You’ve finally found the perfect job, your CV is polished, your cover letter tailored. And then HR asks you a question that makes you pause. Or you never hear back from the company after the interview. Many people don’t know that they actually have certain rights during the application process – and that they can enforce them. In this blog post, we’ll show you five rights you should know about in the application process.

1. Right to data protection

You decide which personal data you include in your application and how it may be used. Companies are only allowed to use your documents for the specific application process and must delete them once the process is over, unless you have agreed to longer storage. For example: if you apply for a position, your application cannot simply be passed on to other internal vacancies without your consent. If you want to know what data the company has stored, you can even request access and, if necessary, demand deletion.

2. No discriminatory questions

Questions about family planning, religion, sexual orientation or political beliefs have no place in a job interview – and you are not obliged to answer them. A so-called “white lie” is even permitted if you are asked about things that are legally irrelevant for the position. Imagine being asked whether you plan to become pregnant soon – that’s an unlawful question, even if you are applying for a leadership role. You may respond politely but firmly, for example: “This question relates to my private life and is not relevant to the position.”

3. Equal treatment in the selection process

No company may discriminate against you based on age, gender, origin or disability. Even in the job posting itself, discriminatory wording is not allowed. If you feel you were rejected due to one of these characteristics, you can take legal action, for example under anti-discrimination laws. It’s important to document such incidents and, ideally, seek legal advice promptly.

4. Right to fair communication

You invest time and effort in every application. It’s only fair that you at least receive a response. Even though there’s no strict legal obligation to reply, many recruitment guidelines (e.g. ISO-certified processes) and general respect for candidates argue in favor of feedback. You can follow up politely after a reasonable time (around 2–3 weeks). And if you had an interview, you even have the right to request feedback – this helps you improve and gain clarity.

5. Right to reimbursement of expenses

Did you know that if you are invited to an interview, you may be entitled to reimbursement of travel costs – unless agreed otherwise in writing? This can include train travel or, in some cases, necessary overnight stays. For example: if you’re invited to an interview in another city and the company hasn’t stated otherwise, you can assume that they cover the costs. It’s always worth clarifying this in advance or checking the invitation carefully.

Conclusion

The application process is not a one-way street. You have rights that protect you from unfair treatment and allow you to communicate with companies on equal footing. Use this knowledge to approach your next application well-prepared and with confidence.

Disclaimer

The rights and examples mentioned in this article are for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute binding legal advice. Legal regulations and individual situations may vary. For specific questions, please seek professional legal counsel.