In the last couple of years the world economy has been on the decline. One of the resultant side effects has been the increase in unemployment found in most states. Many people today are actively in search of employment. Because of the high competition found amongst job seekers, most companies find that it has become more difficult choosing who should be hired and who shouldn’t. Most employers base their decision on important factors such as an applicant’s experience and education. However alongside these legal factors, there many other criteria used in an employer’s decision making which are highly illegal and qualify as employment discrimination.Many people are unaware of what qualifies as employment discrimination. As a result of this they fail to recognize this when such acts occurs. This is extremely common amongst individuals who are seeking employment for the first time. In a report released by the EEOC, it is revealed that age discrimination is one of the most common forms of employment discrimination experienced by people. People who are either considered too old or too young despite their obvious qualification are often ignored for others.Employment discrimination is illegal. This practice is spelled out under Title VII of the Civil Rights act as established in1964. Herein employers are forbidden to discriminate on issues of employment because of a person’s religion, national origin, sex, race or age. Employers are also not allowed to deny employment to individuals who are suffering from a physical disability. Alongside these federal laws, some states also provide additional discrimination laws which are aimed at ensuring that people are provided with a fair and even chance of employment. However in instance where “bonafide occupation requirements” are specified (i.e. a person’s defined nationality) as a requirement for qualification, discrimination can be permitted.As a result of these spelled out rules it is important that interviewers avoid asking or focusing on these areas during an interview. Questions that hint or suggest possible employment discrimination (i.e. age or race related questions) can be used successfully in discrimination claims. When conducting an interview, interviewers must be careful not to ask questions that might hint at discrimination. In the same vein, if a person is asked such questions and believes that these might be the discriminating reasons behind his/her failure in being awarded the position, then such persons should immediately seek the services of an employment attorney immediately.The closed nature of employment makes proving employment discrimination very difficult. Unless an employer publicly states that a candidate was disqualified on grounds specified in Title VII employment discrimination laws, most people will find it difficult to successfully prove their case in court. Also, all too often people get passed over for reasons that are not considered to be discriminatory. However this does not mean that a case of discrimination cannot be successfully made against an employer. In the event that a company is shown as having a clear pattern of discriminatory behavior, proving a discrimination claim becomes a lot easier.There are many options available to people who suspect that they have been victims of employment discrimination. People can choose to file a lawsuit against the responsible company requesting compensation on grounds of their illegal discrimination. This right is fully spelled out in the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1991. The EEOC is also charged with enforcing these laws.The statute of limitation on employment discrimination is very short. Many states only permit a 180 day window during which a discrimination complaint can be filed. Although it is possible for people to file these complaints themselves, the complex nature of employment discrimination laws makes hiring an attorney a much more effective choice. With a skilled employment attorney, people will be able to cut through the long hours of procedure needed to get their case heard early. An attorney will also be able to provide people with a better feel of where their case stands. If an attorney feels that your case is strong or weak, he will let you know accordingly.