Economic Justice

 Be careful out there, employers. Job interviews have rules.

For instance, earlier this month, Massachusetts passed groundbreaking legislation banning employers from asking job applicants about their salary history. For Bay Staters, the law is meant to help close the gender wage gap, forcing managers to make offers based purely on a candidate's value to a company.

So what else aren't employers allowed to ask prospective employees? Quite a few things, actually.

Here's a look at 11 red-flag inquiries:

1. "How old are you?"

Many jobs require applicants to be over 18, and an employer can ask exactly that; anything else is problematic. 

8. "Have you ever used drugs in the past?"
With this one, it pays to be mindful of phrasing. First, just asking about drugs is woefully unclear, as it lumps substances like heroin and cocaine in with prescription drugs. Second, it's illegal to ask about past drug use and addiction; however, employers are allowed to ask if you currently use illegal drugs.

9. "Do you like to drink socially?"
This one violates the Americans With Disabilities Act. If you're a recovering alcoholic, treatment is protected under the act and therefore any related information doesn't have to be disclosed.