Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

During a job interview, an employer cannot ask about which of the following?

1. Job experience

2. Age or date of birth

3. Skills and qualifications

4. Availability to work

The correct answer is: Age or date of birth

The correct answer focuses on the legal and ethical guidelines governing what employers can inquire about during a job interview. Employers are prohibited from asking about age or date of birth because such questions can lead to age discrimination, which is illegal under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). This law protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from workplace discrimination based on age. Inquiries about age can imply presumptions about a candidate’s abilities or potential contributions based on age-related stereotypes, which is contrary to the principles of fairness and equal opportunity in hiring practices. In contrast, questions regarding job experience, skills and qualifications, and availability to work are appropriate and relevant. These inquiries help employers assess whether a candidate is a good fit for the role and the organization, focusing on the individual's capabilities rather than personal characteristics that could lead to bias.