Employers Sometimes Ask People Applying For Jobs For Personal Information

IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write at least 250 words.

Employers sometimes ask people applying for jobs for personal information, such as their hobbies and interests, and whether they are married or single Some people say that this information may be relevant and useful Others disagree

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.


Sample Answer:

Nowadays, more and more employers are asking for personal information from potential employees, such as hobbies and interests, marital status, and other details. While some people argue that this practice is beneficial to the hiring process, others oppose it. This essay will discuss both sides of the issue and provide my own opinion in the conclusion.

On the one hand, some people argue that asking for personal information is beneficial for employers. For example, some employers may favour married candidates over single ones, as they may be more reliable and responsible. Furthermore, knowledge of hobbies and interests can help employers to assess the candidate’s personality and creativity, which can be valuable for certain types of jobs.

On the other hand, opponents of this practice argue that it is an invasion of privacy and potentially discriminatory. Requesting information such as marital status could be a form of discrimination, as employers are not allowed to ask such questions in certain countries. Moreover, some people may not feel comfortable to share their hobbies and interests with employers, and therefore, this practice could discourage some potential candidates from applying.

In my opinion, employers should not ask for personal information from the candidates. Such details are irrelevant to the job, and therefore, employers should focus on the skills, experience and education of the candidate. Moreover, asking for personal information can be seen as an invasion of privacy, as some people may not feel comfortable sharing such details.

In conclusion, while some people argue that personal information is beneficial for employers, I believe that it is an invasion of privacy and potentially discriminatory. Therefore, employers should focus on the skills and experience of the candidates instead of their hobbies, interests and marital status.