Employment

It should not. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, you can’t be denied employment based on a criminal record alone. It requires the employer to also consider

No, the California Labor Code prohibits an employer from seeking salary history information about an applicant for employment. Salary history information includes both your rate of compensation and information about other benefits. Read More

Yes, you have the right to review your personnel files and make copies of documents you've signed in California. Read More

In California, criminal histories (rap sheets) compiled by law enforcement agencies are not public record. Only certain employers such as public utilities, law enforcement, security guard firms and child care facilities have access to this information.

In California, employers can’t seek the arrest record of a potential employee (even though arrest record information is public record). If an applicant is out of jail but awaiting trial, employers can inquire regarding an arrest.

You can take steps to prepare for an employee background check before you apply for a new job. By doing so, you could reduce the chance of being surprised by inaccurate or forgotten information that could show up during the background check process.