions from the employer: Where are the exceptions?
In certain cases, exceptions to the rules apply. For example, an employer may have a legitimate interest in your religious affiliation when it comes to the position of a priest, but you do not represent the corresponding faith. In addition, you must also answer truthfully to the question of an existing pregnancy when it comes to the health of mother and child, as the online portal Career Bible informs. This can occur, for example, in professions in which you have to work with hazardous substances or which are physically demanding.
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What to do if inappropriate questions are asked in the interview?
In a job interview, it is difficult to respond appropriately to inappropriate questions. In principle, you have various options: Either you answer with a counter-question such as "To what extent does this have to do with the advertised position" and thus make the border crossing clear, or you refuse to answer directly – you have the right. However, you can also answer the question if you want to.
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Most of the time, however, it is difficult to react correctly right away – often you only notice afterwards that some questions may have gone a little too far. In this case, you should think about whether this is a one-time slip-up or whether the employer's curiosity is already going too far for you. Then it might make sense to focus on another place where you feel more comfortable.