Questionable job application questions [View All]

So I went downtown today to fill out a job application. Most companies have an online application now, or at least an application you can print out and mail in. This company requires that you come in and fill out their application online- so I did.

That meant putting in your work history. From that they know when you last worked and here come these questions:

Have you ever collected unemployment compensation?

Why are you unemployed?

Why have you been unemployed for so long?

I don't know if these are "illegal" questions, but I've never been asked these face to face, and it certainly puts one on the defensive. If you don't answer the questions you can't move on to the next part of the application, and they won't even consider you for a job.

I know someone who refused to apply for unemployment compensation when he was laid off because he was a Republican and considered it welfare. Maybe that's the kind of employee they're looking for.