During an interview you may run into illegal questions that cross your personal boundaries and touch on private areas of your life. Such questions can cover your marital status, whether you have children or plan to have a baby, whether you have a mortgage or bad habits, and much more.
Under the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, questions about sexual orientation, financial situation, ethnicity, age, place of birth, appearance and political views are illegal. This is because every worker has the right not to be discriminated against when applying for a job (Article 64 of the Labor Code).
But what should you do if you face such questions? Your answer depends on how much you want the position. You can choose one of several approaches: set personal boundaries, deflect with a joke, or end the interview immediately.
If you decide to joke it off and change the subject, try to be polite but firm. For example, you can say that it does not affect your ability to do the job well. At this point the employer should realize that you consider the question inappropriate. You can help them out of an awkward spot and move the conversation on.
If the employer keeps pushing, say it directly: "I feel uncomfortable when you ask me about this. It is a personal question that has nothing to do with my professional qualities. If you have doubts about my professional competence, what should I tell you to dispel them?"
If a question seems completely unacceptable to you, do not hesitate to end the interview. It may not be easy, but your self-respect and peace of mind matter more. Besides, an interview is not only a selection process for the employer, it is also a chance for you to understand whether you want to work at this company.
Remember that discrimination is illegal, and where it exists, employees are most likely not valued. And in the end, do not be afraid to ask yourself: do I really want to work for an employer who asks such questions?
In any situation, stay calm, carry yourself with dignity and stand up for your rights.