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Employment Search Guidelines

The selection and search practices for employment vacancies at The College of New Jersey must be free of discrimination or the appearance of discrimination. Pre-employment inquiries during the selection process should be directly related to the advertised position and qualifications outlined.

As a general rule, all applicants should be treated in a similar manner. It is important to maintain consistency relative to the questions posed to each candidate and in determining the requirements for the advancement of each candidate through the process.

Federal and state laws combine to prohibit discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, sex, disability, or liability for service in the Armed Forces.

The following laws prohibit employment discrimination:

• New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.
• Chapter 7 of New Jersey Department of Personnel Law, N.J.S.A. 11A:7-1 et. seq.
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000e, et. seq., as amended
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. 621, et. seq.
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794
• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101

DIRECT OR INDIRECT QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ABOVE TOPICS COULD RESULT IN AN EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT IF THE APPLICANT IS NOT HIRED OR PROMOTED.  ASK ONLY JOB-RELATED QUESTIONS TO AVOID CONTROVERSY!

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO AVOID:

• "Are you expecting/pregnant?"
• "How old are your children?"
• "Have you ever been divorced?"
• "Where were you born?"
• "What country are you from?"
• "Could you provide a photo of yourself?"
• "Do you own or rent your home?"
• Any personal questions that are not job-related should be avoided, including:
• Questions about a spouse or relatives
• Questions about one's personal financial history
• Questions about medical condition/history

ANY INQUIRY THAT IS NOT JOB-RELATED OR NOT NECESSARY FOR DETERMINING AN APPLICANT'S ABILITY TO DO THE JOB CAN BE CONSTRUED AS WRONG AND/OR UNLAWFUL

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Reference Check Guidelines

The following items serve as a guideline for performing professional reference checks on candidates for employment at The College of New Jersey.  Prior to making contact, be prepared to make written notes utilizing the Reference Check Form provided.

1. Determine the relationship between the candidate and the reference.  Is the reference a business associate, a supervisor, subordinate, or colleague?  Professional references are preferred over personal references.  Personal references will only be accepted in cases where the candidate has no prior work history.
2. Ascertain the length of time that a candidate and the reference have known each other. Frequently, the most recent reference has had the shortest relationship with the candidate.  A reference having long term experience of the candidate can often provide more credible information.
3. Describe, for the benefit of the reference the duties of the position being searched. Include in the description any specific qualifications that are required such as a license, degree or experience.
4. Ask the reference to describe specific strengths and weaknesses that the candidate possesses.  It is important that you get as much detail as possible in this area.  Be persistent in getting beyond general statements about the candidate.  Ask probing questions to determine areas that may provide insight about the candidate's working relationships and job performance.  Assure your contact that this conversation will remain absolutely confidential.
5. Summarize the information provided by the reference to confirm that what you have recorded is accurate and complete.

6. Solicit the opinion of the reference as to the appropriateness of the position for the candidate, i.e., why do they think the candidate will be successful in the position.
7. Thank the reference for their time and input, and encourage follow up contact if beneficial.

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Reference Check Form

Position: ___________________________________  Dept: _______________________

Candidate's Name: ________________________________________________________

Contact's Name/Title: ______________________________________________________

Company, College or University Name: ________________________________________

Telephone Number: __________________________

Job Tasks & Skills: ________________________________________________________

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Interpersonal Skills: ______________________________________________________

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License/Degree Requirements: ______________________________________________

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Additional Comments: _____________________________________________________

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Reference Taker's Name (print): _______________________________________

(Signature): ______________________________________

Date: ______________________

Please attach additional pages if needed.

 

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