Blog
Employment Laws

Staying Compliant: Questions To Avoid When Conducting An Interview

Staying compliant when hiring is a challenge that begins in a candidate's job interview. Avoid these five questions when conducting interviews.

Blog Author - Adrienne Smith
Adrienne Smith
Sep 9, 20152 minutes
Blog Author - Adrienne Smith
Adrienne Smith
8 postsAuthor's posts
Blog - Hero - Hands at Desk

Believe it or not, your responsibility to stay compliant begins before you’ve even hired someone.

The interview process is often ground zero for employment law violations. Inappropriate interview questions can run afoul of discrimination laws, potentially resulting in a lawsuit.

Here are a few thorny topics that might come up during an interview and tips for handling them legally.

Managing a Team

A Quick Guide to Hiring Remote Employees

Hiring and managing remote employees are skills that have never been more essential. Our guide can help you navigate this unique challenge.

Download Guide

What Not To Ask In An Interview

Age

What Not To Ask: 

How old are you? How long have you been working?

What To Ask:

How long have you been working in this industry?

Age discrimination laws cover all applicants and employees 40 and older. Unless you have to confirm a minimum age for employment purposes, don’t ask about age or even high school and college graduation dates.

Pregnancy

What Not To Ask: 

Are you pregnant? Do you plan on getting pregnant in the future?

What To Ask:

What are your long-term career goals? Is there anything you foresee interfering with regular attendance or your ability to work overtime?

Asking questions about pregnancy, children, or maternity leave violates gender discrimination laws. Just don’t bring it up.

Race, Ethnicity, National Origin

What Not To Ask:

Are you a United States citizen? What is your native language? What is your birthplace or national origin?

What To Ask:

Are you authorized to work in the U.S.? What languages do you speak, read, and write fluently?

Don’t ask questions or make comments about race, ethnicity, or national origin.

Religion

What Not To Ask:

What religious holidays do you observe?

What To Ask:

Are you able to work our required schedule?

Also, don't ask about affiliations with organizations such as clubs, unions, and social groups. Professional associations are fair game.

Avoid making a compliance mistake by steering clear of these interview questions and checking to ensure you're complying with all applicable local and state laws.

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, legal or tax advice. If you have any legal or tax questions regarding this content or related issues, then you should consult with your professional legal or tax advisor.
Discover more of what you like
PEOHealth InsuranceBenefits & PerksPayroll & TaxesExpenses & FinanceEmployment LawsInternational

Check out our newsletter

Monthly tips on running a business in your inbox.

Check out our newsletter

Monthly tips on running a business in your inbox.
Written By
Blog Author - Adrienne Smith
Adrienne Smith
Sep 9, 20152 minutes

Learn more with Justworks’ Resources

Scale your business and build your team — no matter which way it grows. Access the tools, perks, and resources to help you stay compliant and grow in all 50 states.