8 Questions Never to Ask During an Interview

During an interview, questions about personal topics are not only in poor taste, but can be illegal to ask. These types of questions are considered discriminatory and should be avoided when interviewing potential employees.

1. How old are you? The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), protects those that are 40 or older from being passed over for a position in favor of someone younger. You are allowed to ask only if someone is over 18, to determine if they are eligible to perform a job.

2. Are you married? You might be tempted to ask this question to determine if a relationship could have a negative impact on performance, but it is prohibited.

3. Are you a U.S. citizen? The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) ensures citizenship and immigration status cannot be used against a potential employee. Employers have to wait until after a job has been offered to require a worker to submit documentation. It is acceptable for an employer to ask if a candidate is authorized to work in the U.S.

4. Do you have any disabilities? The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires employers to accommodate disabilities unless it can be proven that it would cause expense or difficulty to do so. Employers also are not allowed to ask about past illnesses or operations.

5. Do you take drugs, smoke or drink? While you cannot ask this question directly, it is acceptable to ask if someone has ever violated past company policies regarding the use of alcohol or tobacco. You can inquire about illegal drug use, but not prescriptions medications.

6. What religion do you practice? Religious beliefs are always a sensitive subject and strictly off limits for interviewers. Employers are also required to accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs in regards to dress policy and flexible scheduling.

7. What is your race? Employers are only allowed to ask an employee to reveal their race on a voluntary basis for affirmative action purposes.

8. Are you pregnant? While employers might have concerns about an employee taking time off work due to a pregnancy, The Pregnancy Discrimination Act states that an employer cannot refuse to hire someone because of pregnancy or a pregnancy related condition.

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Veteran Spotlight: Bradley Norman

Hire a Hero, Hire a Vet recently spoke with former Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Bradley Norman about his position with Siemens Building Technologies as a Service Technician and the role he see veterans playing in the civilian workplace. Norman’s view is shaped in part by several years in the civilian workplace. He separated in 2003 and worked in the construction field for seven years before re-evaluating his career goals and going to work for Siemens.

Norman has been with Siemens for less than a year and is in entry level position, but, he says, “The sky is really the limit.” He recommends that veterans get in with a company with room for growth where there really are no limits to where they can go with their career. When it comes time to be promoted, Norman believes he is prepared for advancement, because he has a better perspective. “When you have been shot at, it is hard to get flustered by a simple mechanical problem. I work with a lot of young men and women straight from college. They often seem to think that every little thing is the end of the world. On the other hand, I know that there is a solution for every problem, and if it can be fixed, then I am sure I can fix it. I learned that confidence in the Marines,” says Norman.

When asked what advice he would give to Hiring Managers looking to hire veterans, Norman states that the managers should explain to the veteran what it is they are looking for. Veterans can adapt to all sorts of situations. “With a veteran,” Norman explains, “you get all the intangibles.” Norman goes on to say that hiring managers get the best of both worlds by hiring a person who has served. The education that one receives while serving is a higher level of education that Norman believes is hard to duplicate in a classroom environment.

As for veterans, Norman advises that they should not think for one minute that they will not be able to make the transition. It is a huge life change but one that can be done and quite smoothly. Veterans are proven and battle tested. They have solved problems, repaired what was broken, met goals, transported material, and so much more. And they did it in the worst possible conditions imaginable. If it needs to be accomplished, a veteran can do it.

History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to say thank you to all active duty military personnel and veterans who have selflessly served our country.

Here is a brief history of Veterans Day from the Department of Veterans Affairs:

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.

In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Hire a Hero, Hire a Vet would like to express our thanks to all veterans for your service to our country. Your bravery and sacrifice is greatly appreciated!!

How to Reignite Burned Out Employees

There are two ways an employee can quit a job. The first is physically, which is easily solved by hiring a replacement. The second way, which is harder to solve, is mentally. Unlike physically quitting, you can’t simply replace the employee. And unless employers act quickly to identify and manage employees that have “checked out”, it could cost the organization. Below are 5 signs your employees have mentally quit their job.

1. Evidence of a “whatever” attitude.

2. Minimal contribution that produces a mediocre level of performance. The employee puts in just enough effort to get the job done.

3. Absenteeism. The employee uses up all their vacation, sick days or paid time off on a regular basis.

4. Loss of enthusiasm. The employee once was a motivated contributor, but now contributes little to nothing.

5. Little of no interest in the future. Whatever your discussion, the employee is only interested in the here and now.

One of the first things employers can do to save a burnt out workforce is to give employees back control with flex time options such as reduced or nontraditional hours or telecommuting. Another thing employers can do is listen to employees. They are the best ones to let you know what would help them become reengaged in their work. And be sure to follow through with any suggestions they give you.

The Gallup Organization recently reported that at the end of 2009, more than 25 million people were actively disengaged with their jobs, costing U.S. employers $416 billion in lost productivity. If you notice signs an employee is starting to burn out, talk to them about what would help reignite their flame, or they could start costing your company.

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Thank the veterans in your workplace this Veterans Day

Have you thought of how to best say “thank you” to the veterans in your organization next week?

Here are just a few ideas:

● Honor your veterans with an informal morning get-together with coffee and donuts, and invite someone to say a few words of thanks.

● Send an email to your entire staff recognizing Veterans Day and thanking the veterans in your workplace. Don’t forget to include veterans who are family members of your employees, as well.

● Simply shake a veteran's hand, and say, "Thank you."

As an additional service to your veteran employees, you may want to forward on this list of freebies or discounts being offered on or around November 11 especially for Veterans.

Wednesday, November 10 - Bed and Breakfasts for Veterans: B&Bs and Inns are providing free rooms on Wednesday, November 10, in observance of Veterans Day to honor servicemen and women currently serving or who have previously served their country. For more info: http://www.bnbsforvets.org/

Thursday, November 11 – Applebee’s: All veterans and Active Duty Military eat free from a select menu at Applebee’s on November 11. For more info: http://www.applebees.com/vetsDay/

Monday, November 15 – Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Monday, Free "Thank You" Dinner. For more info: http://www.goldencorral.com/military

Wednesday, November 10 – Thursday, November 11 – Steinmart: Take 10% off your entire purchase with a military ID. Or non-military take 10% off your entire purchase when you DONATE $5 at the register. All proceeds benefit Wounded Warrior Project. For more info: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/component/option,com_jcalpro/Itemid,999/extmode,view/extid,2514/#ixzz13NYxRsVQ

Sunday, November 7 - McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants: Veterans receive a complimentary entrée from a special menu. For more info: http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/featured-promotion/Veterans-Appreciation-Day.aspx

Thursday, November 11 – Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin’ Onion and Beverage. For more info: http://www.outback.com/pressroom/pr_101018.aspx

Thursday, November 11 – Sunday, November 14 - Colonial Williamsburg: Free weekend-long admission passes to active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their families. For more info: http://www.history.org/visit/planYourVisit/ticketPlans/current-offers.cfm

Monday, November 1 – Thanksgiving Day - Knott’s Berry Farm: Free admission for veterans or current serving military personnel and one guest with proper I.D. For more info: http://www.knotts.com/public/admission/prices/deals.cfm

This list represents only a few of the many deals that will be available on Veterans Day. Are you aware of any others? Please comment and let us know so we can keep adding to the list!

What will you do to thank the Veterans in your organization on Veteran's Day?

Please note: This is not an endorsement for any of these businesses and or their products. Hire a Hero, Hire a Vet does not benefit in any way should you or your employees choose to take advantage of them. We simply wanted to make it easier for you to help recognize the Veterans in your organization!