Interview Dos and Don’ts
You want to make a prospective employee comfortable, but you also want to garner as much information as possible during the interview process. One problem is that a conversation might lead you into areas that are off limits.
To help, here are likely topics you want to address, along with what’s OK and not OK to ask about each of them. Thanks to Betterteam.com for sharing their insights.
Tip: It’s OK to ask a potential employee if he or she can perform all the duties of the job you’ve described, but it’s not OK to ask about disabilities, previous worker’s comp claims, or on-the-job injuries.
CITIZENSHIP
OK…
Are you legally eligible to work in the U.S.? If we hire you, can you show proof? Can you speak, write, and read English?
Not OK…
Are you a citizen of the U.S.? Can you show a birth certificate? What’s your background? Where were you born?
DISABILITIES
OK…
After accurately describing the job, ask the person if he or she can perform all the duties.
Not OK…
Do you have any disabilities? Have you ever filed a worker’s comp claim? Have you ever been injured in the workplace?
EDUCATION
OK…
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent? What college degrees do you have?
Not OK…
When did you graduate high school/college?
EMPLOYMENT
OK…
How long did you stay in your last position/company? What were your titles there? What is your expected and current salary?
Not OK…
In what year did you begin working?
GENETICS
OK…
Nothing
HEIGHT/WEIGHT
OK…
First describe the position, and then ask if the individual can perform all the duties.
Not OK…
How tall are you or how much do you weigh…unless specific parameters are required for the position.
MARITAL STATUS
OK…
Nothing
MILITARY SERVICE
OK…
What training or experience during your service would benefit you in this position?
Not OK…
Direct questions about discharge or non-U.S. military service.
ORGANIZATIONS
OK…
Are you a member of any professional organization?
Not OK…
Any questions about non-professional organizations, as they could be seen as touching on race, age, or sex.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
OK…
Did you work for us previously under another name? What are the names of your references?
Not OK…
Was your name changed through marriage or a court application? What was your maiden name?
PREGNANCY
OK…
Do you have any leave planned?
Not OK…
Are you or are you trying to become pregnant?
RACE or RELIGION
OK…
Never!
GENDER/IDENTITY
OK…
Nothing. Never ask about gender or sexual orientation.
Do you keep a list of what’s acceptable to ask? If not, this will help and is something to share with staff members who may participate, even occasionally, in the interviewing process.
Tell us your best interview questions and share in the conversation on Facebook here.
Erinn Morgan
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