Legal or Illegal Question?

Front

In your job you will be handling large sums of money. Have you ever been arrested for stealing?

Back

Illegal

Answer explanation

Employment cannot be denied on the basis of arrests without convictions.

Front

Does overnight and weekend travel present a problem for you?

Back

Legal

Answer explanation

Overnight and weekend travel is a specific job requirement.

Front

This job requires you to move 45-pound boxes from one area to another. Are you able to do that with or without reasonable accommodation?

Back

Legal

Answer explanation

This question states an essential job function and legitimately asks if it can be done with or without reasonable accommodation.

Front

Would your husband be willing to relocate?

Back

Illegal

Answer explanation

Specific inquiries about a spouse are considered unfair and thus illegal employment questions.

Front

This job requires fluency in Spanish. Are you fluent?

Back

Legal

Answer explanation

Being fluent in Spanish is a specific job requirement.

Front

We need a two-year commitment when hiring for this position. Are you planning on taking any maternity leave over the next two years?

Back

Illegal

Answer explanation

All questions about pregnancy are illegal.

Front

What kind of reasonable accommodations would you need to perform this job function?

Back

Illegal

Answer explanation

Worded this way the question asks the candidate to admit that they have a disability.

Front

Are you legally entitled to work in this country?

Back

Legal

Answer explanation

Asking whether a candidate is legally entitled to work in the U.S. is not only permissible, but is legally required.

Front

From your resume, I noticed that you were actively involved in your church. Would it be a problem for you to work on Sundays?

Back

Illegal

Answer explanation

This question indirectly solicits information about a candidate's religious affiliation

Front

How many days were you out sick last year?

Back

Illegal

Answer explanation

You cannot ask questions about about the interviewee's health conditions.