During an interview, a hiring manager may legally ask about an applicant's age for which reason?

During an interview, a hiring manager may legally ask about an applicant's age for which reason?

• A. To determine the candidate's potential salary based on age.
• B. To assess the candidate's level of experience.
• C. To determine what times and how many hours the candidate is eligible to work.
• D. To evaluate the candidate's educational background.

Answer: (C)

Age determines what hours a person is legally allowed to work, especially for minors. Because child labor laws set restrictions on when and how many hours someone under certain ages can work, an interviewer may lawfully ask about age to decide if the candidate can meet the required schedule and to ensure compliance with these rules. In adults who are 18 or older, hours are less restricted, but the question remains tied to scheduling needs and legal eligibility to work the shifts offered. Other options—salary potential, experience, or education—aren’t determined by age, so they aren’t the legitimate basis for asking about age.

Age determines what hours a person is legally allowed to work, especially for minors. Because child labor laws set restrictions on when and how many hours someone under certain ages can work, an interviewer may lawfully ask about age to decide if the candidate can meet the required schedule and to ensure compliance with these rules. In adults who are 18 or older, hours are less restricted, but the question remains tied to scheduling needs and legal eligibility to work the shifts offered. Other options—salary potential, experience, or education—aren’t determined by age, so they aren’t the legitimate basis for asking about age.