What the Interviewer Shouldn’TtAsk

When it comes to job interviews, both the interviewer and the interviewee have certain responsibilities. While the interviewer’s role is to assess the candidate’s suitability for the position, it is crucial for them to adhere to certain principles and guidelines. Asking inappropriate or illegal questions can not only create an uncomfortable atmosphere, but it can also lead to legal consequences. In this article, we will discuss some questions that an interviewer should avoid asking.

1. Personal Questions

Any question that invades a candidate’s privacy or personal life should be off-limits. It is important to remember that a person’s personal life has no bearing on their professional capabilities. Questions about marital status, children, age, religion, or sexual orientation are not relevant to the job and should never be asked during an interview.

2. Health and Disabilities

Inquiring about a candidate’s health or disabilities is not only inappropriate but also illegal in many countries. The focus should be on assessing a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and ability to perform the job, rather than their physical or mental health. It is essential to ensure that the interview process is fair and unbiased for all candidates.

3. Financial Questions

Questions about a candidate’s financial status, salary history, or credit rating should never be asked during an interview. These questions are irrelevant to a person’s ability to perform a job and can potentially discriminate against individuals based on their financial background. It is best to focus on the candidate’s qualifications and experience when evaluating their suitability for the role.

4. Discriminatory Questions

Discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, or any other protected characteristic is not only unethical but also illegal. Interviewers should avoid asking questions that may be perceived as discriminatory or biased. It is important to treat all candidates fairly and assess them solely on their merit and qualifications.

5. Future Family Plans

Questions about future family plans or intentions to have children should not be asked during an interview. It is a candidate’s personal choice to start a family, and such questions can be seen as discriminatory towards women and violate equal employment opportunity laws. The focus should be on evaluating a candidate’s skills and potential for the job at hand.

6. Protected Characteristics

Asking questions related to protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability is strictly prohibited. These characteristics have no bearing on a candidate’s ability to perform a job, and asking such questions can be considered discriminatory. Interviewers should always focus on assessing a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

7. Arrest or Criminal Record

In many jurisdictions, it is unlawful to ask about an individual’s arrest record during an interview. Questions about past convictions or criminal records should be avoided unless it directly relates to the nature of the job and legal requirements. Employers should consult local labor laws to determine what information they are legally allowed to inquire about regarding a candidate’s criminal history.

8. Social Media Accounts

While employers may search for a candidate’s social media presence, it is inappropriate to ask for login credentials or access to personal accounts. Privacy is of utmost importance, and candidates should not be compelled to provide access to their personal social media accounts as a condition of employment.

Frequently Asked Questions On What The Interviewer Shouldn’t Ask

Faq 1: Can An Interviewer Ask Personal Questions During An Interview?

Answer: No, an interviewer should not ask personal questions during an interview as it violates basic ethical standards and boundaries.

Faq 2: Should Interviewers Ask About Marital Status Or Family Plans?

Answer: No, questions about marital status or family plans are deemed as discriminatory and unrelated to the candidate’s abilities and qualifications for the job.

Faq 3: Is It Appropriate For An Interviewer To Inquire About Age?

Answer: No, asking about a candidate’s age is considered discriminatory and has no relevance to job performance or qualifications.

Conclusion

In summary, interviewers play a crucial role in the hiring process, and it is important for them to be aware of the questions they should avoid asking. Asking prohibited or inappropriate questions not only creates an uncomfortable environment but also opens the door to legal consequences. By focusing on the candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience related to the job, interviewers can ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation process for all candidates.