Which question is illegal to ask an applicant during a job interview?

Which question is illegal to ask an applicant during a job interview?

• A. What is your current salary?
• B. Are you physically fit for the job?
• C. Have you ever been arrested?
• D. Do you have a valid work visa?

Answer: (C)

The question tests understanding of what interview topics are legally and ethically appropriate. Asking about your criminal history in terms of arrests is generally not allowed in many places because an arrest does not prove guilt and can lead to unfair bias in hiring. Employers are typically allowed to consider criminal history only after a conditional job offer and usually only for convictions that are relevant to the job, with careful, case-by-case review. This protects applicants from discrimination and respects privacy. Other questions aren’t inherently illegal in all contexts. Asking about current salary can be restricted in some jurisdictions, but not universally illegal. Asking about physical fitness is permissible if it’s tied to essential job tasks and framed to assess the ability to perform those tasks (often after ensuring accommodations). Verifying work eligibility by asking about visa or work authorization is a standard, acceptable question to confirm you can legally work in the country.

The question tests understanding of what interview topics are legally and ethically appropriate. Asking about your criminal history in terms of arrests is generally not allowed in many places because an arrest does not prove guilt and can lead to unfair bias in hiring. Employers are typically allowed to consider criminal history only after a conditional job offer and usually only for convictions that are relevant to the job, with careful, case-by-case review. This protects applicants from discrimination and respects privacy.

Other questions aren’t inherently illegal in all contexts. Asking about current salary can be restricted in some jurisdictions, but not universally illegal. Asking about physical fitness is permissible if it’s tied to essential job tasks and framed to assess the ability to perform those tasks (often after ensuring accommodations). Verifying work eligibility by asking about visa or work authorization is a standard, acceptable question to confirm you can legally work in the country.