Questions That An Employer Cannot Ask You In An Interview

Questions That An Employer Cannot Ask You In An Interview

When going to a job interview most people expect that there will be many questions that they will be asked. However, what many do not realize is that there are some questions that are actually illegal for an employer to ask a potential employee.

Although it may be legal to gather as much information as possible about you in general, any questions regarding the following might be considered illegal and can actually be breaking state as well as some federal discrimination laws:

There are many questions that are illegal that can be reworded and asked in a different way, such as if a person is a U.S. Citizen. Instead, the employer would only be allowed to ask if the person was authorized to work in the U.S.

Religion

Religion is a rather tricky subject as well. Many people who go to church are not available to work on Sundays. However, it is illegal to ask if you go to church or if you are available on Sundays due to church or social obligations. Instead, the only thing that can be asked is if the potential employee will be able to successfully work during the hours of the schedule that is provided.

Age and Race

Age and Race is another touchy subject. Some jobs that are available may seem to be suited more towards a 25-year-old man due to heavy lifting or outside work. However, it is against the law to ask an older woman that applies her exact age. They are only able to ask her if she is able to do the job and handle the lifting requirements and also if she is over the age of 18.

Race should not apply to any job as long as the applicant is able to complete the job requirements. This is a very touchy subject, so employers typically approach this subject very carefully.

Although a job interview is initially set up to see if a person is a good fit for a position, as well as for the employer to get to know them, they must be very careful how different topics and questions are approached. Many employers may mistakenly ask an illegal question without intentionally meaning to and then realize what they have done. However, they must always be careful because they can easily place their company in a situation where they can easily be sued due to discrimination. Many discriminations suits that are filed against large companies are eventually won.