Utah Contractor Practice Exam

Under what circumstance can an employer lawfully deny employment?

1. No work experience or social security number

2. The employee looks too old

3. The employee is a female

4. Heavy lifting is involved

The correct answer is: No work experience or social security number

An employer can lawfully deny employment based on the absence of work experience or a social security number because these factors relate directly to the individual's ability to perform the job legally and effectively. A social security number is essential for legal employment in the United States, as it is necessary for tax reporting and verification of the employee's eligibility to work. Similarly, having the relevant work experience is crucial, as it indicates the candidate's capability and readiness to fulfill the job's requirements. The other options presented do not provide lawful foundations for denying employment. Making employment decisions based on a candidate's appearance, such as looking "too old," or their gender, such as being female, constitutes discrimination and is prohibited under federal and state employment laws. Denying employment solely based on physical requirements related to heavy lifting also requires consideration of whether the individual can meet those essential job functions, typically done through an assessment of their abilities rather than outright denial based on assumptions.