The employer may only ask questions that are relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the job. You cannot be asked questions about age, sex, physical disability, birthplace, etc. If the job requires being able to lift 50 pounds, every applicant must be asked this question.
| Acceptable | Unacceptable |
| Have you worked for this company under a different name? Have you ever been convicted of a crime under another 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 resident of this state or city. | Birthplace of applicant. Birthplace of applicant’s parents, spouse or other relatives. Requirements that applicant submit 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? Statement that hiring is subject to verification that applicant’s age meets legal requirements. | How old are you? Any question that tends to identify applicants 40 – 64 years of age. |
| Statement by employer of regular days, hours or shift to be worked | 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 a Protestant/Catholic/Jewish/atheist organization.” |
| Statement that photograph may be required after employment. | Complexion, color of skin, or other questions directly or indirectly indicating race or color. Requirement that applicant affix photo to application form. Request applicant to submit photo at his/her option. Requirement of photograph after Interview but before hiring. |
| Statement by employer that, if hired, applicant may be required to submit proof of citizenship. | Whether applicant or his parents or spouse are naturalized or native-born U.S. citizens. Date when applicant or parents or spouse acquired U.S. citizenship. Requirement that applicant produce his/her naturalization papers or first papers. Whether applicant’s parents or spouse are U.S. citizens. |
| Languages applicant reads, writes or speaks fluently. | 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 mother or wife. “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. | Date last attended high school. |
| Applicant’s work experience. Applicant’s military experience in United States. Armed forces, in a state militia (U.S.) or in a particular branch of the U.S. armed forces. | Applicant’s military experience (general). Type of military discharge. |
| “Have you ever been convicted of any crime?” If so, when, where and disposition of case. | “Have you ever been arrested?” |
| Name of applicant’s relatives already employed by this company. Name and address of parent or guardian if applicant is a minor. | 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/emergency. | Name and address of relative to be notified in case of accident/emergency. |
| Organizations, clubs, professional societies or other associations of which applicant is a member, excluding any names that indicate the race, religious creed, color, national origin or ancestry of its members. | 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. |
| “Do you have any physical condition which may limit your ability to perform the job applied for?” Statement by employer that offer may be made contingent on passing a physical exam. | “Do you have any physical disabilities?” Questions on general medical condition Inquiries as to receipt of Workmen’s Compensation. |
| Notice to applicant that any misstatements or omissions of material facts in his/her application will be cause for dismissal. | Any inquiry that is not job-related or necessary for determining an applicant’s eligibility for employment. |
