A SHOCKING 85% of interviewers – and 68% in the east of England have admitted asking inappropriate questions when grilling job seekers, new research by UK science and technology recruitment specialists, Hyper Recruitment Solutions (HRS) has today revealed.
Over half (55%) admitted asking candidates what year they were born and two in five (42%) asked if the applicant was planning to start a family2. In addition, the vast majority ( 88%) said it was acceptable to ask a candidate whether or not they planned to have children.
The top 10 ‘red flag’ questions that hiring managers admitted they have asked candidates in interviews include:
· What year were you born? (55%)
· Do you have any children? (56%)
· Are you physically fit and healthy? (53%)
· Are you in a relationship or married? (51%)
· Have you got any plans to start a family? (42%)
· Where is your accent from? (46%)
· Will you need flexible time for family life? (46%)
· Did you grow up outside of the UK? (45%)
· Will you need time off during half term? (43%)
· Will you need personal time off for religious holidays? (40%)
The research also unveiled confusion among interviewers over what can and cannot be asked in interviews, with nearly half (47%) of hiring managers saying they have never had official training on what questions are potentially illegal to ask in an interview.
Such questions have the potential to breach the law, which requires potential employers to treat all candidates fairly and could be perceived as discriminatory.
The Apprentice winner Ricky Martin, who set up his own recruitment firm (HRS) after winning the reality TV show in 2012, called on Britain’s bosses to sharpen up their act when it comes to interviews – to give all applicants an equal chance.
He said: “It’s pretty shocking to unearth that such practices are happening every day in the hiring process. It is imperative employers are educated on work place practice, to put a stop to such shocking and
