During the interview process, can a list of current employees be shown to the potential candidate to see who he/she knows and how they know them?
Rita Risser Chai replies:
An employer is allowed to “discriminate” against hiring family or friends of current employees. Many employers feel that people work better together if they don’t have other relationships outside of work. The way a lot of them implement this policy is simply by asking the applicant if they know anyone who works there. The idea of showing a list of current employees to applicants is a new one to me.
You might be concerned that this is an invasion of privacy of the employees on the list. However, generally speaking, where someone works is not considered “private information.” Think of all the people who already know they work there: co-workers, customers, vendors, delivery people, anyone who sees them walking in or out of the workplace, as well as countless other friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Thus, this is not likely to be an invasion of privacy. To get a definitive answer, contact a local employment attorney.
Posted 12-17-2019
Information here is correct at the time it is posted. Case decisions cited here may be reversed. Please do not rely on this information without consulting an attorney first.