Interview Questions
sgarcia
10 Posts
Can you ask the following questions during an interview?
1. Do you have dependable transporation to work?
2. Are you presently in school?
1. Do you have dependable transporation to work?
2. Are you presently in school?
Comments
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>1. Do you have dependable transporation to work?
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Although it's not an illegal question, it's one that's frowned on for a number of reasons. It carries a message that you might question whether or not somebody drives a junker or might have to hitch a ride to work. Why not just explain the duties and hours and somewhere toward the end of the interview, ask the applicant if she/he would have any problem working those hours or being available for the position as you've described it. Give the guy some respect.
>2. Are you presently in school?
Although not illegal, I would think a review of the application would already answer this question. But, what's the difference if he/she's in school or not. Again, describe the position fully and ask if the applicant feels they are able and available for the position you've described, or as if there are any conflicts which might interfere with being available for the position.
In a conversational, less stilted interview, you can always ask things like, "Well tell me a bit about yourself", or "What's going on with you right now, I see where you worked over at Ampco and it looks like you've been out of school for a year or so." Leading questions should get you the information if the applcation form itself does not.
The danger is not so much in the question, but in your reaction to the answer or the action you take based on some preconceived notion. The disparate impact could be that YOU have some twisted assumption that all the Hispanics (or whites, or blacks or females or old folks) in your labor area don't have reliable transportation and as a result, you cull them all when it's time to select. And in that regard, the EEOC will invite you for a conversation or two and will require your time for a week or so. Not time well spent.
Typically, you're OK with questions that don't tend to elicit information regarding age, national origin, handicapped status, arrest record, political/religious affiliations or, in some states, sexual preference. Having a ride or being in school don't seem to impact any of those.