Title VII Civil Rights Act 1964: Federal law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Application forms must avoid questions that could reveal these protected characteristics.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal law that restricts disability-related questions during the application stage and requires reasonable accommodations in the application process.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Federal law protecting individuals 40 and older from age discrimination. Application forms should avoid direct age-related questions.

Immigration Reform and Control Act: Federal law permitting questions about work authorization in the US, while prohibiting discrimination based on citizenship status.

Fair Credit Reporting Act: Federal law establishing requirements for background check notifications and consent requirements for credit checks during application process.

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA): Federal law prohibiting the collection of genetic information during the application process.

Ban the Box Laws: State-specific laws restricting when and how employers can inquire about criminal history on job applications.

Salary History Bans: State-specific laws prohibiting employers from asking about previous salary information during the application process.

State Discrimination Protections: State-specific laws providing additional protected categories and varying requirements by jurisdiction beyond federal protections.

State Privacy Laws: State-specific requirements regarding data collection, storage, and disclosure in employment applications.