Interviewing and Selecting Job Candidates: Pennsylvania

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Christin Choi, Fisher Phillips

Summary

• The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) prohibits employers with four or more employees from refusing to hire an individual or independent contractor based on a host of protected characteristics. See PHRA Prohibitions.
• Private employers may adopt a veterans preference policy in employment provided it is in writing and is included in any job posting. See Veterans Preference.
• During the interview and selection process, employers should ask only those questions that are related to a potential employee's job qualifications and/or to a specific job-related purpose. See Interview Questions.
• Employers may consider job applicants' felony and misdemeanor convictions only to the extent such convictions relate to the applicant's suitability for employment in the position for which he or she has applied. See Arrest and Conviction Records.
• Employers are not required to provide job references for current or former employees. Employers may, however, disclose information about a current or former employee's job performance upon request of the prospective employer or the current or former employee. See Job References.
• Philadelphia has requirements pertaining to interviewing and selecting job candidates. See Local Requirements.