Employer Interview Questions to Avoid and Consider Asking Job Candidates

Sample Employer Interview Questions to Avoid

Overview: As an employer, the types of questions you ask a potential job candidate should be job- related and non-discriminatory. Basic interview questions may encompass any of the following categories as long as they are not illegally asked: race, color, sex, religion, national origin, birthplace, age, disability, martial/family status.

Questions to avoid and consider:

1. Avoid asking: Are you a United States citizen?

Consider: Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?

2. Avoid asking: How long have you lived here?

Consider: What is your current address and phone number? Do you have any alternative locations where you can be reached?

3. Avoid asking: Which religious holidays do you observe?

Consider: What days are you available to work?

4. Avoid asking: Do you belong to a club or social organization?

Consider: Are you a member of a professional or trade group that is relevant to our industry?

5. Avoid asking: How old are you?

Consider: Are you over the age of 18?

6. Avoid asking: How much longer do you plan to work before you retire?

Consider: What are your long-term career goals?

7. Avoid asking: Who is your closest relative to notify in case of an emergency?

Consider: In case of emergency, who should we notify?

8. Avoid asking: If you get pregnant, will you continue to work, and will you come back after maternity leave?

Consider: What are your long-term career goals?

9. Avoid asking: How do you feel about supervising men/women? Consider: Tell me about you previous experience managing teams

10. Avoid asking: Do you smoke or drink?

Consider: In the past, have you been disciplined for violating company policies forbidding the use of alcohol or tobacco products?

11. Avoid asking: Do you take drugs?

Consider: Do you use illegal drugs?

12. Avoid asking: How tall are you?

Consider: Are you able to reach items on a shelf that's five feet tall?

13. Avoid asking: How much do you weigh?

Consider: Are you able to lift boxes weighing up to 50 pounds?

14. Avoid asking: How many sick days did you take last year?

Consider: How many days of work did you miss last year?

15. Avoid asking: Do you have any disabilities?

Consider: Are you able to perform the specific duties of this position?

16. Avoid asking: Have you had any recent or past illnesses or operations?

Consider: Are you able to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations?

17. Avoid asking: How far is your commute?

Consider: Are you able to start work at 8 a.m.?

18. Avoid asking: Have you ever been arrested?

Consider: Have you ever been convicted of "x" (fraud, theft and so on)? 19. Avoid asking: Were you honorably discharged from the military?

Consider: Tell me how your experience in the military can benefit the company.

20. Avoid asking: Are you a member of the National Guard or Reserves?

Consider: Do you have any upcoming events that would require extensive time away from work?

Legal Disclaimer: The Interview Questions to Avoid Guide is intended for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal information or advice. This information and all HR Support Center materials are provided in consultation with federal and state statutes, and do not encompass other regulations that may exist, such as local ordinances. Transmission of documents or information through the HR Support Center does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.