One in three hiring managers knowingly ask “illegal” questions during job interviews, according to a recent Resume Builder survey. And while, technically, very few of the questions mentioned in the survey are illegal to ask, queries about religion, race, gender, and pregnancy status (among other things) can still land you in hot water.
Why? Because it is illegal to consider a candidate’s answer to those questions as part of the hiring process.
The distinction between the two is critical. Obviously, you don’t need to panic if a candidate sees a picture on your desk of your three adorable children and says, “Oh, three kids is a lot!” and you reply, “Oh, so much work. Do you have kids?” That’s just conversation.
So, how do you know where to draw the line? I’ll explain.
To keep reading, click here: One-Third of Hiring Managers Just Admitted to Asking Job Candidates ‘Illegal’ Questions
Very helpful, especially the distinction between something that comes up “naturally” (small talk) and asking direct questions.
I’m surprised that only 1/3 admitted to asking illegal questions. My experience is that almost every manager, if given the chance, will ask either a stupid question or an illegal one. That’s why, I try to give the hiring manager specific questions to ask and tell them not to deviate from the list.
Only 1/3 admit to *knowingly* asking illegal questions. The other 2/3 don’t know they’re doing so.
so at least 1/3 of businesses don’t abide by rules / laws – not great look but good to know what the playing field looks like.