Although most of your contracts for the 2013–14 school year have been signed, chances are you’re still looking for a few mission-appropriate faculty or staff members to join your school’s team. Yes, it’s still hiring season. Resumes keep coming in and your calendar continues to fill up with interviews for potential candidates. But, before you begin your interview process or before you head into your next scheduled meeting with a candidate, take a moment to review these 25 don’t-you-dare-ask interview questions. They just might save you from a nasty legal situation!
- Are you married? Divorced?
- If you’re single, are you living with anyone?
- How old are you?
- Do you have any children? If so, how many and how old are they?
- Do you rent or own your home?
- What church do you attend?
- Do you have any debts?
- Do you belong to any social or political groups?
- How much and what kinds of insurance do you have?
The following questions could result in an Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuit:
- Do you suffer from an illness or disability?
- Have you ever had or been treated for any of these conditions or diseases? (Followed by a checklist)
- Have you ever been hospitalized? What for?
- Have you ever been treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist?
- Have you had any major illness recently?
- How many days of work did you miss last year because of sickness?
- Do you have any disabilities or impairments that might affect your performance of this job?
- Are you taking any prescription drugs?
- Have you ever been treated for drug addiction or alcoholism?
Some companies/organizations ask female applicants questions they don’t ask males. The following questions should be avoided for both genders, but you should be especially aware when interviewing females.
- Do you plan to get married?
- Do you intend to start a family?
- What are your day care 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 the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?
Note: If the candidate reveals information you're not allowed to ask, don’t pursue the topic further. The “they brought it up” excuse won’t be accepted in court. Change the topic right away.
Additional ISM articles of interest
ISM Monthly Update for Division Heads Vol. 7 No. 5 It's Hiring Season—Know What Not to Ask
ISM Monthly Update for Human Resources Vol. 8 No. 5 Once You've Seen It, It Becomes A Danger
ISM Monthly Update for Human Resources Vol. 9 No. 1 Back to School and . . . Ready for Hiring Season?
Additional ISM articles of interest for Gold Consortium members
I&P Vol. 33 No. 10 Characteristics of Professional Excellence: Faculty Interviews
I&P Vol. 37 No. 1 Systematically Attracting, Developing, Rewarding, and Retaining Faculty: A Mission-Based Model for 21st Century Schools
