West, principal at Employment Practices Specialists in Pacifica, California, offered her suggestions at SHRM’s annual conference and exhibition, held recently in Las Vegas. Here are her six scary phrases:
1. ‘You’re overcommitted’
When you say this, the applicant will hear: “Has kids and won’t stay late.” Sounds like discrimination.
2. ‘You lack skills necessary to do the job’
The employee will think: I’m not the kind of person they want to spend the time and energy training for a new job because of my age, race, etc.
Better way to say it? Detail exactly why the person is not qualified. Comments must be objective and based on job requirements. For example:
- Bob has not created excel spreadsheets.
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3. ‘You don’t fit in’
Or “You’re not a culture fit.” Again, this is an invitation to a discrimination charge, says West, especially if you have an all white or all Asian, etc., culture.
4. ‘You have a bad attitude’
“I’ve been told that all my life,” West notes. “That doesn’t tell me anything.” “Attitude” is a red flag for discrimination.
Better way to say it? “Look, we’re having problems with your attitude, specifically, when asked to stay late to work on a project you roll your eyes and sigh.”
The same goes for “not a team player.” You say, we’ve worked with you, but you’re just not a team player. That’s another potential red flag for discrimination. Hmmm, the person thinks, I’m the oldest person, only minority, etc.
5. ‘You’re overqualified’
Overqualified people are usually over 40, says West, and that makes this phrase a red flag for discrimination. Candidates who meet minimum qualifications should not be eliminated at an early stage on that basis.
6. ‘You are not communicative’
The employee thinks: I couldn’t answer their question, I’m viewed as a loser, I wasn’t given a chance.
Better way to say it? Was unable to provide answers concerning interactions with boss, or, did not expand on responses about interactions with manager.
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It seems like these tips all boil down to: Don’t rely on overly broad statements–provide details. Still, it never hurts to warn managers off of specific statements to avoid.