The law does not prohibit employers from obtaining all the information about candidates they deem important provided the questions do not elicit information which is used for discriminatory purposes. However, if challenged, the burden of proof is on the employers to demonstrate that the information they are seeking is related to the job in question.
Below are some examples of appropriate and inappropriate questions, as well as some suggested responses which may effectively be used without providing employers with inappropriate information. The suggested responses are only beginning answers. Interviewees should also elaborate, provide examples, etc.
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Appropriate
Questions
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Inappropriate Questions
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Suggested Responses
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1. Describe the co-workers with whom you are most comfortable. |
1. How do you feel about working in an office full of men? |
1. I get along well with most people and others can verify that. |
2. We are interested in hiring people who plan to stay in this area. What are your plans? |
2. If your spouse takes a job in another city, will you be moving? |
2. My present employment plans are based on living in this city. I have no plans to change that. |
3. Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those reporting to him or her. |
3. How would you feel about reporting to a younger supervisor? |
3. I think the most important thing is establishing mutual trust and respect between the supervisor and me. |
4. Where would you like to be in your career three years from now? |
4. Are you expecting to have children in the near future and won't that interfere with your working here? |
4. What I expect is that both my effectiveness and responsibilities with this company will grow. I look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship. |
5. This job requires travel. What problem does this pose, if any? |
5. Will your spouse object to you traveling alone or with members of the opposite sex? |
5. I'm willing and able to travel. |
6. This job requires lifting 40-pound packages. Are you able to do this? |
6. A lot of women aren't able to do heavy lifting. How about you? |
6. I'd be happy to demonstrate my ability to do the required lifting. (Or tell about previous experience with lifting.) |
7. In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable? |
7. (To a minority applicant) How do you feel about working in a predominantly white work environment? |
7. What I'm interested in is a work environment that is supportive, friendly, and professional. I believe I can contribute to that. |
8. This position requires that you be bonded. Have you ever been convicted of embezzlement? |
8. Have you ever been arrested? |
8. I believe I'm a good security risk, regardless of any past record. I want to be considered for this job. |
9. If you have served in the military, how would you relate your experience to this job? |
9. What kind of military discharge do you have? |
9. I'd be happy to discuss my military experience and how it prepared me for this job. |
10. Now that I've described this job, tell me if there is anything you feel you would not be able to do? |
10. With your handicap, don't you think it'd be difficult to do this job? |
10. I'd like to demonstrate my ability to do this job. |
11. Promotional opportunities might involve relocation. How do you feel about that? |
11. Are you married and won't that limit your mobility? |
11. There are no constraints that would prevent me from seeking advancement with this firm. |
Eastern Oregon University - One University Boulevard - La Grande, OR 97850-2899 - Phone: 541-962-3672