Examples of Illegal Interview Questions
During the interview process, there are certain questions that an interviewer is legally prohibited from asking job candidates. These types of questions are illegal because they can be used to discriminate against workers due to their race, disability, sex, religion, national origin, place of birth, age, or marital, family, and pregnancy status, among others. However, some employers still attempt to use these types of questions during the interview process, either out of ignorance of the law or with the real intent of illegal discrimination.
Before heading to an interview, familiarize yourself with the types of questions that are not legal to ask. Sometimes there is only legal interview questions to ask for canadian employers between the type of interview question that is legal and the type that is not. The following examples demonstrate the difference between legal and illegal interview questions:
Citizenship
Legal: Are you legally authorized to work in the U.S.?
Prohibited: Are you a U.S. citizen?
Age
Legal: Are you over the age of 18?
Prohibited: What year were you born?
Disability
Legal: Are you able to perform the essential duties of the job for which you are applying?
Prohibited: Do you have a disability or a medical condition?
Family status
Legal: Do you have commitments that will prevent you from working regular hours?
Prohibited: How many children do you have?
Pregnancy
Legal: How long do you plan to stay in this job position?
Prohibited: Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
Other prohibited questions include, among many others, any inquiries into your religious or cultural background or your sexual orientation. If you are asked a prohibited question, remember that you are protected by law and are not obligated to answer.
While many people feel that workplace regulations and rules are too restrictive or do not allow for easy freedom of expression, it is important to realize that a hostile workplace reduces productivity and worker happiness. In addition, it is essential to make sure that employees feel comfortable while at work, and only by restricting harmful or offensive speech can this protection be afforded.
Before heading to an interview, familiarize yourself with the types of questions that are not legal to ask. Sometimes there is only legal interview questions to ask for canadian employers between the type of interview question that is legal and the type that is not. The following examples demonstrate the difference between legal and illegal interview questions:
Citizenship
Legal: Are you legally authorized to work in the U.S.?
Prohibited: Are you a U.S. citizen?
Age
Legal: Are you over the age of 18?
Prohibited: What year were you born?
Disability
Legal: Are you able to perform the essential duties of the job for which you are applying?
Prohibited: Do you have a disability or a medical condition?
Family status
Legal: Do you have commitments that will prevent you from working regular hours?
Prohibited: How many children do you have?
Pregnancy
Legal: How long do you plan to stay in this job position?
Prohibited: Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
Other prohibited questions include, among many others, any inquiries into your religious or cultural background or your sexual orientation. If you are asked a prohibited question, remember that you are protected by law and are not obligated to answer.
While many people feel that workplace regulations and rules are too restrictive or do not allow for easy freedom of expression, it is important to realize that a hostile workplace reduces productivity and worker happiness. In addition, it is essential to make sure that employees feel comfortable while at work, and only by restricting harmful or offensive speech can this protection be afforded.
