When conducting new hire interviews, it’s important to ask empirical questions and avoid instances of bias. While this will ensure that you hire the best candidate for the job, it can also help you avoid legal trouble. Asking question about federally protected characteristics during interviews is unlawful, because if you do not hire that person they would be able to file a discrimination suit.Â
This Tip Sheet provides guidance on what questions you can and cannot ask to avoid any legal trouble when conducting interviews. The Equality Act 2020 prohibits employment discrimination based on age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marriage, and pregnancy or maternity. And while interview questions pertaining to these characteristics may seem easy to avoid, it’s not always so black and white. This Tip Sheet provides guidance on what questions you can and cannot ask to avoid any legal trouble when conducting interviews.
While it may seem obvious not to ask “How old are you?” did it occur to you that ask “What year did you graduate college?” is virtually the same question? This resource covers slip ups like these and many more.
