If you grew up in Hawaiʻi, chances are you’ve asked (or have been asked) “what school you went?” or “what year you grad?” when meeting someone new. In everyday conversation, questions like these are completely normal and often used as a way to find common ground. However, in an interview setting innocent questions like these could expose your business to legal risk. Why? Because employers are legally prohibited from considering things such as age, disability, national origin, pregnancy, race / color, religion, and sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), when making hiring decisions.
Before your next interview, take a moment to review which questions are off-limits. Below are some common questions many employers in Hawaiʻi may be tempted to ask but should always avoid in an interview setting.
1. What year you grad?
Why you can’t ask this: Knowing when a job applicant graduated from high school can reveal their age which employers are legally prohibited from considering when making hiring decisions.
2. Where does your husband/wife work?
Why you can’t ask this: Marital status is protected under federal and many state laws and can lead to discrimination based on sex or family status.
3. Do you have kids?
Why you can’t ask this: Family status is a protected class under federal law as it can lead to discrimination, especially against parents or caregivers.
4. Were you born here?
Why you can’t ask this: Despite making candidates feel singled out, and being irrelevant to the job, this question can reveal national origin, which is a protected characteristic under federal law.
5. How much did they pay you at [insert name of last job]?
Why you can’t ask this: Inquires about an applicant’s current or prior compensation including wages or benefits are unlawful.
Hiring isn’t just about asking the right questions, it’s also about avoiding the wrong ones. With Hawaii’s unique employment laws, even innocent interview conversations can expose your business to legal risk. Partnering with a staffing company like ALTRES Staffing helps take the guesswork out of hiring. Our experts handle screening, compliance, and candidate selection, so you can build your team confidently while we manage the details.
Read more: Guide to Illegal Interview Questions
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