Off-Limits Interview Questions Every Injured Worker Should Know

You got the interview! Congratulations! Wondering which questions you’ll be asked? You should expect the usual ones, such as “What’s your greatest weakness?” You may get something more original like “If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want to have with you?” Regardless of what your interviewer wants to know, there are several interview questions you should never be asked. Be aware — questions about several subjects are a violation of your rights.

Don’t assume that an employer is asking discriminatory questions on purpose. Often they are just trying to see how you will fit the position. However, it is important that you understand and protect yourself from illegal interview questions and the legal alternatives used to get the same information from you. Be prepared and know your options by understanding examples of legal versus illegal questions.

In short, the following topics are off-limits:

Illegal Questions:
How old are you? What year were you born? When did you graduate from high school?

Legal Questions:
Are you over the minimum age for the hours or working conditions?
Note: After hiring, verifying information with birth certificate or other ID is legal. Insurance forms can inquire about age.

Illegal Questions:
Do you have any disabilities? What is your medical history? How does your condition affect your abilities?

Legal Questions:
Can you perform the specific tasks/duties of the job?
Note: After hiring, it is legal to ask about medical history on insurance forms.

Illegal Questions:
Are you a US citizen? Are your parents/spouse US citizens? On what dates did you / parents/spouse acquire US Citizenship? Are you / parents / spouse naturalized or native-born US citizens?

Legal Questions:
Do you have the legal right to remain permanently in the US? What is your visa status (if no to the previous question)? Are you able to provide proof of employment eligibility upon hire?