Interview Questions: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Over the past few months, we’ve covered performance appraisal systems. This month, I would like to address some questions that I have heard people asking in interviews. Some are good, some are bad and some are just downright ugly.

These questions offer examples of ways to approach sensitive subjects. An important rule is to recognize the biases and stereotypes that most of us carry into the interview, perhaps without even realizing it. If we first acknowledge our own perceptions, and put them aside for the purpose of the interview, we’re much more likely to get the best employee – and that’s always the goal.

The Questions

National Origin
Good:	Bad:	Ugly:
What is your name?	What’s the origin of your name?	What’s the ancestry of your name?
Do you speak any foreign languages?		Where do your people come from?
Age
Good:	Bad:	Ugly:
Are you over 18?	How old are you?	You look old enough to have gone to school with me!
If hired, can you prove your age?		Nice driver's license picture!
Gender
Good:	Bad:	Ugly:
(Say nothing unless it involves a valid occupational qualification)		Are you a man or a woman?
Race
Good:	Bad:	Ugly:
(Say Nothing)	What’s your race?
Disabilities
Good:	Bad:	Ugly:
Do you have any disabilities that may inhibit your job performance?	Do you have physical defects?	What’s with the limp?
Are you willing to take a physical exam if the job requires it?	When was your last physical?	What color are your eyes, hair, etc.?
Height & Weight
Good:	Bad:	Ugly:
(Not appropriate unless it is a valid occupational qualification)		How tall are you? How much do weigh?
Residence
Good:	Bad:	Ugly:
What is your address? How long have you lived there?	What are the names/relationships of those with whom you live?	You don’t live on that side of town, do you?
Religion
Good:	Bad:	Ugly:
(It is appropriate to provide a list of approved holidays)	Do you have any religious affiliation?	What church do you attend?
Military Record
Good:	Bad:	Ugly:
Do you have any applicable skills or experience learned while in the military?	What type of discharge did you receive?
Education & Experience
Good:	Bad:	Ugly:
Where did you go to school?	Is that a religious school? When did you graduate?
What is your prior work experience? Why did you leave? What’s your salary history?	What are your hobbies?	You look like you listen to rap?
Criminal Record
Good:	Bad:	Ugly:
Have you ever been convicted of a crime?	Have you ever been arrested?	Didn’t I see you on Cops once?
Citizenship
Good:	Bad:	Ugly:
Do you have a legal right to work in the US?	Are you a US citizen?	Where do your people come from?

Sincerely,

Jeff Rackler, CEO
KRESS Employment Screening
jrackler@kressinc.com

Florida’s Subprime Meltdown Fueled by Ex-Cons Accepted into Mortgage Profession

Between 2000 and 2007, as reported in the Miami Herald, "regulators allowed at least 10,529 people with criminal records to work in the mortgage profession. Of those, 4,065 cleared background checks after committing crimes that state law specifically requires regulators to screen out, including fraud, bank robbery, racketeering and extortion."

Only a mere 29 applicants were denied because of their criminal records. The Herald went on to report a more shocking fact: "Regulators allowed at least 20 brokers to keep their licenses even after committing the one crime that seemed sure to get them banned from the industry: mortgage fraud."

Based on this investigative reporting by the Herald, the Office of Financial Regulation which polices the mortgage industry, has opened its own investigation into this matter.

Read More: propublica.org

Background Check Updates

TSA announces it will stop requiring background checks for members of Registered Travelers Program

1,900 convicts allowed to work in Michigan day cares because of insufficient background checks

Violent felons avoid background checks and find work as heating and air-conditioning contractors

Common Sense Lacking

Lawn mower problems? Shooting is not the answer.

Dad robs pizza joint where daughter works

If at first you don’t succeed – stop!

Maybe not a crazy criminal, but certainly unexpected