4.5 Unlawful Questions
Lindsay Bortot and Employment Support Centre, Algonquin College
Employment law in the United States prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. State employment law may broaden this list. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission protects job seekers against unlawful questions. For more information, check out: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Employers’ questions must be related to the job for which you are applying. However, use your discretion when answering, as questions could be asked unintentionally. Here is how you might respond if asked an inappropriate question:
- Ask the interviewer to clarify the meaning of the question.
- Ask the interviewer in what circumstances the question apply to the job.
- Politely decline to answer.
Exercise
Test your knowledge of unlawful questions:
