Thank you for your commitment to helping AIC student become the best they can be.

One way you can do that is to give them the opportunity to go through the interview process with you. Below you will find some information that will be helpful as you interview students. If you have any questions, please contact the Saremi Center at saremicenter@aic.edu.

First - There are a number of questions that must NOT be asked. There is a chart below that gives specifics.

Second - There is a sample guide below the chart, but ask what you need to determine the fit for the position (within legal limits of course).

ALL candidates must be asked the SAME questions.

Interview Questions to Avoid

You CANNOT ask any question during an interview that relates to an applicant’s race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, or disability. In some states, inquiries about a candidate’s sexual orientation are illegal. The following are questions that should not be asked:

This chart distinguishes legal from illegal inquiries.

SUBJECT	DO NOT ASK	PREFERRED

Family Status	Number of children or dependents About arrangements for childcare Are you married? What is your spouse’s name?	If the applicant would be able to work the hours required and where applicable if the applicant would be able to work overtime. Make sure this is asked of all applicants.

National or Ethnic Origin	About birthplace, nationality of ancestors, spouse or other relatives Whether born in the U.S. If naturalized or landed immigrants For proof of citizenship What is the nationality of your parents or spouse? When did you become a citizen of the U.S.?	You may ask if the applicant is legally eligible to work in the U.S.

Military Service	About military service in other countries What type of discharge received	What is your military status?

Language	Mother tongue Native language Where language skills obtained What languages are spoken	If required for a job, ask if the applicant understands, speaks, or writes the language required

Race or Color	Any inquiry which indicates race or color, including the color of eyes, skin, or hair	None

Photographs	For a photo to be attached to applications or resumes or sent to the interviewer before the interview	None

Religion	About religious affiliation, church membership, frequency of church attendance If the applicant will work a specific religious holiday For references from Clergy or religious leader	Explain the required work shifts, asking if such a schedule poses problems for the applicant
Name	About name change whether it was changed by court order, marriage, or other reason Maiden name Christian name	None
Address	For address outside the U.S. Do you own or rent? Give the names and relationships of persons residing with you.	None
Age	For birth certificate or about age in general Age or birth date How old are you?	Ask applicants if they have reached the age for work as defined by law Or If hired, can you provide proof that you are at least 18 years of age?
Sex	Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms. Males or females to fill in different or coded applications - If male or female - About pregnancy, childbirth, or child care arrangements (includes plans for childbearing	None
Marital Status	Whether the applicant is single, married, divorced, engaged, separated, widowed, or living with someone Whether an applicant’s spouse is subject to transfer About a spouse’s employment	Ask whether there are any known circumstances that might prevent completion of a minimum service commitment
Relatives	Name or address of any relative, other than a spouse or dependent children	Name or address of parents or guardian if the applicant is a minor If company policy exists regarding the hiring of relatives, names of relatives already employed by the company
Handicap/Disabilities	Inquiries regarding handicap which do not relate to fitness to perform the job Are you disabled?	Whether the applicant can perform specific functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations
Arrests and Convictions	Have you ever been arrested? Have you ever been charged with any crime?	This is too complicated for this small box. Don't ask anything related to this without first contacting the Saremi Center.
Credit Record	Do you own your own home? Have your wages ever been garnished? Have you ever declared bankruptcy?	None
Worker’s Compensation	Have you ever filed for worker’s compensation? Have you had any prior work injuries?	None

Simple Interview Guide

For new hires: All hired candidates must have a resume, cover letter, and an interview that includes at least 5 questions.

Score each answer on a 1-5 scale (5 being the best) and make notes on each. You will be asked to upload your interview notes.

1. Tell me about yourself:

(this is where you are looking for their elevator pitch)

2. What are your strengths?

3. Please detail your experience and qualifications and how they would enable you to meet the needs of this position.

4. Tell me about a time when you faced a challenging situation and how you resolved it.

5. Do you have any questions for me?

FYI: You will be asked to rate the following categories on the Hire Form (you don't have to answer them here on this page)

The dress was appropriate?

On time?

Eye contact?

Good elevator pitch?

Well spoken?

Professional comportment?

Asked good questions?

Thank you note or email?