Prohibited and Acceptable Questions

• (If required) Are you 18 years or older?
• What are your long-term career goals?

• When did you graduate high school?
• Do you plan to retire soon?

• With or without accommodation, are you able to perform the essential functions of this job?
• This position requires you to occasionally lift 25 pounds. Are you able to meet that?

• Do you have a disability or health problem?
• Do you need a work accommodation?
• How many times were you sick last year?
• Do you have a condition that affects your work?
• Have you filed a work comp claim?
   

None. Spousal offers should be discussed at the time of the offer.

• Are you married?
• Is that/what is your maiden name?
• Would you need a spousal offer?

• If needed for employment history, you may ask about applicant’s military experience in the U.S. Armed Forces.

• What type of discharge did you receive?
• When will you be deployed?
• Any inquiry about non-US military service.

• The hours for this position are X-X. Are you able to work those hours?
• (If required of the role) This position at times requires evening or weekend work. With advanced notice, are you able to accommodate that?

• How many children do you have?
• When are you due?
• Do you have childcare arrangements?
• Who all lives with you?
• Will these work hours get in the way of your kids’ schedules?

• The schedule of the position is X. Are you able to work these hours?

• Do you rent or own your home?
• Where do you live?
• Do you own a car?

• Are you legally eligible to work in the US?
• Do you require sponsorship for a work visa to be eligible for employment in the US?

• What language do you speak at home?
• Your name sounds like it's from [country]?
• How did you learn [foreign language]?

• The schedule of the position is X-X. Are you able to work these hours?

• What church do you attend?
  What religious holidays do you observe?
  What are you doing for [religious holiday, e. g. Christmas or Passover]?
• Do you wear X because of your faith?

• What is your salary/hourly rate expectation?

• What is your current salary/hourly rate?
• How much money have you made in past positions?

*Note: For internal candidates, it is also prohibited to look up a candidate's current pay or salary history in PeopleSoft. 

For a more comprehensive explanation, review the Guide for Minnesota State Law on Salary Inquiries. A downloadable version is also available.

• Because pronouns may reveal gender identity, do not ask for them. You may share your pronouns when introducing yourself, but do not solicit this information.

• What gender do identify with?
• What pronouns would you like us to use?

None.

• What is your sexual orientation?
• Do you have a same-sex partner in need of benefits?