PHRCA Hiring and Onboarding Practices Questions and Answers

Question 1

A California company with 10 employees is hiring for a non-managerial accounting position that involves handling more than $10,000 in cash on a regular basis. The company wants to run a consumer credit report as part of its pre-employment screening process. Under California law, what must the employer do BEFORE obtaining the report?

Accepted Answer

Notify the applicant in writing that a credit report will be obtained and specify the permitted exception under the law.

Answer

California Labor Code Section 1024.5 severely restricts the use of consumer credit reports for employment purposes. However, an exception exists for positions that involve regular access to $10,000 or more in cash. Even when an exception applies, the employer must provide a written notice to the applicant stating that a credit report will be used and must specify the exact exception that permits the check. Verbal consent is insufficient, and salary history inquiries are illegal in California.

Question 2

According to California's Fair Chance Act (Ban the Box), at which stage of the hiring process is an employer with 15 employees permitted to ask a candidate about their criminal conviction history?

Accepted Answer

After a conditional offer of employment has been made.

Answer

California's Fair Chance Act, which applies to employers with five or more employees, prohibits employers from inquiring about an applicant's conviction history before a conditional offer of employment has been made. This includes questions on job applications and during interviews. The inquiry can only occur after the employer has decided the candidate is qualified and has extended a job offer contingent upon the results of the background check.

Question 3

Which of the following documents must a California employer provide to all new hires at the time of hiring to comply with state-specific onboarding requirements?

Accepted Answer

The Disability Insurance Provisions pamphlet (DE 2515).

Answer

California's Employment Development Department (EDD) requires employers to provide all new employees with the Disability Insurance Provisions pamphlet (DE 2515). This pamphlet provides information on the state's Disability Insurance (DI) program. Other required documents include the Paid Family Leave pamphlet (DE 2511) and the Workers' Compensation 'Time of Hire' pamphlet. Requesting a prior performance review, providing a full employee list, or sharing financial reports are not legally mandated onboarding requirements.

Question 4

An interviewer for a company in San Francisco is impressed with a candidate's experience but is concerned about their potential commute. Which of the following questions is a lawful way to address this concern during the pre-offer stage?

Accepted Answer

"Are you able to meet the attendance requirements for this position, including starting at 8:00 AM daily?"

Answer

It is illegal in California to ask questions that could reveal an applicant's protected status, such as marital status, family status, or specific address (which could indicate national origin or race). It is also illegal to inquire about salary history. The appropriate and legal way to address attendance concerns is to ask a direct, job-related question about the applicant's ability to meet the position's scheduling requirements.

Question 5

A California employer receives a Notice of Inspection from a federal immigration agency to review the company's Forms I-9. Under state law, what is the employer's primary obligation regarding its current employees?

Accepted Answer

The employer must provide a written notice of the inspection to all current affected employees within 72 hours.

Answer

California law (Labor Code sections 90.2 and 1019.2) requires employers to notify affected employees within 72 hours of receiving a notice of a federal agency's inspection of Forms I-9 or other employment records. The notice must be in writing and also provided to the employee's collective bargaining representative, if any. This state requirement is in addition to the employer's obligation to cooperate with the federal agency.

PHRca - Professional in Human Resources - California Practice Test

PHRca - Professional in Human Resources - California Practice Test

PHRCA Hiring and Onboarding Practices Questions and Answers