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Interview Questions to Avoid

When interviewing a possible new employee the following questions should be avoided:

  1. If you’re single, are you living with anyone?
  2. Are you married? Divorced?
  3. How old are you?
  4. Do you have children? If so, how many and how old are they?
  5. Do you own or rent your home?
  6. What church do you attend?
  7. Do you want to worship at my church?
  8. Do you have any debts?
  9. How much and what kind of insurance do you have?
  10. Do you suffer from an illness or disability?
  11. Have you been hospitalized? What for?
  12. Have you ever been treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist?
  13. Have you had a major illness recently?
  14. How many days of work did you miss last year because of illness?
  15. Do you have any disabilities or impairments that might affect your performance?
  16. Are you taking any prescription drugs?
  17. Have you ever been treated for drug addiction or alcoholism?
  18. Do you plan to get married?
  19. Do you intend to start a family?
  20. What are your daycare plans?
  21. Are you comfortable supervising men?
  22. What would you do if your husband were transferred?
  23. Do you think you could perform the job as well as a man?
  24. Are you likely to take time off under FMLA?

Managers, if a candidate reveals information during an interview that you’re not allowed to ask, do not pursue the topic! We will be unable to defend in court, “well, he/she brought it up in the interview”.

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