Interviewing Best Practices for Employers

For employers, interviews are an important part of determining whether a candidate is qualified for a position. But its just as important to understand what you can (and can not) ask during that process.

The key principle is to ensure your interview questions are focused on job-related qualifications, experience, and the candidate’s ability to perform the essential functions of that position.

Employers can ask for...

• Basic contact information and identifying information
• Prior work experience, including previous employers, job titles, positions held, and job duties
• Job related certifications, licenses, education, training, references, and the applicant's availability to work.

Employers should avoid asking questions that seek information about protected characteristics, including questions about race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other protected categories.

A good rule of thumb? If a question does not help determine whether the candidate is qualified for a job, do not ask it.