Job Descriptions Job Description Compliance and Legal Requirements

Question 1

Which US federal law prohibits discriminatory language in job descriptions based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

Accepted Answer

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

Answer

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on protected characteristics, including in job postings.

Question 2

Under the ADA, what must an employer identify in a job description to support accommodation decisions?

Accepted Answer

Essential functions of the job

Answer

Identifying essential functions in writing helps employers justify accommodation decisions and defend against ADA-related legal claims.

Question 3

What is the ADEA, and how does it affect job description language?

Accepted Answer

Age Discrimination in Employment Act — prohibits language that discourages applicants over 40

Answer

The ADEA prohibits discrimination against workers 40 and older, meaning job descriptions should avoid terms like 'recent graduate' or 'young and energetic.'

Question 4

Which statement about salary history bans in US job descriptions is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Many states and cities have enacted salary history bans, so employers must check local law before including it

Answer

Salary history bans vary by jurisdiction; states like California, New York, and Illinois have passed such laws, requiring employers to know local requirements.

Question 5

What is the potential legal risk of using the term 'English-only required' in a job description?

Accepted Answer

It may constitute national origin discrimination under Title VII unless justified by a genuine business necessity

Answer

Language requirements that are not genuinely necessary for job performance can be viewed as pretexts for national origin discrimination.

Job Descriptions Practice Test

Job Descriptions Practice Test

Job Descriptions Job Description Compliance and Legal Requirements