Which topic is not allowed in a general interview unless the job requires it (such as for serving alcohol)?

• A. Availability
• B. Experience
• C. Skills
• D. Age

Answer: (D)

In interviews, questions should center on what the person can do for the job—availability, experience, and skills are directly related to performance and how well they’ll fit the role. Age, however, is a personal characteristic that doesn’t reflect job ability and can lead to discrimination. Because of that, asking about age in a general interview is not appropriate and is typically not allowed under anti-discrimination laws. The only time it’s acceptable to touch on age is when the job truly requires a minimum age (for example, to serve alcohol) and you’re verifying a legal requirement rather than making a judgment about the candidate’s capabilities. In practice, keep questions focused on work-related factors and eligibility to work, rather than exact age.