There are times when you could find yourself behind the desk with a Purchasing job applicant sitting across from you - and no one from HR to guide your questioning.

Sure, you know what will make a great Purchasing employee and you’ll be able to spot one when you see one.

But there are potholes on the road: Questions that should never be asked in an interview.

Five of those questions:

1. What is your native language? This can be interpreted as trying to determine a person’s national origin. You can ask if an applicant knows a language that is integral to the job responsibilities.
2. Are you married? You can’t discriminate based on marital status.
3. Do you plan to get pregnant? As in, will you be hitting me up for maternity leave? Another no-no.
4. How old are you? You should be old enough to know better than to ask this question.
5. Do you observe Yom Kippur? This is equivalent to asking a job applicant about his or her religious faith – which can be considered grounds for discrimination.

If you know you’re going to be sitting down with a prospective Purchasing employee, consider consulting with HR first. They can give you some good advice — and hopefully help you steer around the potholes.

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Tags: HR, interview, purchasing