Hiring a new employee is a very big decision, so understandably, interviewers want to be thorough. However, there’s a fine line between meticulous questioning and just plain illegal.
As one of the top staffing agencies in Las Vegas, Nevada, PrideStaff Las Vegas knows exactly what topics the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission deems unacceptable. Generally speaking, questions involving race, height and weight, financial information, religious affiliation, citizenship, marital status, number of children, gender, disabilities and health issues are off limits. The EEOC put these laws in place to ensure all candidates are treated equally.
Seven Illegal Interview Questions You Don’t Have to Answer
- What year did you graduate?
- Have you ever been arrested?
- How long have you been sober?
- Where did you grow up?
- How many kids do you have?
- Will you need time off for certain religious holidays?
- Are you comfortable working with much younger colleagues?
What to Do If You’re Asked an Illegal Interview Question
All illegal interview questions don’t come from a malicious place. Many inexperienced interviewers simply don’t know the rules, so sometimes they inadvertently wander into inappropriate territory. Still, that doesn’t mean you should answer the question.
If you’re asked a question you feel is illegal, don’t be afraid to challenge it. It’s perfectly acceptable to tell the person you don’t feel comfortable answering the question or to ask them to explain how it’s relevant to the job. If you feel the interviewer has really crossed the line, you can even reach out to the EEOC and file a complaint.
Ultimately, you’ll need to weigh several factors when deciding how to handle the situation. Consider the interviewer’s intent and how much you really want the job, as unfortunately, biting back could hurt your chances of getting hired.
If you decided to speak up, good for you. It takes a strong person to stand up for themselves against a potential employer. Feel very proud of yourself and know your actions might teach the interviewer a lesson, so they’ll treat future candidates in a respectful manner.
Get the Job You Deserve
Ready to explore new career opportunities? PrideStaff Las Vegas is here to steer your search. Contact us today to secure a rewarding temporary, temp-to-hire or direct hire opportunity with a top Clark County employer!
