Final answer:
Only questions about work experience and qualifications are lawful during job interviews; inquiries into marital status, religion, and age are considered discriminatory and unlawful.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Discriminatory Questions in Job Interviews
When evaluating the kinds of questions that are permissible during a job interview in the United States, it's crucial to understand which questions are considered discriminatory and, therefore, unlawful. According to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers are prohibited from asking potential employees about certain personal characteristics that are protected under federal law, including marital status, religion, and age. However, inquiring about a candidate's work experience and qualifications is not only permissible but also essential for assessing whether the individual is suitable for the position in question.
It is illegal for potential employers to ask about your age in an interview, as well as your marital status, disability, race or religion, among other protected characteristics. Although there are exceptions for bona fide occupational qualifications (BFOQs) where certain personal characteristics are essential for specific job roles, these are narrowly defined and do not offer leeway for discrimination on most grounds, including race. Job applicants are fully within their rights to decline to answer questions that delve into these protected areas, and they may contact the EEOC if they believe they have faced discrimination during the hiring process.
Understanding one's rights concerning interview questions can empower applicants to navigate the job market more confidently and help ensure that their evaluations are based on merit alone.