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December's Key Question: What is your opinion on Recruiting the Best people by asking religious based questions when you are looking for people to fit into your "company culture"? Is it legal to do so; ethical to do so? Do organizations really do this and is it a successful way of recruiting? - Laurie

Thank you for your question!

Interview questions should be based on "job related" criteria. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of l964 prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals because of their religion in hiring, firing, and other terms and conditions of employment. Even if the candidate brings up the topic of religion, it is best not elaborate on the subject, nor would you want to take written notes regarding their religious preference.

Now, with that said, you can ask a religious question if a B.F.O.Q., (Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), exists. This might be the case with a teacher, minister, or other employees of a specific religious organizations.

I would suggest that you do some research regarding "character" based interview questions. Something like "How would you describe your character?" and "What type of company environment are you most comfortable working in?", might get you the information you need.

Thanks again for your question!

Sincerely, Paulette Bennett, CTS; Recruiter

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