I'm not even sure how you would broach that one, assuming you're talking about literacy as in reading (as opposed to literacy in a particular topic). How does someone without basic literacy even meet the other basic requirements?
+Kevyn Winkless Yes, I am speaking of reading, and I suppose that is my real question: How do I broach the subject? With managers, with HR, and most importantly with potential candidates?
"Please read the following passage to me, and tell me what it means"? As a candidate, I'd walk out of the interview.
Actually, I was thinking of a similar approach: you could choose a suitable passage for discussion that would give you valuable information on job skills, ask the candidate to read it aloud to start and then ask for an explanation of how he/she would apply the concept to this job, etc. Another option would be a time limited writing exercise where certain materials are provided and a report or something is required.
+Kevyn Winkless Now I feel a little slow. You are absolutely correct, I can ask them to read something as long as it relates to the position.
You could disguise what you were actually doing by having them pull a scenario out of a hat, and ask them which scenario they got.
+Philip Wright Its a BA role, but I see your point. My biggest concern would be that a competent individual would take that question as a clear indicator to walk away and not look back. Also, I would be concerned about HR's response to that.
"Please read the following passage to me, and tell me what it means"? As a candidate, I'd walk out of the interview.
How does someone without... meet other
There's the rub.
You could disguise what you were actually doing by having them pull a scenario out of a hat, and ask them which scenario they got.
+Philip Wright Its a BA role, but I see your point. My biggest concern would be that a competent individual would take that question as a clear indicator to walk away and not look back. Also, I would be concerned about HR's response to that.