The guiding principal behind any question to a job applicant is: “Can the employer demonstrate a legitimate job- related or business necessity for asking the question?” Both the intent behind the question and how the information is to be used by the employer are important for determining whether a question is an appropriate pre-employment inquiry.
See a list of questions at Interview Questions – Appropriate or Inappropriate?
Comments
[…] To get the best candidate for a job, you have to ask good questions. In order to ask good interview questions, one of the most important things to do is identify the knowledge and skills that are necessary for the job. Then look for those qualities in the job applicant. Ask questions that present candidates with situations they may face in the job and see if they handle the situation in a way that reflects the knowledge or skills they will need to have. While you’re at it, be sure to avoid questions that don’t have any relevance. This post from a fellow organizational communication blogger has good tips on appropriate and inappropriate questions. […]
One of my least favorite experiences in my own days of being interviewed for jobs was when the interviewer would preface the questions with, “I know I am not supposed to ask this, but…”
It is hard to get past this one without being rude and showing your displeasure. I never could.
Today, I would just change the subject, but I am more fearless today now that I am my own boss.