How to Ask Illegal Interview Questions

[Michael Glenn]

These days everything is illegal. Asking simple interview questions can easily lead to a lawsuit. I have come up with a workaround to risky interview questions.

Let’s start with the basics.

Your company is full of geezers. Hiring young Gen-Y whipper snappers is a headache since they feel entitled to telecommuting, fresh water and clean bathrooms.

Asking “How old are you?” is age discrimination.

Instead ask this, “How old were you when you saw Star Wars in the movie theater?” If they saw it on DVD or in the late 90’s as a digitally enhanced movie – then no need to hire.

Kids are fun, but not when they are sick and your employees have to um…”work from home” that day. Not to mention, parents can be just as whiny as their kids. It’s easier to hire productive (avoid reproductive) single adults.

So don’t ask, “Do you have kids?” This is discriminating against working parents.

Instead ask “Do you plan to go to Disney World or when is the last time you went to Disney world?” If they have recently been or making plans, then don’t kid yourself, and don’t hire.

You can’t pronounce his name. His accent is so thick you have to repeat every question at least six times. Your company can’t afford the costly H1-B expense either. Asking him if he is a citizen is National Origin Discrimination.

So, just ask him who won the last World Cup. Most Americans hate Soccer and find it painfully boring. Foreigners live for Futbol or Soccer. It’s safe to assume he will need sponsorship if he knows the answer.

So there you go. Easy solutions. Avoid getting sued or going to court using some of my workaround questions. You can always learn more here on my site.

[Michael Glenn]

This is a work in progress for a workaround interview questionaire. Of course, I plan to roll out a webinar on this someday too.

[Dmitri Yakovlev]

haha. soccer, so true. but these are definitely some good starter ideas for such questions.