Is it legal for a job application to ask for age?

Federal law does not prohibit employers from asking employees or job applicants about their age, including in application materials and background checks. However, asking about a person’s age could discourage older workers from applying to jobs because of fear of possible discrimination.

What questions are illegal on a job application?

Illegal Interview Questions

• Age or genetic information.
• Birthplace, country of origin or citizenship.
• Disability.
• Gender, sex or sexual orientation.
• Marital status, family, or pregnancy.
• Race, color, or ethnicity.
• Religion.

Is it illegal to ask for date of birth on an application?

While asking an applicant for his or her date of birth (DOB) is not unlawful, how the employer uses that information might be. Therefore, the employer will want to take care not to use or appear to be using the DOB in making employment or employment-related decisions.

Is asking Age in an interview illegal?

Workers over 40 are protected by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), so asking for their age is like asking for a lawsuit. You can, however, ask whether a job candidate is 18 or older, since their status as a legal adult may be an important legal factor in the job.

Why is it illegal to ask about age in an interview?

When did you graduate from college? While interview questions like this get asked during phone screens across the globe, it is technically an illegal interview question because it can often infer age. The Age Discrimination Act prevents employment discrimination based on age.

What is legally required on a job application?

While a job application may legally ask for personal details such as race, gender, religion, or national origin, as the employer, you have to be careful that you are in full compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws.

When can you ask an employee their age and date of birth?

No. There is nothing in the age provisions of the Equality Act 2010 that expressly prevents employers from asking job applicants for their date of birth. However, asking for such information may give the impression that the employer discriminates, or may discriminate, on grounds of age.

Should you say your age in an interview?

It is not illegal for an employer to ask about your age. It is illegal for them to discriminate against you because of your age. If they ask for your age, tell them and be proud about it. Your age is a fact, and you cannot hide from it, so you might as well be up front and confident about it.

Is it illegal to ask someone their age?

Legal version: Are you over 18? Remember that while you can’t ask someone’s age, it’s perfectly legal to ensure they’re legally old enough to work for you.

Can I lie about race on job application?

And of course, employers aren’t supposed to consider race when making hiring decisions. However, applications often include a standard statement that says providing false information could get you fired, if you’re hired and the employer later discovers your deceit.

Can an employer ask your age on a job application?

However, employers cannot use your age to discriminate against you. Further, some state laws prohibit questions about age. Therefore, while you might be asked your age on a job application, you should generally not be getting questions about your age during the job interview. 2 

Can a job application ask for your date of birth?

Applicant’s Age The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects employees 40 years of age and above. Job applications cannot ask for the candidate’s date of birth. Generally speaking, age is not relevant in most hiring decisions with the exception of young candidates who are under the age of 18.

Is it illegal to ask someone their age in an interview?

It is generally illegal to discriminate on the basis of older age: specifically, the Federal Statue protects people older than 40 from age discrimination. So employers need to be somewhat cautious in handling this question. For example, it is not wise to discuss age in a job interview.

Is it legal for a company to ask for your age?

Originally Answered: Is it legal for a company to ask for your age as a part of their application? No, it is generally not illegal; there are legitimate reasons to ask for your birthdate on a job application: As identification for credit or background checks.