| Area | Lawful Inquiries | Unlawful Inquiries |
| Address, Length of Residence |
Applicant's address, place and length of current and previous residence.
"How long have you lived in this city?"
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- Specific questions about foreign addresses, if applicant owns or rents home.
- Relationship of persons with whom applicant lives.
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| Age |
If age is a legal requirement, "If hired can you submit proof of age?"
If applicant is minor, proof of age in form of work permit or certificate of age.
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- Requirement that birth certificate or baptismal certificate be produced as proof of age.
- Statements which refer to "new blood" or a "younger person who will take the initiative" are also inappropriate.
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| Ancestry |
Languages read, spoken or written. |
Inquiries into
- ancestry
- mother tongue
- national origin of parents
- spouse.
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| Arrests |
None (see Convictions). |
Any inquiry relating to arrests. |
| Birthplace |
None. Human Resources will obtain appropriate documentation upon hire. |
- Birthplace of applicant or relatives.
- Requirement that birth certificate, baptismal record or naturalization papers be submitted prior to employment.
- Questions which identify customs or denomination.
|
| Citizenship |
"Are you a citizen of the U.S.? If not, do you have the legal right to work in the U.S.?" |
- "Of what country are you a citizen?"
- "Are you naturalized or native born?"
- Requiring naturalization papers.
|
| Convictions, Court Records |
Inquiry into actual convictions which relate reasonably to fitness to perform a particular job. |
To ask about or check arrest. |
| Credit Rating |
None. |
Any questions regarding credit. |
| Disabilities |
- "Would you be able to perform the various job functions? What were your duties in your previous job? How does your past experience relate to this job?"
- If applicant volunteers information about a medical condition, do not ask about the nature or extent of the condition.
- Ask only what accommodations, if any, might be needed for the applicant to work.
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- "Do you have any disabilities or impairments?" or questions which might divulge disabilities which do not relate to the job.
- " Are you in good health? Have you ever had an injury, disease, emotional illness, or consulted a psychologist or psychiatrist?"
- Have you ever had a drug or drinking problem?
- Why are you wearing a brace or prosthesis?
- Have you ever received workers' compensation?
- Are you currently taking any medication?
- Do you have any impairments that may prevent you from performing the job you are applying for?"
|
| Education |
Academic, vocational, or professional education; schools attended; languages and office skills. |
- Questions about the nationality or religious affiliation of schools.
- How language skill was learned.
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| Emergency Contact |
Name of person to contact in emergency. |
Name of relatives to be contacted. |
| Experience |
Applicant's work experience; other countries visited. |
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| Marital Status |
Whether applicant can meet specific work schedules; any commitment which might hinder attendance.
Anticipated duration on job or anticipated absences if asked of both males and females.
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Inquiries about specific marital status; number of children; questions concerning pregnancy or birth control. |
| Military Record |
Military experience and education related to particular job. |
Type of discharge. |
| Name |
"Have you ever worked for this organization under another name?
Is additional information concerning nicknames or change of name necessary to check your work record or education? If yes, explain."
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- Inquiries about name which would indicate national origin.
- Inquiries about names which have been changed by court order, marriage or otherwise.
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| Organizations |
Organizations, membership in which might relate to particular job. |
List all organizations, clubs or societies to which you belong. |
| Photograph |
None |
Required prior to hire. |
| Race |
None |
Applicant's race, skin color, eye color. |
| References |
Who referred you here?
Names of professional and character references.
|
Requiring religious references. |
| Relatives |
Names of relatives employed here.
Names and addresses of parents of minors.
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Name or address of any relative of an adult applicant. |
| Religion |
None |
Inquiry into religious affiliations, holiday observances, name of minister, etc. |
| Sex |
Inquiry permissible only where bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ). |
Sex of applicant. Inquiries which would indicate sex.
Sex is not a BFOQ because a job requires physical labor.
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| Work Days |
Choice of workdays, shifts, where applicable. |
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