Legal/Illegal INTERVIEWING QUESTIONS

INTERVIEWING QUESTIONS

A prospective employer maintains the responsibility to uphold the principles of non-discrimination and affirmative action, as well as to identify the most qualified applicant. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate a set of guidelines when entering the interview process.

The following list includes some questions an employer should not ask on an application form or during an interview. Be familiar with these question areas so you can decide ahead of time if you choose to answer.

Remember it is illegal to ask any questions that won't affect the way you perform the job.

If you decide not to answer a question you consider inappropriate, simply state to the employer: "I'm sorry, but I don't see what that has to do with the position I'm applying for. I would rather not answer the question."

The following are general interview questions that should be helpful in most areas. If an inquiry could be discriminatory, it is best to avoid it.

SUBJECT MAY ASK OR REQUEST
(if asked of all applicants)		 MAY NOT ASK OR REQUEST
     
Name Name Maiden Name
  Have you ever used another name? Is any additional information, relative to a change of name or use of an assumed name, necessary to enable a check of your educational or work record?  
Age None Age, Birth date, Questions that might identify the applicant's age, especially over age 40.
Birth-place/Citizenship All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of identity and work authorization in the United States. Some businesses hire only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Questions as to nationality, lineage, ancestry, national origin, descent, parentage of applicant or applicant's parents or spouse. What is your mother's tongue? or language commonly used by applicant. How applicant acquired ability to read, write or speak a foreign language.
Race/Color None Questions as to applicant's race or color, complexion or color of skin, eyes, or hair. Direct or indirect reference to race, color or racial groups.
Convictions None, unless information bears on job performance. Generally felonies. Have you ever been arrested?
Residence Place of residence Do you own or rent your home?
Sex Statement of policy regarding work assignment of employees who are related. About anticipated absences from the job, freedom to travel if job requires, or ability to meet work schedule requirements. Qestions that indicate applicant's sex, marital status, number or ages of children or dependents or provisions for child care. Questions regarding pregnancy, child bearing or birth control. Name or address of relative, spouse or children of adult applicant. With whom do you reside? Do you live alone? or similar questions.
Disabilities
None Only after offer is made and then only relating to job performance
Religion Statement by employer of regular days and hours to be observed Questions about applicant's reliegion, religious days observed or "Does your religion prevent you from working weekends or holidays?"
Military Service Questions about relevant knowledge, skills and abilities acquired during applicant's military service General questions about military service, such as dates, discharge, or service in a foreign military service
Economic Status About credit ratings, charge accounts, bank accounts, bankruptcy, car ownership, ownership or rental of a home, length of residence at an address or past garnishments of wages
Organizations, Societies, and Activities List job-related organizations, clubs professional associations to which you belong. You may omit those which indicate your race, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex or age, if desired List all organizations, clubs, and lodges to which you belong
National Origin Ability to speak, read or write English or a foreign language if required by job About ancestry; birth-place of applicant, parents or spouse native tongue
Height and Weight About ability to perform job About height and weigh except when job related
References by whom were you referred for this position? Names of persons willing to provide porofessional references for applicant Questions of applicant's former employers or acquaintances that elicit information specifying applicant's color, race, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, any physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, or sex.

This information is a compellation of information extracted from workshops presented at the following professional organization conferences. The College Placement Council Inc.(CPC), The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and the Wisconsin Association of Colleges and Employers (WI-ACE).
                                           Report problems to slindenh@uwstout.edu This Web Page Last Updated 9-15-03