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Can I ask a question on an employment application that refers to number of languages spoken?
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Application Question

posted at 7/19/1999 7:53 PM EDT
Posts: 323
First: 6/15/1999
Last: 9/9/2011
Can I ask a question on an employment application that refers to number of languages spoken?
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Application Question

posted at 7/19/1999 10:44 PM EDT
Posts: 2217
First: 6/16/1999
Last: 12/13/2001
I would be concerned that such a question might be construed as an illegal inquiry into the applicant's national origin, particularly on an employment application, which presumably is completed by a large number of applicants (relative to the size of your company) seeking a variety of positions.

If there are specific positions for which an understanding of a foreign language is necessary, you can address that at an interview, but with care to make sure that the topic is discussed in a job-related manner. For example, asking for the applicant's "native tongue" is not the best way to seek this information.
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Application Question

posted at 7/20/1999 6:55 PM EDT
Posts: 323
First: 6/15/1999
Last: 9/9/2011
I anticipated such a response and this is in line with my own thinking. We are in need of bilingual staff...I will approach from a job description and recruiting perspective. Thanks for the affirmation.
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