Can employers ask job applicants about criminal convictions?

In Washington, employers can ask job applicants about criminal convictions. However, there are some restrictions in place. Employers are prohibited from considering certain types of criminal convictions when making hiring decisions. For example, they are not allowed to consider convictions that are more than seven years old, nor can they consider convictions that have been sealed or expunged. Additionally, employers in Washington have a duty to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with criminal convictions, such as allowing them to reapply for a job, or making alternative arrangements for them to complete the hiring process. Lastly, employers in Washington can only ask about certain types of criminal convictions, such as felonies and misdemeanors, and not those relating to juvenile offenses. They must also provide applicants with a list of the specific types of convictions that they are asking about and must treat applicants with similar convictions in an equal manner. In short, employers in Washington can ask about criminal convictions as part of the job application process, but must be mindful of legal restrictions. They must also provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with criminal convictions and must ensure that they treat all applicants with similar convictions in an equal manner.

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Can employers ask job applicants about criminal convictions?

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