Job Opportunity, 1960's

Going through some old boxes at the office, I recently came across an "Application for Employment" from 1955, and an "Interview Guide" from 1963.  (I know - apparently others thought these documents too good to throw out). Anyway, I really had a good chuckle reading these forms. 

Here are some examples of now illegal questions:

• Does you wife/husband work?  His or her earnings per week $________
• Do you own your own home?  If yes, describe.
• Pay rent?  Monthly rent $_____________
• Own a Car?  If yes, describe.
• Do you have a personal budget? 
• Do you have any debts other than those for current living expenses?
• Have you maintained a systematic savings program?
• Do you feel you have made satisfactory economic progress to date?
• Do you have any physical defects?  If yes, describe. (I had to read this one twice!)
• Were you ever arrested?  If yes, describe in full. 
• Record of education (from ELEMENTARY school no less)
• Were you in the armed forces?  Rank at discharge.

This secretary must have had a good budget, no physical 

defects (that she admitted),

and did well at gym in high school.

They were really keen to know how you behaved as a teenager too -

• In what school activities, e.g., clubs, sports, newspaper etc. did you participate?
• What offices if any did you hold in these clubs or athletic organizations?
• When you were a student, what did you do during vacation periods?

Your formative years apparently made a big difference on what sort of mischief you got up to as an adult

• To what clubs or social groups do you now belong?
• What kind of books do you enjoy reading?
• How do you usually entertain your friends?
• What do you usually do evenings at home?

Oddly enough, the questions about previous employment were general.  Where - when - what.

I won't be the one to toss these papers - they're so much fun to read.  I'll leave them packed away for someone else to find years from now.