Washington Checklist of Illegal Interview Questions

• Category: Employment - Hiring - Interviews
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-AHI-139
• Format: Word

Description

This is a AHI checklist of questions that are illegal to as an applicant in an interview. This form lists alternative forms of the questions that may be asked instead.

Washington Checklist of Illegal Interview Questions is a comprehensive guide that aims to address the issue of discrimination during job interviews. It provides an extensive list of questions that employers in the state of Washington should avoid asking candidates to ensure fair and unbiased hiring practices. The checklist includes various types of illegal interview questions, categorized based on different protected characteristics and areas that can be used as grounds for discrimination. Some of these characteristics include race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, and veteran status, among others. The Washington Checklist identifies various types of illegal interview questions, ensuring employers are aware of what not to ask during the hiring process. These categories include: 1. Questions about an applicant's race, color, or national origin: Employers should refrain from asking questions related to a candidate's ethnicity, racial background, or country of origin. Examples include inquiries about an applicant's accent or language proficiency that are not directly job-related. 2. Questions about gender and sexual orientation: Employers should avoid asking about an applicant's gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status. Such questions may include asking if the candidate is married, planning to have children, or whether they identify with a specific gender. 3. Age-related questions: Asking about an applicant's age, date of birth, or graduation year should be avoided, as it can lead to age discrimination. Employers should focus on an applicant's qualifications, skills, and experience instead. 4. Religious inquiries: It is important to avoid questions about an applicant's religious beliefs, practices, or affiliations. Interviewers should not inquire about religious holidays observed or places of worship attended, as this can lead to bias and discrimination. 5. Disability-related questions: Employers should not ask questions regarding an applicant's disability or medical condition. Inquiries about the nature or severity of disabilities, medical treatments, or prescription medication usage are off-limits. 6. Military and veteran status: Asking about an applicant's military service, discharge status, or years of service should be avoided. Questions related to the type of discharge, combat experience, or the impact of service-related disabilities should also be excluded. By following the Washington Checklist of Illegal Interview Questions, employers can ensure that their hiring process is fair, unbiased, and compliant with state and federal anti-discrimination laws. Creating an inclusive and diverse workforce starts with conducting interviews that focus solely on an applicant's qualifications, experience, and abilities, rather than on their personal characteristics.