10 Worst Interview Questions | Bad Questions to Not Ask in an Interview
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The 10 Worst Interview Questions

There are illegal interview questions that you are prohibited to ask by law, and then there are bad interview questions – ones that are just outdated, inappropriate, hackneyed, or pointless (some of which are also illegal). At a minimum, asking them reflects badly on you as an employee, but asking bad interview questions can also put your company reputation at risk.
Here’s a list of common interview questions & and why you want to avoid them.

Bad, Horrible, and Worst Interview Questions

1. Where do you live?
This could be cause for discrimination.
Ask instead: "Are you comfortable with our location?" to ensure that commuting will not be an issue. Be sure to mention any commuting benefits like ride shares or commuter compensation your company offers.

2. What country are you from?
What country a candidate is from should be irrelevant.
Ask instead: “Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?” If that's the country you're hiring for.

3. What is your current salary?
California and other states have enacted Fair Pay acts that prohibit asking this question.
Ask instead: “What salary or overall compensation package are you targeting?”

4. What year did you graduate?
This would highlight their age which is another protected class, so avoid any question that might force admission of specific milestones tied to years.

Ask instead: “What are you looking for in your career right now?” or “What are you looking for in your next position?”

5. Are you pregnant? Are you married? Do you have kids you'll have to pick up early from school each day?
Their family planning and familial status is none of your business. Focus on their qualifications for the role.
Ask instead: “Do you foresee any issue with being here during work hours, traveling as needed, or fulfilling the job requirements?”

6. Are there any religious holidays you observe?
Do not ask about religion, ever. Any question that refers to a protected class is a bad interview question - those include sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), race, religion, national origin/citizenship, age, disability status, veteran status, pregnancy and familial status, and genetic information. Use common judgment and understand the laws.
Ask instead: Nothing related to religious affiliation.

7. Who did you vote for?
This may sound obvious but political preferences should never be discussed.
Ask instead: Nothing related to politics.

8. Have you been convicted of a crime?
You can find this information out with a background check.
Ask instead: Nothing related to a police record.

9. Why should we hire you?
It comes across as a bit aggressive and puts them on the spot – and not in a good way.
Ask instead: “Tell me about how your experience and skills will be a fit for and align with this position.”

10. What's your biggest weakness?
While this is still a common interview question, it's unoriginal and likely won't get you an authentic or realistic answer.
Ask instead: “Tell me about a time you saw an opportunity to improve yourself and how you went about achieving that goal.”

For more tips, checklists and templates for improving your interview process and getting better candidates in the door, download the complete How to Conduct Better Interviews guide.

Note: This list is not intended to be complete or constitute legal advice. If you have questions about the legality of interview questions, please consult your organization’s attorney.