Interview Questions that you are Not Allowed to Ask - Nationality

 

Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment are a Leading UK Sales Recruiter

 

You shall want to be sure that a prospective candidate can legally work for you - but it's important to be careful on how you ask this. Citizenship and languages can sometimes be touchy subjects.
 

Illegal:  "Are you a UK citizen?"

Although this may seem like the simplest and direct method to find out if an interviewee is legally able to work, this direct question must be avoided. Instead of inquiring about citizenship, you can question whether or not the candidate is authorised for work by asking a question such as "Are you authorised to work in the UK?"
 

Illegal: "What is your native tongue?"

Although finding out about a native language may seem like a good way to find out about candidates fluency some applicants may be sensitive to common assumptions about their language. As an employer it's not your concern on how an applicant became fluent in a language, but just that they are. Alternatively you can ask "What languages do you read, speak or write fluently?"
 

Illegal: "How long have you lived here?"

It's vital that you do not ask about a candidate's residency in the country or region even if familiarity with local culture is important to the sales position. Instead you can ask "What is your current address and phone number? Do you have any alternative locations where you can be reached?"

 

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About The Author


Robert Scott, Managing Director of Aaron Wallis

Robert Scott

Managing Director at Aaron Wallis Recruitment

Rob is the Managing Director of Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment, a national recruitment agency specialising in sourcing sales and marketing staff for businesses across a broad range of commercial sectors. Before setting up Aaron Wallis, Rob spent ten years at a specialist Sales and Marketing recruitment division of a £0.5BN recruitment group, leaving in 2007 as Marketing & Sales Director to establish Aaron Wallis.

With over 20 years experience in recruitment, Rob is a History graduate with a PgCert in Management Practice and a trusted authority in the sales industry; in 2013 leading the most extensive survey of sales professionals in the UK. From guiding employers through the recruitment process to helping candidates find their dream job, Rob's advice has been quoted in leading publications such as Business Insider and The Independent, as well as OnRec, who host The Online Recruitment Awards every year.

Find out more about Rob here.

 

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