Interview Questions/Process

January 2003

All applicants should be treated equally under the same circumstances.

What to do

a. Develop and ask job-related, objective, questions
b. In developing questions, determine what the person has done in previous job experience that makes him/her able to perform the job.
c. Determine only the job-related educational experience the applicant has that makes him/her better able to do the job.
d. Concentrate only on the applicant’s ability to do the job

e. Concentrate on the essential functions of the job and determine whether the individual can perform each or most of the functions.

f. Review applicants/resumes to insure accuracy.

g. Explain the job in detail to the applicant.

What not to do

            

1.  Ask about applicant’s:
age religion arrests
financial condition home ownership disabilities
height height marital status
sexual orientation military discharge lineage
ancestry national origin place of birth
descent national origin of parents  economic status
social class country clubs social clubs
religious clubs fraternal orders color
race maiden name of mother credit rating
birth control family planning unwed parent
pre-school age children medical history pregnancy
gender wage garnishments  child care
previous address  children
2.   Refer to an adult as a "girl" or "boy"
3.   Label females as passive, too emotional, not being able to handle pressure

4.   Label males as forceful, domineering or capable of handling anything

5.   Use statements that would imply someone lacks credibility

6.   Require an applicant to submit a photograph with application

7.   Request names and addresses of relatives other than University employees

8.   Ask if the applicant’s spouse is a US citizen

9.   Ask how the applicant will get to work

10. Ask where applicant where spouse or parent works or resides