Job interviews may be tricky; one wrong question could lead to a discrimination lawsuit. Remind managers to avoid asking the following questions:
- If you’re single, are you living with anyone?
- Are you married? Divorced?
- How old are you?
- Do you have children? If so, how many and how old are they?
- Do you own or rent your home?
- What church do you attend?
- Do you want to worship at my church?
- Do you have any debts?
- How much and what kind of insurance do you have?
- Do you suffer from an illness or disability?
- Have you been hospitalized? What for?
- Have you ever been treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist?
- Have you had a major illness recently?
- How many days of work did you miss last year because of illness?
- Do you have any disabilities or impairments that might affect your performance?
- Are you taking any prescription drugs?
- Have you ever been treated for drug addiction or alcoholism?
- Do you plan to get married?
- Do you intend to start a family?
- What are your daycare plans?
- Are you comfortable supervising men?
- What would you do if your husband were transferred?
- Do you think you could perform the job as well as a man?
- Are you likely to take time off under FMLA?
Remind managers, if a candidate reveals information during an interview that you’re not allowed to ask, do not pursue the topic! We will be unable to defend in court, “well, he/she brought it up in the interview”.
The HR Specialist, Special Edition, July 2015