Subject

You may Ask

You May Not Ask

Race or Colour

There are no acceptable questions in this area

“What is your race?”

“What colour is your skin, eyes and hair?”

National Origin

If use of a language other than English is a bona fide requirement for the job for which the applicant is applying:

“What languages do you speak, write, read or understand?”

“What is your lineage, ancestry, national origin or descent?”

“What is the national origin of your parents or spouse?”

“What is your mother tongue?”

“What language do you commonly speak?”

“How and why did you learn to speak any foreign language?”

Religion

There are no acceptable questions in this area. However, employers may state the regular days, hours, and shifts to be worked in the position applied for and then ask whether the applicant will be able to work those days, hours or shifts.

“What is your religion?”

“Does your religion prevent you from working weekends or holidays?”

Age/Birthday

“If hired, you will be required to show proof of age. Will that be a problem?

In general, the employer may state that employment is subject to verification that the applicant meets the legal age requirements

“How old are you?”

“What is your date of birth?”

“When did you attend elementary or high school?”

In general, employers may not ask any questions which tend to identify applicants over the age of 40.

Sex

There are no acceptable questions in this area.

“What is your sex?”

Marital Status/Family

If the applicant is a minor: “What is the name and address of your parent(s) or guardian?”

In general, employers may state any company policy regarding work assignment of employees who are relates, such as:

“Do you have any relatives already employed by this organization? If so, what are their names?” What is their relationship to you? What positions do they hold?”

“Do you have any relatives employed by a competitor of this organization? If you do, what are their names?

“Are you married, divorced or single?”

“Do you have children?”

“Do you have provisions for childcare?”

“Are you pregnant?”

“Do you use birth control?”

“With whom do you reside?”

“Do you live with your parents?”

“What are the names and ages of your spouse/children?”

“What are the names and addresses of your relatives who are not employed by this organization or a competitor?”

Name

“Have you ever used another name?”

“Is any additional information relative to change of a name, use of an assumed name, or nickname necessary to enable a check of your work and education records? If yes, please explain.”

“What was your maiden name?”

Physical Description

There are no acceptable questions in this area. However, the employer may state that after hiring a photograph may be required if needed for the job (i.e. licence)

“What is your height and weight?”

In general, employers may not require the applicant to “submit a photograph” before the interview. Photographs also may not be required at any other time before hiring.

Military Experience

“What relevant skills did you acquire during your service with the army?”

“What are the dates of your military service?”

“What type of discharge did you receive?”

Physical Condition

After describing the duties of the available job:

“Are you able to perform the job duties I have described without any accommodation? If not, what type of accommodations would you need?”

“Are you disabled? If so, describe any disabling impairments that you have?”

“Describe the circumstances under which you became disabled?”

“What is the prognosis of your disability?”

“How often will you require time off for treatment of your disability?”

“How often do you expect to use paid or unpaid leave as a result of your disability?”

“Have you ever filed a workers compensation claim before?”

“Have you ever been treated for any conditions or diseases or ever been hospitalized?”

“Have you ever been treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist for any mental condition?”

“How many days were you absent from your job in the past year because of illness?”

“Do you currently take any prescription drugs?”

“Have you ever been treated for drug or alcohol addiction?”

Education

“In what subjects did you excel at school?”

“Did you participate in extra-curricular activities?”

“What was your major and why did you choose it?”

“Where did you attend high school, college, or post-graduate school?”

“Did you work at an outside job while at school?”

In general, the employer may make the job offer contingent upon receiving verification that the applicant graduated from college.

“Who paid for your educational expenses while you were in school?”

“Do you still owe on the loans taken out during school?”

“What are the dates of attendance or dates of completion of your high school education?”

Prior Employment

“Tell me about your last or present job?”

“In what ways do you think your previous employment will help you in performing our job?”

“Why did you leave your job?”

“What were some of the problems you encountered in performing your last job?” How did you overcome them?

“How did your husband/wife, parent/children feel about your prior employment?”

Criminal Records

“Have you ever been convicted of a crime for which you have not received a pardon?” (This question must be accompanied by a statement that a conviction will not necessarily disqualify the applicant from employment.)

“Have you ever been arrested?”

Experience, Skills, Activities

“Do you have any special knowledge or skills?”

“Are your skills recent?”

“What professional, work related organizations do you belong to?”

“List all organizations, clubs, societies and lodges to which you belong.”

General Information

“What kind of work would you like to do?”

“What do you consider strong/weak points?”

“What specific job factors are important to you?”

“Do you own your own home or rent?”