10 top interviews No No’s!

Don’t get caught out….

With the new age awareness legislation coming out on October 1st, interviewing for new staff has become much like carefully picking your way through a minefield of precariously placed do’s and don’ts. To help you avoid the potential pitfalls we’ve put together 10 handy tips to bear in mind when recruiting for new staff….

1: Be careful about the use of word graduate as this discriminates against older workers.

2: Be aware of the equivalent to A-levels and other qualifications.

3: Advertise across a cross section of publications to appeal to a range of ages.

4: Avoid comments regarding minimum/maximum length of experience from all adverts and applications as this disadvantages certain age groups.

5: Make sure the DOB of all applications is only on the monitoring form and is not seen by those involved in the recruitment process.

6: Make sure all those involved in the recruitment process are aware of the do’ and don’ts regarding the new age legislation.

7: Don’t assume this legislation will adversely affect your business.
“People are being overlooked at both the start and end of their careers. Whole swathes of the population are being victimized by virtue of their birth date and if this continues organisations are likely to miss out on the proven benefits of having a mix of ages in the workforce.” – Petra Cook, Head of Public Affairs at the Chartered Management Institute.

8: Make sure all staff policies are reviewed to be in line with the age legislation, for example – check for use of LIFO (last in first out) or length of service. To select employees for redundancy is likely to be discriminatory.

9: Seek advice if you have concerns. If you do not have you own legal advice, Acas is the nominated agency to give advice and guidance on age issues. Contac their help line on 0845 74747474 or go online at www.acas.org.uk

10: Remember that you are liable for discrimination within your company, make sure all staff are trained on the age legislation and are aware of what to say and what not to say. We suggest strongly discouraging comments such as:

‘Ok Granddad’
‘Over the hill’
‘Wet behind the ears’
‘ For their age’
‘ Lack of experience’
‘Young/old’
‘They’re no spring chicken’
‘Fuddy Duddy’
‘Get with it Grandma’