Are employers allowed to require job applicants to provide references?

In Washington, employers are allowed to require job applicants to provide references. It is important to remember, however, that employers must adhere to the state’s employment discrimination laws. This means that employers may not discriminate against an applicant based on their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected status. Employers may require references but must ensure that their pre-employment procedures do not discriminate. For example, employers cannot require references from only certain genders, religions, or other protected statuses. Employers must also avoid making assumptions about an applicant’s ability to do the job based on a reference from a certain demographic or background. For example, employers may not limit their choice of applicants to those with certain backgrounds if the job does not require certain educational, experience, or financial qualifications. Ultimately, employers in Washington are allowed to require job applicants to provide references, but must ensure that their policies do not violate any state or federal employment discrimination laws. Employers must also avoid making assumptions about an applicant’s ability to do the job based on references from certain backgrounds.

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Are employers allowed to require job applicants to provide references?

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