Guide to Appropriate Pre-Employment Inquiries

ACCEPTABLE
SUBJECT
UNACCEPTABLE
"Have you worked for this company under a different name?"
"Have you ever been convicted of a crime under another name?"
NAME
Former name of applicant whose name has been changed by court order or otherwise
Applicant's place of residence
How long applicant has been a resident of this state or city

ADDRESS OR
DURATION OF RESIDENCE

BIRTHPLACE
Birthplace of applicant
Birthplace of applicant's parents, spouse or other elatives
Requirement that applicant submit a birth certificate, naturalization or baptismal record
"Can you, after employment, submit a work permit if under 18?"
"Are you over 18 years of age?"
"If hired, can you furnish proof of age?"/or/Statement that hire is subject to verification that applicant's age meets legal requirements
AGE
Questions that tend to identify applicants 40 to 64 years of age
RELIGION
Applicant's religious denomination or affiliation, church, parish, pastor or religious holidays observed
"Do you attend religious services/or/a house of worship?"
Applicant may not be told "This is catholic/Protestant/Jewish/atheist organization."
Statement by employer of regular days, hours or shift to be worked
WORK DAYS
AND SHIFTS
RACE OR
ETHNICITY
Complexion, color of skin or other questions directly or indirectly indicating
race or ethnicity
Statement that photograph may be required after employment
PHOTOGRAPH
Requirement that applicant affix a photograph to the application form
Request applicant, at his/her option, to submit photograph
Requirement of photograph after interview but before hiring
Statement by employer that if hired, applicant may be required to submit proof of authorization to work in the United States
CITIZENSHIP
Whether applicant, parents or spouse are naturalized or native-born U.S. citizens
Date when applicant, parents or spouse acquired U.S. citizenship
Requirement that applicant produce naturalization papers or first papers
Whether applicant's parents or spouse are citizens of the United States
Languages applicant reads, speaks or writes fluently
NATIONAL
ORIGIN OR
ANCESTRY
Applicant's nationality, lineage, ancestry, national origin, descent or parentage
Date of arrival in United States or port of entry; how long a resident
Nationality of applicant's parents or spouse; maiden name of applicant's wife or mother
Language commonly used by applicant, "What is your mother tongue?"
How applicant acquired ability to read, write or speak a foreign language
Applicant's academic, vocational or professional education; schools attended
EDUCATION
Date last attended high school
Applicant's work experience
Applicant's military experience in armed forces of United States, in a state militia (U.S.) or in a particular branch of U.S. armed forces
EXPERIENCE
Applicant's military experience (general)
Type of military discharge
"Have you ever been convicted of any crime? If so, when, where and the disposition of case?"
CHARACTER
"Have you ever been arrested?"
Names of applicant's relatives already employed by this company
Name and address of parent or guardian if applicant is a minor
RELATIVES
Marital status or number of dependents
Name or address of relative, spouse or children of adult applicant
"With whom do you reside?"
"Do you live with your parents?"
Name and address of person to be notified in case of accident or
emergency
NOTICE IN CASE OF
EMERGENCY
Name and address of relative to be notified in case of emergency
Organizations, clubs, professional societies or other associations of which applicant is a member, excluding any names the character of which indicate the race, religious creed, color, national origin or ancestry of its members
ORGANIZATIONS
List all organizations, clubs, societies and lodges to which you belong
"By whom were you referred for a position here?" Requirement of submission of a religious reference
REFERENCES
Requirement of submission of a religion reference
"Can you perform all of the duties outlined in the job description?"
Statement by employer that all job offers are contingent on passing a physical examination
PHYSICAL
CONDITION
"Do you have any physical disabilities?"
Questions on general medical condition
Inquiries as to receipt of workmen's compensation

Still have questions?
Ask the Career Knight

Send comments to:  
Rutgers University - CAREER SERVICES - New Brunswick