Management: Recruitment and Selection
Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Questioning for Application Forms and Interviews
Age
Inappropriate: What is your age? What is your date of birth? Proof of
age.
Appropriate: Do you meet the minimum legal age requirement for employment? May
require proof of age after hire.
Arrest or Convictions
Inappropriate: Have you ever been arrested? Any inquiries regarding
convictions that do not relate to performing the particular job to be filled.
Appropriate: Only if business necessity to know information: Have you ever
been convicted of a felony? What was the disposition of the offense?
Children
Inappropriate: Do you have any children? How many?
Appropriate: Whether an applicant has children or dependents is irrelevant,
but you can ask "Can you meet the work schedule requirements?"
Citizenship or National Origin
Inappropriate: Of what country are you a citizen? What is your nationality?
Whether naturalized or native-born citizen. Date of acquired citizenship. Birth place. National origin of spouse or
parents.
Appropriate: Are you legally eligible to work in the United States? Can you
provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States?
Credit or Finances
Inappropriate: Questions on credit, finances, or garnishments.
Appropriate: None
Disabilities
Inappropriate: Any questions that would reveal disability-related
information. Do you have a disability? Have you ever had or been treated for any illnesses, diseases, or physical
defects? Have you ever been hospitalized? Any inquiries that would elicit information about disabilities or health
conditions.
Appropriate: Are you able to perform the essential functions with or without
reasonable accommodation? Describe or demonstrate how you would perform the essential functions of the job with or
without reasonable accommodation.
Language
Inappropriate: What is your native tongue? What foreign languages do you
speak? (unless a job requirement)
Appropriate: If a job requirement, "Do you speak, read, or write
(specific) language?"
Marital Status
Inappropriate: What is your marital status? Do you wish to be addressed as
Mrs., Miss, or Ms.? Inquiries eliciting information about marital or family status.
Appropriate: None.
Military Record
Inappropriate: Type or condition of discharge? Length of duty?
Appropriate: None, except as relates to job-related experience or education
during military service.
Name
Inappropriate: Inquiries about a person's maiden name, national origin,
or marital status.
Appropriate: Have you worked under a different name? Is there another name by
which we must inquire when doing your reference checks?
Organizations or Memberships
Inappropriate: What organizations or clubs do you belong to?
Appropriate: What professional organizations have you been involved with that
relate to your ability to perform the functions of this job?
Physical Characteristics
Inappropriate: Any questions pertaining to height, weight, color, or physical
features.
Appropriate: None.
Race or Color
Inappropriate: Any questions pertaining to race, complexion, color of
skin.
Appropriate: None.
Religion
Inappropriate: What is your religious preference, affiliation, or
denomination? Or any questions that would elicit information about religion.
Appropriate: Can you meet the work schedule requirements?
Sex
Inappropriate: Any questions that would elicit information about sexual
orientation or that could be used in an allegation of discrimination.
Appropriate: None, unless a bona fide occupational qualification.
