UNLAWFUL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS  

Interviewers are required by law to keep questions job-oriented. Charges of discrimination can result from improper questioning during the interview. The following outlines the legality of inquiries into certain subjects before an individual is actually is hired:
 

* Red text indicates what employers are not allowed to ask.

Disability

Applicants may be asked about their ability to perform specific job functions.

Employers may not ask job applicants about the existence, nature, or severity of a disability before an offer of employment has been made.

Name

Have you ever worked for this company under a different name? Is any additional information relative to change of name, use of an assumed name, or nickname necessary to enable a check on
your work record? If yes, explain.

Original name of applicant whose name has been changed by court or otherwise. If you ever worked under another name, state name and dates.

Address or Duration of Residence

Applicant’s place of residence. Photograph May be required after hiring for identification.

Requirement or option that applicant affix a photograph to employment form at any time before hiring.

Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States, do you intend to become a citizen of the United States? If you are not a United States citizen, have you the legal right to remain permanently in the US? Do you intend to remain permanently in the United States?

Whether an applicant is naturalized or a native-born citizen the date when the applicant acquired citizenship. Birthplace of applicant. Birthplace of applicant’s parents, spouse, or other close relatives.

Education

Inquiry into applicant’s academic, vocational, or professional education and the public and private schools attended.

Experience

Inquiry into work experience.

Relatives

Names of applicant’s relatives, other than spouse, already employed by a company.

Names, addresses, ages, number or other information concerning applicant’s spouse, children or other relatives not employed by a company.

Notice In Case of Emergency

Names of persons to be notified.

Name and address of person to be notified in case of accident or emergency.

Military Experience

Inquiry into applicant’s military experience in the United States or in a State Militia. Inquiry into applicant’s service in particular branch of United States Army, Navy, etc.

Inquiry into applicant’s general military experience.

Organization

Inquiry into applicant’s membership in an organization which the applicant considers relevant to his or her ability to perform the job.

List all clubs, societies, and lodges to which you belong.