• 15
  • September
    2010

On Monday, we began a discussion on prohibited interview questions. As an individual, you have rights even before you become an employee. There are certain areas that, despite their curiosity - innocent or otherwise - employers are not allowed to touch upon.

Today, we'll look at four more questions that are considered inappropriate in an interview setting.

  1. Do you take drugs, smoke or drink alcohol?
    These questions, as Moran points out, must be phrased very carefully. For example, an employer is allowed to question whether you have ever been disciplined or imprisoned for a drug crime, but can absolutely not ask you about any prescription medications you might be taking.
  2. What religion do you practice?
    Freedom of religion is essential in America and in the American workplace. It is illegal for an employer to make any hiring decisions based on religion and, as such, the question should be discarded for the purpose of an interview.
  3. What is your race?
    If you have ever filled out an application before, there was likely a page at the end where you were asked to disclose your race, gender and nationality. This is usually an optional section and employers are prohibited from denying work to anyone because of their answers to any of these questions.
  4. Are you pregnant?
    Questions regarding your family or your plans to start/grow a family are not allowed under the law. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act does not allow an employer to discriminate based on pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions.

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