7 Contractor Interview Topics to Handle with Care
Interviewing is one of the key components in selecting quality contract candidates for your clients. That’s why interview topics are so important.
The questions that you ask can get you and your clients in “legal hot water” if you’re not careful. Certain questions can spur claims of discrimination. Recruiters should be especially careful (and advise their clients to be careful) when asking contract candidates questions regarding certain things.
Below are seven contractor interview topics to handle with care:
1. Citizenship
Ask: Whether they are legally eligible to work in the U.S.
DON’T ask: Are you a citizen? Also, don’t ask for proof of eligibility until after the job offer has been extended.
2. National origin
Ask: Are you eligible to work in the U.S.? Can you communicate well enough to perform the essential job duties?
DON’T ask: Anything about the candidate’s lineage, ancestry, native language, accent, birthplace, or origin of spouse or parents.
3. Disabilities
Ask: Can you perform the essential duties with or without accommodation?
DON’T ask: Any questions intended to reveal details about the disability.
4. Criminal background
Ask: Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
DON’T ask: Have you ever been arrested?
5. Personal
Ask: Can you work the schedule required by this job? Can you work overtime? Are you willing to relocate?
DON’T Ask: Are you married? Do you have children? Who would watch the kids while you’re working? Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
6. Age
Ask: Do you meet the minimum or maximum age requirement? (This is only permissible if there is a genuine occupational qualification.)
DON’T ask: How old are you? When did you graduate from high school?
7. Religion
Ask: Can you work all the days required?
DON’T ask: What religion do you practice? Do you go to church? What holidays do you observe?
Keep in mind that this is NOT an exhaustive list of contractor interview topics. There are countless touchy subjects when it comes to candidate interviews. If you have any qualms about questions you or your clients are asking, be sure to run them past legal counsel.
If you’d like to add contract staffing services to your firm’s business model, contact Top Echelon Contracting today!
(Editor’s note: This article is intended to give only general information and should NOT be construed as legal advice for specific situations. Please contact your legal counsel before taking any action.)