Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1293694
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 Page 9 Continued on page 10 Keep Your Interviews Legal The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the accepted authority on best practices related to human resources. That organization publishes the following information on how to avoid legal issues in your interview practices. The guiding principle behind any question to an applicant— whether the question is asked by the interviewer or it appears on the employment application—should be: "Can the employer demonstrate a job-related necessity for asking the question?" The intent behind the question, as well as how the information is used, is what the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) examines to determine if any discrimination has occurred. Therefore, applicants should only be asked questions that are job-related. Before asking a question, interviewers should first determine whether the information sought is really necessary to judge the applicant's qualifications, level of skills, and overall competence for the job in question. Following is a representative list of unacceptable and acceptable questions. Please note that this list is NOT all- inclusive or state-specific. In some cases, state laws may be more restrictive. Be sure to check with legal counsel in your state regarding acceptable practices there. Topic Acceptable Unacceptable If Unacceptable, What Is the Reason Attendance and reliability Do you have responsibilities other than work that will interfere with specific job requirements such as traveling? What are your child care arrangements? Could be viewed as discriminatory toward female applicants Attendance and reliability Do you have a reliable method for getting to work? Do you own a car? Could be considered racial discrimination Citizenship and national origin Are you legally eligible for employment in the United States? What is your national origin? Where are your parents from? Could be considered national origin discrimination Citizenship and national origin Have you ever worked under a different name? What is your maiden name? Could be considered national origin discrimination National origin None What is your father's surname? What are the names of your relatives? Not only are these irrelevant, but they could be considered national origin discrimination