Ask HR: Grad date inquiries out of line
Questions are legal but could lead to perception of age discrimination
Johnny C. Taylor Jr., a human resources expert, is tackling your questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world’s largest HR professional society. Questions submitted by readers and Taylor’s answers below have been edited for length and clarity.
Question: In several job interviews, I have been asked: “What year did you graduate from high school?” Is that legal? I feel like they’re trying to suss out my age.
— Randy
Taylor: Would I recommend employers ask this question? No.
Although not necessarily illegal, asking for graduation dates is irrelevant in an interview and could lead to age discrimination or the perception of discrimination. Hiring should be based on the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.
A question about academic degrees or education is sometimes found on a job application or a form allowing a background check. This is to help employers verify educational requirements. But even in this practice, some employers are moving away from asking about graduation dates. And there’s absolutely no place for this question in an interview.
Now, about that interview. An important tool for recruiting and hiring is a job description, which should clearly state the tasks and responsibilities of a position along with the qualifications and skills required.
Job postings are based on job descriptions.
To prepare for an interview, read through the job posting and compare the requirements listed there with your own experiences and skills. Be sure to ask yourself: “Is my knowledge in this area current?” Then, in the interview, be ready to talk about how you meet or exceed the position’s qualifications. This helps managers ensure interviews are focused on finding the candidate who has the knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and job-specific qualifications that best match the position — no matter the age.
Q: I have an incontinence problem but did not know my co-workers were aware. I’m embarrassed and feel like my co-workers are talking about me behind my back. Anything I can do to get them to stop now? Is this an HR issue? — Rita B.
Taylor: You said that you “feel like” your co-workers are talking about it, so I assume nothing has been said to you specifically. Could it be that your embarrassment over this issue has you believing people know, when in fact they don’t?
Speak with HR to help you determine if these comments are actually taking place. Your HR person can make confidential inquiries to help determine what, if anything, your co-workers know. If your fears are confirmed, then you have two choices:
First, if there is a person in the group with whom you are comfortable, you can address your concern with her and share how it makes you feel. Once your co-workers are aware of the embarrassment they are causing, the behavior would end, hopefully.
An alternative would be to request help from HR or your manager. HR could speak to the gossipers generally about the damaging impact of rumors and insensitive behavior.
By addressing this as a broader issue about rumors or snide comments, rather than on your specific issue, HR can help to prevent additional hard feelings and embarrassment.