The topic of whether employers should request personal information, such as hobbies, marital status, and interests, from job applicants has sparked a debate. Although some believe that this information can be relevant and fruitful, others argue that it is not. There are valid arguments for both views yet I believe job givers should rather focus on the applicant’s qualifications and endowments.
On one hand, advocates of requesting personal information believe that it can provide valuable insights into an applicant’s personality and suitability for the available vacancy. Knowing one’s hobbies and interests can reveal their passion and dedication outside of work, indicating potential areas of expertise. A person who enjoys photography, for instance, possesses an eye for detail and creativity – valuable characteristics in graphic designing and marketing. Additionally, marital status can promise that an employee will be suitable for jobs that require flexibility and extensive travel.
On the other hand, opponents argue that such information leads to discrimination or bias during the hiring process. For example, an unmarried candidate may be mistakenly perceived as lacking stability and commitment, leading to unfair judgments and limiting their employment opportunities. Moreover, sharing of this information diverts attention from gauging one’s qualifications, skills, and experience which play a pivotal role in the recruitment procedure
In my opinion, the prohibition of solicitation of personal information ensures impartiality in the selection process as an applicant’s hobbies and marital status may have no direct bearing on their ability to perform job-related tasks. Hiring decisions should be based on qualifications, skills, and experience rather than personal preferences or circumstances.
In conclusion, even though relevance and potential insights can be acquired through personal information, I strongly argue that the risk of discrimination and the need to focus on qualifications and attributes should be of paramount importance since it ensures an equitable recruiting process.