California job applications must comply with state and local anti-discrimination and fair hiring laws.
Applications should not include unlawful inquiries such as:
- Age or date of birth
- Disability or medical history questions
- Salary history inquiries (prohibited under Labor Code § 432.3)
- Criminal history questions prior to a conditional offer (under California’s Fair Chance Act)
Employers must also provide appropriate disclosures for background checks under federal and state law.
Improper application questions frequently become evidence in discrimination claims. Periodic review of hiring documents is essential.
