Catharine Morisset's article "What Employers Legally Can and Can't Ask You During a Job Interview and Salary Negotiation" was featured on Pay Scales on January 14, 2016.
"Where are you from?" It's an easy conversation
starter and suitable in most settings...except a job
interview.
So too, are other common social inquiries like, "Are you
married," "When did you graduate," or "Have I
seen you at my church?" A prospective employer who asks you
these questions should send up a red flag. It may signal a lack of
understanding of workplace anti-discrimination laws, or worse, no
concept of workplace diversity.
The above examples can lead to information about a candidate's
national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age, or
religion. It's illegal to ask any questions that may illicit
information about any status protected by federal, state, or local
laws. The interviewer's questions should stay focused on
top-level priorities related to the job's essential duties,
such as the candidate's work history as it pertains to the
position, or availability for certain work shifts.
In the article, Catharine addresses how to address improper interview questions.
To read the full article, please visit Pay Scales.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.