Office of Equity and Diversity Services (2005)

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		Mason Hall, Room D105, 4400 University Drive, MS 2C2, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 Phone: (703) 993-8730, Fax: (703) 993-8899, TDD: (703) 993-8787

Faculty Recruitment

Questions to Ask and Not Ask During the Interview

Area of Inquiry	Acceptable Areas of Inquiry	Unacceptable Areas of Inquiry	Reason Why

Name	For access purposes, inquiry into whether the applicant's work records are under another name	To ask if a Miss, Mrs. Or Ms. To request applicant to give maiden name or any previous name he or she has used	Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 Title IX

Age	Require proof of age by birth certificate after hiring	To ask age or age group of applicant To request birth certificate or baptismal record before hiring	Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967Age Discrimination Act of 1975

Birthplace, National Origin, or Citizenship	Ask for birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship before hiring Whether U.S. citizen If not, whether intends to become one If U.S. residence is legal· If spouse is a citizen	To inquire into national origin or birthplace of applicant or applicant's family. Date of citizenship	Title VII

Race or Color	To indicate that the institution is an equal opportunity employer To ask race for affirmative action plan statistics, after hiring	Any inquiry that would indicate race or color	Title VII

Sex	Indicate that the institution is an equal opportunity employer	To ask applicant any inquiry that would indicate sex, unless job related.	Title VII and Title IX

Sexual Orientation	To indicate that the institution prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation	To ask an applicant any question that would indicate the applicant's sexual or affectional orientation	Institution policy

Religion	To state normal hours and days of work required by the job to avoid possible conflict with religious convictions.	To ask applicant's religion or religious customs or holidays To request recommendations from church officials	Title VII

Marital or Parental Status	Whether applicant can meet work schedules or has activities, commitments or responsibilities that may hinder meeting work attendance requirements. Inquiries, made to males and females alike, as to duration of stay on job and anticipated absences.	To ask marital status before hiring To ask about the number and age of children, child care arrangements and plans to have more children before hiring for insurance purposes	Title VII and Title IX

Disability	Questions must be directly related to the job. All applicants can be asked whether they are able to carry out all necessary job assignments and perform them in a safe manner. Can you meet the requirements of our attendance policy? Can you show me how you would perform these functions of the job? Persons with disabilities are not required to tell you of their disabilities.	General questions about medical conditions, whether an applicant has a disability or asking about the nature and severity of a disability. Questions about workers compensation claims, injuries on the job and the use of sick leave are also prohibited.	Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Americas with Disabilities Act of 1990

Military Service	Inquiry into services in the U.S. armed forces, including rank attained, branch of service, or any job related experience	To ask type of discharge To request service records before hiring To ask about service in the military of any other country besides the U.S.	Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (PL 93-508)

Conviction, Arrest, or Court Record	Inquiry into actual convictions that relate reasonably to performing a particular job	Any inquiry relating to arrests, court or conviction records not substantially related to job in question

Familiarize yourself with this guide in order to keep your recruitment effort and the university out of possible difficulties. When in doubt, contact the OEDS.