What can you ask a candidate during the job interview?
We are often asked by clients and business owners what questions they are allowed to ask candidates during an interview, and more pertinent, what can’t they ask!
We suggest refraining from asking the following and suggest using these alternatives:
How old are you? Apart from ascertaining whether a candidate is of a legal age to sell alcohol or operate danger machinery and equipment, their age should not affect their ability to do the job.
Instead ask: Are you over 18?
Are you from the UK? You could be implying that their nationality has an impact on their suitability. Although you MUST check that the candidate has eligibility to work in the UK.
Instead ask: Do you have the right to work in the UK?
How many sickness days did you take in your last job? This could be viewed as being discriminatory against disability and again is only relevant if it affects the candidate’s ability to perform the duties the role requires.
Instead ask: Do you have any specific requirements in order to perform this job effectively or do you require any reasonable adjustments?
Do you have any previous criminal convictions? There is no obligation for a candidate to disclose criminal convictions if the sentence has already been spent. The exceptions being if the role relates to working with vunerable groups.
Instead ask: Do you know of any legal reasons why you may not be able to take this job?
Interview questions should be set as a view to finding out the applicant’s ability to do the job and any questions leading to a bias in the decision making should be avoided.
For more information and advice, please contact us today.