What should not be asked from applicants regarding their financial status?

When considering what to ask job applicants about their financial status, the goal is to ensure the questions are relevant, necessary, and non-discriminatory. Asking whether wages have ever been garnished is not advisable because it can be seen as directly relating to the applicant's financial situation in a manner that may not accurately reflect their character or ability to perform the job.

Garnishments can arise from various circumstances, including medical debts, divorce proceedings, or other personal issues that may not be indicative of an individual's professional capabilities or trustworthiness. This type of inquiry could lead to discrimination claims or perceptions of bias, as it delves into sensitive personal matters that are not necessarily relevant to job performance.

In contrast, inquiries about whether someone has rented an apartment are generally neutral and can provide context without delving into sensitive financial conditions. Questions about outstanding debts might also be viewed as intrusive unless specifically relevant to the role, but they do not carry the same implications as inquiries about wage garnishments. This highlights the importance of focusing on questions that are pertinent to an applicant's qualifications and experience rather than personal financial troubles that do not impact their job performance.