Question

Which of the following questions is illegal to ask in a job interview in the United States? a. Which university did you attend? b. Which state were you born in? c. Do you have a commercial driver's license? d. What salary would you expect for this position?

Short answer

The illegal question to ask in a job interview in the United States, from the given options, is 'Which state were you born in?'

Step-by-step solution

Review the options

Read through the multiple-choice options to get a clear understanding of each interview question being presented as follows; a. Which university did you attend?, b. Which state were you born in?, c. Do you have a commercial driver's license?, d. What salary would you expect for this position?

Understand legal interview questions

The law permits interview questions which aim to find out job-related experience, qualifications, and skills. In this context, both option a. (Which university did you attend?) and option d. (What salary would you expect for this position?) are about qualifications and expected compensation, so they are permissible. Option c. (Do you have a commercial driver's license?) is asking about a necessary requirement for some jobs (like truck driving), so it is also legal.

Identify the illegal question

The law does not permit questions that ask about a job applicant's birthplace, to prevent discrimination based on national origin. Therefore, option b. - asking which state were you born in is the illegal interview question. This can be seen as potentially discriminating and violating an individual's civil rights according to the principles of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Key concepts

Employment Discrimination

Employment discrimination refers to unfair treatment of employees or job applicants based on personal characteristics that are not related to job performance. Such discrimination can occur in different stages of employment, including hiring, promotions, and firings. The law seeks to protect individuals from being discriminated against because of:

• Race or ethnicity
• Gender
• Age
• Religion
• Disability status
• National origin

Understanding these categories is crucial for both employers and employees to create a fair workplace. In interviews, employers must not ask questions related to these characteristics as they can lead to bias and discrimination.
Job candidates should be aware that they have rights and deserve equal treatment regardless of their background or personal traits. Being informed about employment discrimination helps individuals recognize and report instances if they experience them.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark federal law that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It aims to promote equal opportunity and ensure a fair hiring process within the workplace. This act applies to employers with at least 15 employees, including federal, state, and local governments.
Under this law, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces regulations and investigates claims of discrimination. If an employer is found violating Title VII, legal action may be taken.

• Its goal is to create a work environment free from bias.
• Helps in setting standards for employment practices.
• Protects against retaliation for reporting discrimination.

An understanding of Title VII acts as a safeguard for individuals, knowing they are backed by law if they face unfair treatment.

Job-Related Qualifications

Job-related qualifications refer to the skills, experience, education, and other factors necessary to perform a particular job effectively. During the interview process, employers should focus their questions on aspects that determine the candidate's ability to do the job.
This can include:

• Educational background—relevant courses or degrees.
• Professional experiences—previous jobs and achievements in the field.
• Specific skills needed for the position—technical or soft skills.
• Licenses or certifications—such as a commercial driver's license for driving roles.

When employers concentrate on these factors, they ensure that the hiring process remains objective and fair. Candidates should prepare to discuss their qualifications confidently to demonstrate their suitability for the role.

Employee Rights

Employee rights are the legal entitlements and protections awarded to individuals within the workplace. These rights cover various aspects such as working conditions, freedom from discrimination, and the ability to voice concerns without fear of retaliation. Knowing and understanding these rights is crucial for employees to ensure their workplace is safe and equitable. Key rights include:

• Right to a safe working environment free from hazards.
• Right to be free from discrimination and harassment.
• Right to fair compensation and benefits.
• Right to report illegal activities or workplace issues without fear of retaliation.

Possessing knowledge about these rights empowers employees, enabling them to take action if their rights are violated. Additionally, it encourages a culture of respect and equity in the workplace.