The following information is sometimes requested on standard employment applications, though candidates might consider some of it to be private or personal.

• A job applicant’s social security number

• An applicant’s arrest record

• An employee’s medical records

• An employee’s marital status

• Whether a job applicant smokes

• An employee’s political affiliation

• An employee’s sexual orientation

• An employee’s credit rating

1. Which of the following items about an employee might an employer have a legitimate claim to know, and why?

2. What facts are relevant to your decision?