“If I could sum up why I’m committed to the HR Girlfriends community it would come down to because we are ‘….in this together.'”

~Sana’ Rasul, Chief Girlfriend

Q&A: What sort of questions should we ask and avoid asking during a job interview?

The questions you ask in a job interview should all be job-related and nondiscriminatory. You should avoid questions that are not job-related or that cause an applicant to tell you about their inclusion in a protected class. For example, if the position requires someone to lift 25 pounds repeatedly throughout the day, you should ask the applicant whether they can lift 25 pounds repeatedly throughout the day. You should not ask whether they have back pain or any other physical issues that might prevent them from lifting 25 pounds throughout the day. The latter question would be discriminatory.

Protected classes include race, national origin, citizenship status, religious affiliation, disabilities, pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender identity, past illnesses (including use of sick leave or workers’ comp claims), age, genetic information, or military service. You should also avoid asking about things that might be protected by state law (e.g., marital status and political affiliation). If you were to ask any questions pertaining to these matters, rejected candidates could claim that your decision was based on their inclusion in these classes rather than their credentials.

Answer from Kyle, PHR:

Kyle is a professional author, editor, and researcher specializing in workplace culture, retention strategies, and employee engagement. He has previously worked with book publishers, educational institutions, magazines, news and opinion websites, nationally-known business leaders, and non-profit organizations. He has a BA in English, an MA in philosophy, and a PHR certification.

Get Certified

The first-ever HR certification designed for professionals who are just beginning their HR career journey.

Leave a comment

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Are You IN?
Or Are You OUT?

It’s time you join forces with a community of like-minded peers ready to tackle the issues unique to the women of HR.

How Safe Is Your Organization?

Even with millions spent on cyber security infrastructure, all it takes is one employee clicking on one wrong link to compromise critical data, costing your company millions.

HR Girlfriends™ is a Human Resources networking organization dedicated to advancing the practice and culture of people empowerment. Our team of Girlfriends consult, train, educate, develop, share, promote, and advocate for solutions in the field of human resource management.

  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
All
  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
Affirmation

Affirmation: Is It Smarter To Focus On Your Strengths Or Weaknesses?

One expert will say that your weaknesses are holding you back. Another will advise to forget about your weaknesses and focus on your strengths. Which …

Read More →
Career Mondays

Career Monday: How To Use A Personal Website In Your Job Search

If you’re job hunting these days, you might need more than a paper resume. Graphic designers and other creative types have been using personal websites …

Read More →
Affirmation

Affirmation: Discover How To Use Your Subconscious Mind To Get What You Want 

You’re familiar with your conscious mind. You use it to choose a channel on the TV or to decide what you’re going to have for …

Read More →
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap