What You Can’t Ask During a Job Interview

When conducting interviews to find the ideal candidate for a new position, it’s natural to want to get to know the candidates as much as possible. However, as an employer, there are certain questions you are not allowed to ask during job interviews. Federal and state laws protect job seekers from discrimination based on personal information such as age, citizenship status, national origin, religion, marital or family status, disability, sexual orientation and gender, criminal background, and political affiliation.

By asking illegal questions during the interview process, employers run the risk of potential legal issues and harm to their company’s reputation. In addition to the negative consequences of violating these laws, employers could miss out on high-quality, qualified candidates who may be deterred by the illegal interview questions they were asked.

To create an environment of fairness, safety, and inclusivity, it is crucial for employers to be mindful of the questions they ask during the interview process for all job seekers. By understanding what questions are not allowed, employers can avoid asking illegal questions and ensure that all candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications and suitability for the position.

A note to job seekers: It is also important for you to be aware of your rights and refuse to answer any illegal questions. By educating yourself on this topic, you can protect yourself from potential discrimination and ensure that the interview process is fair and legal. Remember that the interview process is a two-way street. Employers are evaluating you, but you are also evaluating them. It’s important to find an employer that values diversity and treats all employees fairly. For additional tips on nailing your interview and responding to questions (that are legal to ask 😉 ) read our blog post here.

So what questions are examples of illegal interview questions? Read on to find out!

Age

You are not allowed to ask job seekers about their age or date of birth during the interview process. Asking these questions could lead to age discrimination claims. Instead, ask if the job seeker is over 18 or 21 years old if the job has specific qualifications that require a certain age.

Citizenship and National Origin

Questions about a job seeker’s citizenship status, national origin, or birthplace are illegal unless required by law. Asking these questions could lead to discrimination based on ethnicity or country of origin. You can ask if the job seeker is authorized to work in the country, but do not ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status.

Religion

You are not allowed to ask about a job seeker’s religious beliefs or practices. This could lead to discrimination based on religion. You can ask the job seeker about their availability to work during specific periods, including holidays, as part of the job requirements. However, employers should not ask about the candidate’s religious beliefs or practices, as this could be considered discriminatory and is generally not allowed. For example, you can say “Are you able to work on Saturdays?” But you cannot ask, “Do you observe the Sabbath on Saturdays?” However, if the candidate chooses to disclose their religious affiliation, the employer should make reasonable accommodations for the candidate’s religious practices, such as scheduling them to work on different days.

Marital or Family Status

Questions about a job seeker’s marital status, number of children, or family plans are illegal. This could lead to discrimination based on family status. You can ask if the job seeker is available to work overtime or travel, but do not ask if they have children or if they plan to have children in the future. Even if a candidate is obviously pregnant, you are not allowed to ask about their pregnancy in a job interview.

Disability

You are not allowed to ask about a job seeker’s physical or mental disabilities, medical history, or need for accommodation unless directly related to job performance or safety. This could lead to discrimination based on disability. You can, however, ask if the job seeker is able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Sexual Orientation and Gender

Questions about a job seeker’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression are illegal. This could lead to discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation. You can ask if the job seeker prefers to be addressed by a certain pronoun, but do not ask about their gender or sexual orientation.

Criminal Background

As an employer, you are legally allowed to ask a job candidate if they have a criminal history, but it’s important to be cautious and follow specific guidelines. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recommends that employers do not ask about criminal history on job applications or during the initial screening process to prevent any potential discrimination.

However, if you do decide to ask about criminal history during the interview process, it’s important to ensure that the question is job-related and consistent with business necessity. For example, if the job involves working with vulnerable populations or handling sensitive information, a criminal background check may be necessary. If you decide to ask about criminal history, ensure that the question is job-related and treats all candidates fairly and consistently.

Political Affiliation

Questions about a job seeker’s political affiliation or voting history are illegal. This could lead to discrimination based on political beliefs. Though you can ask about the job seeker’s ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Conclusion

As an employer, it’s important to understand what questions you are not allowed to ask during a job interview. By avoiding these illegal questions, you can ensure a fair and inclusive interview process. It’s essential to focus on job-related qualifications and experience, rather than personal information that has no bearing on job performance. Employers should be proactive in educating themselves and their staff on these laws to prevent any potential legal issues and protect their company’s reputation.

Are you searching for candidates to fill your open positions? Begin your search on Jipe! Jipe connects businesses with quality candidates to fill entry-level jobs. Get ready to showcase your inclusive interview process by setting up your company profile here.

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