A recommended guide for pre-employment inquiries

INFORMATION SHEET

A printable PDF version of this information sheet is available.

COMMON QUESTIONS	RECOMMENDED	NOT RECOMMENDED
Gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status	Availability for shift work, travel, etc.	Plans for marriage, family, childcare. Any inquiries specific to gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status (including common-law relationships) or family status. Asking job applicants to specify Mr., Mrs., Miss or Ms. on forms.
Race, colour, ancestry or place of origin	Legally permitted to work in Canada?	Place of birth, citizenship, racial origin, next of kin.
Name	Previous names, only if the information is needed to verify the applicant's past employment or education and to do a reference check.	Maiden name, "Christian" name, reference to origin of name, being related to another person by blood, marriage or adoption.
Languages	Ability to communicate in any language specifically required by a job.	Other languages, when not required in a specific job.
Photographs	In rare situations such as modelling and entertainment.	Requesting photographs (these can reveal race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, etc.)
Clubs or organizations	Membership in professional associations, clubs or organizations, hobbies or interests, as long as they are job-related.	Specific inquiries about club and organization memberships that would indicate race, colour, religious beliefs, ancestry or place of origin.
Age	Old enough to work legally in Alberta?	Specific age of applicants who are 18 years or older, including retirement information.
Height and weight	Describing job duties that require heavy lifting or other physical requirements.	Minimum/maximum height and weight requirements/stipulations.
Disability	Indicating the job offer is contingent upon a satisfactory job-related medical examination to determine capability to perform the duties as outlined.	General disabilities, limitations, present or previous health problems, Workers' Compensation claims or sick leave or absence due to stress or mental or physical illness.
Smoking	Indicating the successful applicant will be required to work in a non-smoking environment.	Inquiries about whether the apllicant smokes or has asthmatic or permanent respiratory conditions.
Source of Income	Job-related information such as former employment.	Inquiries about an applicant's income unrelated to the specific job to be performed.
Education	Educational institutions attended; nature and level of education achieved.	Inquiries about religious or racial affiliation of educational institution.
Religious beliefs	Availability for shift work, travel, etc.	Inquiries about specific religious holidays observed by the applicant, customs observed, religious dress, etc. Requiring applicants to provide recommendations from a church or religious leader unless related to a job requirement.

Also see the information sheet Pre-employment inquiries.

Please note: A complaint must be made to the Alberta Human Rights Commission within one year after the alleged incident of discrimination. The one-year period starts the day after the date on which the incident occurred. For help calculating the one-year period, contact the Commission.

July 2017

Contact the Commission

Our vision is a vibrant and inclusive Alberta where the rich diversity of people is celebrated and respected, and where everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in society, free from discrimination.