Guidelines to Interview Questions You Can Legally Ask
May 1999
- Subject: Age
Acceptable: If hired, can you provide proof that you are at least 18 years of age?
Unacceptable: What is your date of birth? What is your age?
- Subject: Residence
Acceptable: What is your present address?
Unacceptable: Do you own or rent your residence? Give the names and relationships of persons living with you.
- Subject: Photograph
Acceptable: A photograph may be required after hire for identification card or other I.D. purposes.
Unacceptable: Submit a photograph with your application form or after the interview.
- Subject: Education
Acceptable: List your academic, vocational, or professional education and the public and private schools you have attended.
Unacceptable: List the dates you attended or graduated from high school or college.
- Subject: Citizenship
Acceptable: Are you a citizen of the United States? If not, are you prevented from becoming legally employed because of visa or immigration status?
Unacceptable: Of what country are you a citizen? Are you or other members of your family naturalized citizens? If so, when did they become citizens? Do you intend to become a U.S. citizen?
- Subject: National Origin/Ancestry
Acceptable: What languages do you read, speak, or write fluently? (Only if another language is a job requirement.)
Unacceptable: What is your lineage, ancestry, national origin, descent, parentage or nationality? What is your native language?
- Subject: Height and weight
Acceptable: None, unless employer proves that a bona fide occupational qualification is involved.
Unacceptable: What is your height and weight?
- Subject: Arrests and convictions
Acceptable: Have you ever been convicted of a crime? Have you ever committed a crime? Have you ever pled “no contest” to a crime?
Unacceptable: Have you ever been arrested? Have you ever been charged with a crime?
- Subject: Marital or family status
Acceptable: None.
Unacceptable: Are you married? What is your spouse’s name? How many children do you have? Are you pregnant? Do you plan to have children? Do you have reliable daycare?
- Subject: Organizations
Acceptable: List any professional, trade, or service organizations you belong to.
Unacceptable: List all social organizations, clubs, societies, and lodges you belong to.
- Subject: Disabilities
Acceptable: Are you capable of performing the necessary assignments required by this job in a safe manner?
Unacceptable: Are you disabled?
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