Political opinion questions on job applications.

[pcCoder]

I have filled out two different job applications now that have asked me a question about what I would consider to be political-oriented opinions: the use of drugs. Most all applications ask if I've used drugs and if I will consent to a drug screening, but most assessments only ask questions related to working with others, customer service, if stealing small items from the company is okay. Recently two different applications have asked questions that amount to whether I think drug use outside of work should be bad or not. One application simply asked what I think about drugs a) prosecute to fullest extent of law b) what people do on their own time is no-one's business c) people who do drugs should get medical help. Another asked several questions about the use of drugs including: Using drugs on one's own time doesn't hurt anyone (T/F), Using illegal drugs is dishonest (T/F), people should be fired for using illegal drugs on their own time even if they don't come to work under the influence (T/F), and a couple others. It is my opinion, but I find these questions to be inappropriate.

/rant

[HomerJay]

Just lie.

[Ronja]

Just lie.

But which are the "correct" answers?

[Santa_Claus]

Write on the form "is this a cry for help?"

[Coito ergo sum]

Leave them blank.

When they ask you to complete the application, tell them, you will not do so, and it's because you are principally opposed to answering the questions.

Then the HR person will say to you .... "THAT was the test... you stood up to us...we respect that" and they'll hire you on the spot.

[PsychoSerenity]

Leave them blank.

When they ask you to complete the application, tell them, you will not do so, and it's because you are principally opposed to answering the questions.

Then the HR person will say to you .... "THAT was the test... you stood up to us...we respect that" and they'll hire you on the spot.

Well, I'm not sure if the last bit would turn out to be true - but it should do. Otherwise they're bringing thought crime into job applications which is just fucked up. Not to mention the fact that requiring true or false answers means you have to accept their twisted wording, even if it doesn't fit simply into true or false.

[Svartalf]

Just lie.

But which are the "correct" answers?

The ones where you say you agree to being buttfucked by Rocco Siffredi wearing a condom externally lined with sandpaper.

[Audley Strange]

or write in. "It's cool dude, no need to skirt around the issue, if you want an ounce of blow just ask." Perhaps the HR department don't have any decent contacts and are phishing through applications.

[Coito ergo sum]

I'm pretty sure the answers involving being cavalier or dismissive of violations of the law, including felonies, are the wrong answers, from the standpoint of the human resources department.

[MrJonno]

I'm pretty sure the answers involving being cavalier or dismissive of violations of the law, including felonies, are the wrong answers, from the standpoint of the human resources department.

Can't believe its legal to even ask these questions outside being security cleared. If someone asked about my politics in a job interview where it just wasnt relevant I would just sue them

[Hermit]

What the fuck are they imagining to accomplish with those questions? If I wanted the job badly enough, I'd simply tick the options I expect them to like hearing. Yes, yes of course dole bludgers are scum, tax is theft, habeas corpus is an impediment to a harmonious society, shoot everyone who is suspected of terrorism on sight, executives are grossly underpaid, and part of their company benefits ought to consist of a pool of extremely pliant personal assistants. No problem at all with any of that. Surely, they must be aware of that. Idiots.

[Coito ergo sum]

I'm pretty sure the answers involving being cavalier or dismissive of violations of the law, including felonies, are the wrong answers, from the standpoint of the human resources department.

Can't believe its legal to even ask these questions outside being security cleared. If someone asked about my politics in a job interview where it just wasnt relevant I would just sue them

In the U.S., you wouldn't have a case. Generally speaking, for non-governmental, non-union, businesses who aren't performing government contracts, It's not illegal to ask irrelevant questions on a job application or an interview, and it's not illegal to only hire those with political opinions the employer agrees with.

Moreover, it's easy to come up with a reason for asking those particular questions regarding crimes - the employer will say that they would rather have people who will follow the rules and not break the law. People who think the law is o.k. to break sometimes are not people they think ought to be working for them.