Reference Interviewing · Compliance
Off-limits questions cheat sheet
A quick reference for the interview room. For each off-limits topic, the job-related question that gets you what you actually need.
The one rule
You may ask about anything directly related to the essential functions of the job. You may not ask about anything that reveals — or invites the candidate to volunteer — a protected characteristic.
Don’t ask → ask instead
| Don’t ask | Ask instead |
|---|---|
| ”Where are you from originally?" | "Are you authorized to work in the United States?" |
| "Do you have kids? Childcare sorted?" | "This role requires occasional evening work — is that something you can do?" |
| "What year did you graduate?" | "Tell me about your relevant experience for this role." |
| "What church do you attend?" | "The schedule includes some weekends — any concerns?” |
Where the rule applies
- The formal interview and the casual walk-back-from-the-lobby small talk.
- Questions other committee members ask.
- Any written evaluation tool or scoring rubric.