KNOW YOUR RIGHTS - WHAT ARE THE WRONG QUESTIONS THAT HR SHOULDN'T BE ASKING

When the HR or anybody for that matter asking the "wrong" questions - typically, they are straying into topics that are irrelevant, inappropriate, or even illegal, depending on the jurisdiction.

Here are examples of wrong or inappropriate HR questions:

1. Discriminatory Questions

Asking about age, race, gender, religion, marital status, or sexual orientation when these are not relevant to the job.

Example: "Do you plan on having children soon?"

Why it's wrong: It could lead to discrimination and violates equal opportunity laws.

2. Medical or Health-Related Questions

Asking about a candidate's health, disabilities, or medical history unless it directly relates to their ability to perform essential job functions.

Example: "Do you have any chronic illnesses?"

Why it's wrong: Violates privacy rights and disability discrimination laws.

3. Personal Financial Questions

Inquiring about a candidate's debt, bank balance, or financial struggles unless required by the role (e.g., financial positions requiring credit checks).

Example: "Do you have trouble paying your bills?"

Why it's wrong: It's invasive and not relevant to job performance.

4. Illegal or Unethical Questions

Asking about political affiliations, union memberships, or past legal issues without justification.

Example: "Who did you vote for in the last election?"

Why it's wrong: It breaches personal freedom and is irrelevant to job qualifications.

5. Overly Personal or Irrelevant Questions

Delving into a candidate's private life without relevance to the job.

Example: "What does your spouse do for work?"

Why it's wrong: It can come off as intrusive and unrelated to the candidate’s professional capabilities.

6. Leading or Tricky Questions

Attempting to corner candidates into revealing unnecessary or inappropriate information.

Example: "How would you handle taking time off for family emergencies?"

Why it's wrong: It assumes the candidate has specific obligations and indirectly pressures them to disclose personal circumstances.

7. Questions that Violate Local Labor Laws

Asking about issues like expected salary history in jurisdictions where it's illegal to inquire about past salaries.

Example: "What was your last drawn salary?"

Why it's wrong: It perpetuates wage inequality and may breach local regulations.