Certified Nonprofit Professional Practice Exam

Which of the following represents a non-acceptable practice during the hiring process?

1. Inquiry about previous employment.

2. Asking about an applicant's age.

3. Request for references from past employers.

4. Questions regarding skills relevant to the job.

The correct answer is: Asking about an applicant's age.

The practice of asking about an applicant's age is considered non-acceptable during the hiring process due to age discrimination laws. These laws, such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) in the United States, aim to protect individuals who are 40 years of age and older from employment discrimination based on age. By inquiring about age, employers may inadvertently signal biases that can lead to unfair treatment of candidates based solely on their age rather than their qualifications or experiences. In contrast, inquiries about previous employment, requests for references from past employers, and questions regarding skills relevant to the job are standard and generally acceptable practices. These actions help employers assess the qualifications, reliability, and suitability of candidates for the position. They focus on the applicant's professional capabilities and experiences without crossing legal or ethical boundaries that could lead to discrimination.