Hiring "Do Not Ask"

Surely, all managers know by now that there are some things they should never bring up when interviewing, right? WRONG!!!

I want to give just a few things not to ask in an interview:

Date of birth. It is OK to ask if applicant is over the age of 18, you can obtain DOB after hire.

Race, color, religion, or national origin.

Physical traits. Height and weight requirements have been found to violate the law if they eliminate a disproportionate number of femal or other minority group applicants.

Arrests. Inappropriate unless the job is security-sensitive. It is okay in most states to aks about convictions.

Garnishments or bankruptcies. Seen as discriminatory because more members of minority groups have their wages garnished than do whites.

Current family or future family plans, including marital status, number of children, or child-care arrangements.

Any obvious disability. And never ask, "Do you have disabilities?"

Alcohol or past drug use. Applicant my be protected by the ADA.

Military Service

Medications they may be taking.

Workers' compensation claims or workers' compensation injuries.

Smoking

Past of present union affiliation.

Do not make any notes at all on the resume or job application. Keep this information on a seperate piece of paper.