While it's important to be open and honest with a potential employer you should realize that there are some questions that an employer cannot ask and that you are not legally required to answer.
What They Can’t Ask You
- Where you were born? (They can ask if you are authorized to work in the U.S.)
- Are you married?
- Do you have children?
- Do you plan on becoming pregnant?
- What language do you speak at home? (If the job involves speaking another language they can ask if you speak that language.)
- How old are you?
- Do you have a disability or illness? (They can ask if you are able to do a specific physical activity if it is part of the job.)
- Do you observe any religious holidays? (They can ask if you are available to work weekends and holidays.)
- Are you in the National Guard or Army Reserve?
- Do you smoke or use alcohol? (They can ask that you take a drug test.)
See more questions that cannot be asked during an interview. Also, see specific questions an employer can and can't ask you.
To file a complaint about illegal questioning during an interview, contact the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission.