Basic Interview Guidelines Under Federal Law

   

ITEM AVOID PERMISSIBLE
AGE Age, birth certificate, date of high school or college graduation. Whether candidate meets minimum or maximum age requirement that is a bona fide occupational qualification.
ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE Whether candidate is an alcoholic or has been addicted to drugs in the past. Whether candidate currently uses illegal drugs or has used illegal drugs in the past.
ARREST RECORD Inquiries about arrests. None (may have a disparate impact on certain minority groups).
CITIZENSHIP Whether candidate is a U.S. citizen. Whether candidate is legally eligible to work in the U.S.
CONVICTION RECORD Inquiries relating to convictions that are not relevant to the job being applied for. Convictions that reasonably relate to performing the job in question. Consider the nature and number of convictions, facts surrounding each offense, and length of time since the last conviction.
DISABILITIES Questions designed to elicit information about a disability. How candidate would perform the job and whether the candidate could perform the job with or without accommodation.
HEIGHT OR WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS Height or weight requirements not related to job. Height or weight requirements necessary for the job.
MARITAL AND FAMILY STATUS Questions about marital status, childcare, number of children, or pregnancy. Questions about whether candidate can meet work schedule. Ask all questions to candidates of both sexes.
NAME Inquiries about national origin, ancestry, or prior marital status. Whether candidate has ever worked under a different name.
NATIONAL ORIGIN Lineage, ancestry, descent, native language, birthplace, and national origin of spouse or parents. Whether candidate is legally eligible to work in the U.S. and can communicate well enough to perform the job’s essential functions.
RACE OR COLOR Complexion or color of skin. None.
RELIGION Religious preference or affiliation, except at religiously affiliated institutions when hiring faculty or ministerial positions that further the institution’s religious mission. Whether candidate can meet the work schedule with reasonable accommodation, if necessary.
SEX Candidate’s sex, where sex is not a bona fide occupational qualification. Candidate’s sex, where it is a bona fide occupational qualification, such as actor, actress, or locker room attendant.