10 Illegal Job Interview Questions

Mrs_W_Pookie

(Research spurred by discussion in AMA thread)

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10things/steer-clear-of-these-10-illegal-job-interview-questions/229

ClaireDunphy

I've definitely been asked a few of those before.

brittjoy84

That's interesting, my DH was asked about half those questions at his last interview. 

LXLX

brittjoy84:

That's interesting, my DH was asked about half those questions at his last interview. 

Me too!

Madisen

I had no idea so many people weren't aware of this...not just interviewees, but the interviewers.  It's seriously appalling from a potential discrimation perspective whether consciously or subconsciously. 

 

Lanerbell

I've been asked a couple of those.  I was once asked if I was a lesbian because I didn't have a boyfriend.  I didn't work there very long. 

ClaireDunphy

Lanerbell:

I've been asked a couple of those.  I was once asked if I was a lesbian because I didn't have a boyfriend.  I didn't work there very long. 

Soon2BMrsSikes

Madisen:

I had no idea so many people weren't aware of this...not just interviewees, but the interviewers.  It's seriously appalling from a potential discrimation perspective whether consciously or subconsciously. 

 

I think the problem is you have a lot of departmental managers doing the interviews instead of HR professionals. I would be shocked if anyone in HR was actually asking these questions. I have never been asked any of them before.

cakenbake

I agree with Sikes. I only knew those were illegal from college interviewing classes. I have sat in on interviews before with an office manager or the like, and cringed when they ask them.

I have also noticed that smaller companies (I'm talking family-owned types) are more likely simply because they don't know. I think that's the case most of the time. I doubt most people are trying to fish, but it does leave the company wide open to a lawsuit. 

duncanpowers

I'm very shocked so many people have been asked these questions. I don't recall having been asked them, but if I were, I definitely deflected.