Quick Answer Please

njjel

If a job description calls for "must be bilingual" and when the position is advertised, no bilingual candidates apply, are we in trouble if we hire a non bilingual candidate?

System

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 04-03-02 AT 02:17PM (CST)[/font][p]I don't see a problem. Except someone could say it was a sham to cover up your bias based on their (fill in the blank). I'd re-post the job within the company to avoid a morale problem.

James Sokolowski
Senior Editor
M. Lee Smith Publishers

Rockie

In the future, it would probably be better to say "bilingual preferred" or "desired" instead of "must" be. This gives you a little "wiggle" room.

njjel

If use the "preferred" suggestion, they we would be obligated to hire a non bilingual which is what we really don't want. Any suggestions?

Gillian

If the job really required that someone is bilingual to do the job, recruit until you find someone. If it can be done by someone who isn't but not as well and if you are willing to settle for less, use "preferred". In a bilingual workplace it would probably be worth the wait to find the right person.

Nick

I agree with Gillian. If it is a true requirement, then search until you find the right person. If you don't, you will be setting yourself up for problems especially if you have an internal protected class employee who is as qualified for the position. It only takes one complainer to get the workforce and maybe the OFCCP worked up.