Develop a Legally Compliant Job Application

Key Points

  • An employer should be consistent during the job application process and make use of the same application forms for all applicants.
  • In a job application, it is important to avoid asking about an applicant's age, medical status or whether he or she has a disability unless the employer can show such inquiries relate to a legitimate job qualification.
  • An employer should tread cautiously and consult state law when asking about criminal convictions or arrests on application forms, especially with respect to "ban the box" laws that prohibit such questions. Using arrest information may be viewed as discriminating against minority job applicants.

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