Asking an interviewee about past brushes with the law

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I'm hiring another assistant. One of the applicants scored Expert on the Indeed "Hard Working" test, which is rare. Most just score Completed, the lowest.

Found two arrests, one in 2013 for a straight warrant (no idea what that means) and also driving without a license.

Second was a year ago for possession with intent to distribute a Class D drug. Marijuana is legal here now.

Found a baby registry in February of this year too.

His resume says he's been working at the Goree House for the last few years, Goree House, which would indicate he's turning his life around.

What questions do you ask him to see if he really has?

[Icemaster]

Assuming you're staying in the realm of what you're legally allowed to ask...

Character questions that are open ended. Get him into a conversation around principles, how he handles conflicts, situational questions i.e. when he brings up a situation or event, look for the opportunity to ask if he'd do anything differently the second time around. See if he's learning.

I'd want to try to find out where he draws his lines on behaviors and what's most important to him personally, that might give you a view into motivations and how far he's willing to bend/break rules or laws to get them.

Biggest thing is to make it conversational and get him talking as much as possible, people never cease to amaze me with how much they'll tell you with the tiniest bit of encouragement. From there, trust your gut.

[dad911]

Are you allowed to Drug test?

[KFC911]

I freakin' hate interviews that lasts more than 10 hrs....lots of stories

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by dad911

Are you allowed to Drug test?

Bogart = Failure

[porsche4life]

I’d do a little memory refresher on what types of questions you can ask and then just be honest with the dude. Hey I see you have some record, what can you tell me.


Then see what he says? If he’s on the straight and narrow then you may have a guy whos willing to bust his ass now, and will be loyal to you for giving him a chance.

My dad hired a few guys with records and they were hard working honest guys, who had just made some stupid mistakes in their past.

[Baz]

Know you didn't ask, Shaun, but I would think some references would assist in the process.

Hope it works out for both parties....

[stealthn]

Ask him if he is willing to get a police background check and see if he cops to all crimes

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Icemaster

Assuming you're staying in the realm of what you're legally allowed to ask...

Character questions that are open ended. Get him into a conversation around principles, how he handles conflicts, situational questions i.e. when he brings up a situation or event, look for the opportunity to ask if he'd do anything differently the second time around. See if he's learning.

I'd want to try to find out where he draws his lines on behaviors and what's most important to him personally, that might give you a view into motivations and how far he's willing to bend/break rules or laws to get them.

Biggest thing is to make it conversational and get him talking as much as possible, people never cease to amaze me with how much they'll tell you with the tiniest bit of encouragement. From there, trust your gut.

Excellent advice Pete, thank you. I like this.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Dad, I'm not sure as prerequisite for hiring. I'd have to check with MA on that.

Sid, I like being direct too but I think that's plan b. I hear you on your dad's experience.

Baz, good advice, I will definitely be asking for references.

Good idea Bob and could be part of plan b.

[Tobra]

Review what you can't ask, put him at ease, have a little conversation, ask probing, open ended questions, trust your instincts.

In case you want to review your talk, what are the rules for recording in MA, one party or two party consent? Video can be very revealing.

[LWJ]

I applaud your open mind. I used to work in manufacturing. Our best employees were ex-cons.

Everybody is different. Good luck.

I'd try a different approach. If he passes muster in all your other categories, I'd hire him.

A reformed criminal is going to tell you he's reformed. An unreformed criminal is going to tell you the exact same thing. So, why ask?

My experience has been that people who know that you know will sometimes bring it up themselves and present an explanation, which is fine. Other people who now that you know will not bring it up, but will work to show you they are worth your trust. That's better.

[Sooner or later]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Review what you can't ask, put him at ease, have a little conversation, ask probing, open ended questions, trust your instincts.

In case you want to review your talk, what are the rules for recording in MA, one party or two party consent? Video can be very revealing.

Two party

[Jeff Alton]

Up here you can ask for a criminal record check...

[Sooner or later]

Be damn careful that you are not singling this guy out from all other employees. If you drug test him you better be drug testing everyone or you open yourself up to litigation. Also, most recommend drug testing be made only after making the job offer.

Be consistent in your hiring process. Drug test, background check, etc.

[flipper35]

References will confirm they worked where they said they did. Not much more.

[Tobra]

Did they work there and are they eligible for rehire

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Interviewing this Tuesday.

May be moot, I got an email today from a young man who has entry-level experience with vintage Mercedes. He emailed me from my web site so he gets major points for that.

[Icemaster]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Excellent advice Pete, thank you. I like this.

Most welcome mon ami, and thank you also. Hope it works for you, let me know how it plays out.