Chantel Brink

Chantel Brink

March 20, 2025

5 Illegal Job Interview Questions HR Should Never Ask — And How to Respond

4. Where Are You From?

it’s essential to redirect the discussion to your professional qualifications
Image credit: Pexels

While casual small talk is common in interviews, questions like “Where are you from?” or “What language do you speak at home?” cross a legal line when they touch on ethnicity, national origin, or cultural background. Such questions can be tricky because they often come across as conversational rather than intrusive. Nevertheless, it’s essential to redirect the discussion to your professional qualifications.

Leigh suggests saying something like: “I’m excited about this opportunity and would love to focus on my professional background, which includes [relevant experience].” This response keeps the conversation neutral and steers clear of unnecessary personal disclosures.