During the Interview
--Consider whether the applicant possesses the basic educational background to qualify for the job.
Suggested Questions for Interview
General Education
--What special training have you completed that would assist you in this position?
--What are the three college courses that best prepared you for your current job?
Work Experience
--Describe your work experiences as it applies to this position.
--Discuss your reasons for changing jobs.
--In what ways has your present job prepared you for greater responsibilities?
--What qualifications do you bring to this position?
--What did you learn about your strengths as a result of working in jobs previously held?
Job Knowledge
--How do you perceive this job?
--In what ways does the job with our department meet your career goals?
--What are some of the duties and responsibilities you hope to assume in this position
that you have been unable to use in the past?
--Describe two or three major trends in your profession today
Dependability
--Why did you leave your last job?
--Is there any reason why you could not work full time?
Motivation and Goals
--How does this position fit into your career goals?
--What did you like best about your last position?
--What are your greatest strengths?
--Why do you think you would be successful in this job?
--What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
--What are your long-range career goals?
--What specific goals other than those related to your occupation have you planned for
yourself?
Leadership
--What types of groups or projects have you been in charge of?
--What offices have you held in organizations?
PRE-EMPLOYMENT QUESTIONS
under
COLORADO LAW
Colorado law prohibits discrimination in employment based on physical handicap, race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, or ancestry. To aid you in complying with the law, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission has prepared this Guide to Pre-Employment Questions. This is intended for use as a guide only.
Remember: Job related questions are always safe.
| TOPIC | LAWFUL QUESTIONS | UNLAWFUL QUESTIONS |
| Address, Length of Residence | Applicants address, place, and length of current and previous residence. "How long in (city)?" | Questions about foreign addresses, whether applicant owns or rents home, relationship of persons with whom applicant lives. |
| Age | If age is a legal requirement: "If hired, can you submit proof of age?" For a minor, proof of age may be requested in the form of a work permit or a certificate of age. | Requiring birth certificate or baptismal certificate to be produced as proof of age. Questions which would tend to identify persons as between 40 and 64 years. |
| Ancestry | Languages read, spoken, or written, and degree of fluency, if relevant to job. | Questions about ancestry, first language, national origin of parents or spouse, date of arrival in U.S., port of entry, how long a resident, maiden name of wife or mother. |
| Arrests | Questions regarding convictions are permissible if they relate to the persons fitness to perform a particular job. | Questions relating to arrests or to involvement in demonstrations. |
| Birthplace | "After employment, can you produce proof of citizenship or other proof of right to remain in or work in the U.S.?" | Birthplace of applicant or relatives; requirement that birth certificate, baptismal record, or naturalization papers be submitted prior to employment; questions which identify customs or denomination. |
| Citizenship | "Are you a citizen of the U.S.? If not, do you have the legal right to remain permanently in the U.S.?" If hired, proof of citizenship may be required. | Of what country are you a citizen? Are you naturalized or native born? Requiring naturalization papers. |
| Convictions, Court Records
|
Questions about actual convictions which relate to ability to perform the specific job. | To ask about or check arrest, conviction, or court records if not substantially related to specific job functions. |
| Credit Rating | NONE | ANY questions regarding credit. |
| Education | Academic, vocational or professional education; schools attended, language and office skills. | Questions about the nationality or religious affiliation of schools, how language skill was learned. |
| Emergency | Names of persons to contact in case of emergency. | Names of relative to be contacted. |
| Experience | Applicants current and previous work experience; other countries visited. | |
| Physical Condition | "Do you have any physical, mental or sensory handicaps which might affect work performance or which should be considered in job placement?" | "Do you have any handicaps?" or questions which might divulge handicaps which do not relate to the job. Questions regarding having received workers compensation. |
| Marital Status | Whether applicant can meet specific work schedules; any commitments which might hinder attendance; anticipated duration on job or anticipated absences, ONLY if made to both males and females. | Questions about marital status, number of children, pregnancy or birth control, child care. |
| Military Record | Military experience and education related to particular job. | Questions regarding whether the applicant served in the military, current military status, type of discharge. |
| Miscellaneous | Note that mis-statements, omissions, or false information on application may result in discharge | |
| Name | "Have you ever worked for this organization under another name? Is additional information concerning nicknames or change of name necessary to check work record or education? If yes,explain." | Questions about names which would indicate national origin, about names which have been changed by court order, marriage, or otherwise. |
| Organizations | Membership in organizations which might relate to particular job. | List all organizations, clubs, or societies to which you belong. |
| Photograph | May be required after hiring. | Required prior to hiring. |
| Race | General distinguishing characteristics, such as scars, etc. | Questions about race; color of skin, eyes, or hair; height or weight where not job relevant. Request for photographs are illegal prior to employment. |
| References | Who referred you here? Names of professional character references. | Requiring religious references. |
| Relatives | Names of relatives employed here. Names and address of parents or guardian of minor. | Name or address or any relative of an adult applicant. |
| Sex | Questions permissible ONLY where bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) exists, which is interpreted very narrowly by the courts. | Questions which would indicate sex or sexual orientation. Sex is NOT a BFOQ simply because a job requires physical labor. |
| Work Days | Where applicable, choice of work days, shifts, etc. |