Are these normal questions for a job application?

You are not obliged to answer them.

I was also asked my pronouns at a later interview (it's pretty obvious I'm a woman) and when I started after getting the job had published a bio of me on the intranet with pronouns included prominently at the start 🙄

As others have said I think this is more about diversity monitoring. Not like the interview I had which almost exclusively focused on my dad's job (he's a tradesman) and whether I was angry at him for not prioritising getting a better education and career to provide for his family. At the time I was mid twenties and had provided for myself just fine since 16! Not a single question about my mum either...

Oh and then did the tired old 'sell me this biro' question

This was at a (extremely well respected - magic circle - but also notoriously old school and posh) law firm. Barely any 'normal' interview questions and the main interviewer was so sweaty when I shook his hand at the start I nearly vomited.

I was actually relieved when the rejection came through!

Then you wouldn't be able to apply to any major company.
I don't think I encountered any large employer not doing these.

They don't use it to filter you out though. This is not other countries where they can discriminate like that.

I think it’s an equality based thing to use for their own internal metrics. My company have recently rolled out a new questionnaire asking about all sorts like sexuality /disability/caring responsibilities etc

In my profession these questions are common, along with what did you parents do when you were 14 and were you on free school meals.

It never comes through to me as the hiring manager though, so it’s just kept for DEI data.

If you prefer not to answer, just say prefer not to answer.

I absolutely assume that if my answers show that I don't fit any of these categories, and yes, my dad had a degree and no, I was never on FSM then I have no chance of getting the job.

It just doesn't seem worth applying if this is part of the process, as I'd be bottom of the heap without a protected characteristic AND on the 'wrong side' of all the supplementary Qs as well

I recruit in the public sector and as the sifter/interviewer I never see any of that stuff, we just get statistics every 6 months or so and sometimes there are campaigns to reach out to recruit from under represented demographics

This is waaay too intrusive.

Overall I would not want to work for a company like this.

I’m surprised so many posters seem to find this ridiculous invasion of privacy acceptable.

<broken record>

You don't have to answer. (In fact you don't have to answer honestly 😎)

That's all very nice. But still no compulsion to answer.

DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) questions often include religion because it's a fundamental aspect of many people's identities and can significantly impact their experiences in the workplace. Recognizing and addressing religious diversity is crucial for creating a truly inclusive environment.

Here's why religious identity is relevant to DEI:
Protected characteristic:
In many regions, religion is a legally protected characteristic, meaning individuals cannot be discriminated against based on their religious beliefs.

Identity and belonging:
Religious beliefs and practices are deeply personal and can be central to a person's sense of self and community.

Workplace impact:
Religious observances (e.g., prayer times, dietary restrictions, holidays) can affect work schedules and workplace practices.

Potential for discrimination:
Individuals may face prejudice or exclusion due to their religious beliefs, and DEI efforts can help mitigate this.

Creating an inclusive environment:
Understanding and respecting religious diversity can foster a more welcoming and equitable workplace for everyone.

By including religion in DEI initiatives, organizations can:
Promote a sense of belonging:
When individuals feel their religious identities are respected, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and connection to the workplace.

Reduce discrimination:
Addressing religious diversity can help identify and address potential sources of bias and discrimination.

Improve employee well-being:
A workplace that supports religious diversity can contribute to the overall well-being and mental health of employees.

Enhance organizational culture:
By embracing religious diversity, organizations can cultivate a more inclusive and respectful organizational culture.

Ultimately, including religion in DEI efforts is not just about legal compliance, but also about creating a workplace where everyone can feel valued, respected, and able to bring their whole selves to work.

Do you smoke cigarettes? I'd put, 'No, just weed and occasional crack!' 😂

I once had someone turn up for an interview at a secure facility and the admin had to photocopy their ID/Passport etc. When they did so, a little bag of white drugs fell out of his passport.

Because the protected characteristic under the Equality Act is “religion or belief”, the latter being a philosophical belief.

If I remember correctly that has a specific meaning in Northern Ireland. Recruitment has to capture (and store) the religion of the applicant.

One reason why you can't a have a one-size fits all recruitment process for the whole UK.

Yeah they've added gender identity, which isn't a protected characteristic under the Equality Act.but left out sex, which is. How depressingly predictable that they want to make sure they don't discriminate on the ground of self identified gender but have nothing to say about not discriminating on the grounds of sex

This shows where you are applying to work. Not sure if you know.
the company is super ethical, so I’m sure it’s for their monitoring, not to exclude you. I was asked similar questions on a university application - it
was a government requirement for measuring inclusivity

I’m not sure how the question “What is your religion or strongly held belief” is about DEI

It’ll be for monitoring purposes, and there’s usually a “prefer not to answer” option.

Just not answer ?

OP those aren’t interview questions. They are online data gathering for equalities and the company wanting it to ensure they are being equal etc. Very normal.

Interviews are structured conversations between two people and are very different.

I would hope that these are purely for Equal Ops monitoring, and not part of the selection process. I don't know the legalities tbh, but I'd have thought they should be clearly labelled as being Equal Ops 🤔👍