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I wouldn't discourage asking about hobbies and other activities.
It may make some interviewee's uncomfortable, but there are benefits to
asking. My reason for asking would be to get a better feel for how well
they will fit in with the group.
IMHO
MEH
Atlanta, GA
-----Original Message-----
From: Jan Stanley [mailto:janstanley -at- earthlink -dot- net]
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2000 10:38 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: Re: Tech Writer screening questions
Susan Brown asks tech writer interviewees about their hobbies and
outside interests. I would find such questions too personal in
an interview. I don't know whether they'd actually be illegal in
the U.S., as I believe questions about marital and parental
status are, but I would be uncomfortable about a company that
thought it was appropriate to ask about my life outside work as
part of the hiring process.
