Illegal interview questions revealed

A job interview is a great way to work out how suitable a candidate is for a particular role. But what kinds of questions are recruiters and employers legally allowed to ask?

The purpose of a job interview is to identify the best candidate for a particular role. To achieve this purpose, interviewers should ask questions that relate to the candidate’s ability to perform the inherent requirements of the position, rather than questions about irrelevant personal characteristics, which might be discriminatory.

It is also unlawful to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of their physical or mental disability, marital status, family or carer's responsibilities, pregnancy, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin.

Here are three questions that are illegal or potentially discriminatory, and suggestions for what you can ask instead.

1. How old are you?

2. How do you juggle work and looking after your children?

3. Have you had any past injuries/illnesses?

What you should ask instead:

- In order to avoid any allegation of discrimination, ask for any documents regarding candidates details (ie age) after an offer of employment has been made

- Are you able to commit to working the following hours

- Do you have any medical conditions that would mean you are unable to lift heavy items? OR Is there any reason you might not be able to complete the duties required for this role?