Who, What, Why . . .

Who does it apply to: Every employer, but especially those subject to discrimination laws (over 15 employees).

What pre-search considerations are there: There are a lot of things to consider before you even announce a job. You should determine if you will search internally, outside the company, through the newspaper, or use the internet. Whatever you select, make sure that your posting reaches all demographics. For example, considering only local residents in an almost all black neighborhood would be discriminatory toward Hispanics. Prepare your job description in advance and base it on the actual needs of the position and not your personal views. Just because a job is physically demanding is not a reason to exclude people over 40. Make sure you use an application form that does not suggest discrimination or ask for information on protected characteristics such as age and religion.