applications and background checks

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

In placing a tranfer application within the same company,I notice they do a background check , which requires you to enter you SS number and birthdate.

Isn't it illegal to ask for your age on an application?

If that's the case that it isn't , I can see why so many over 40's can't get jobs

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I applied to a health system in California and was asked for my date of birth. Here's the caveat...it was a 'supplemental' part of the application for employment.

Hence, you could choose to not complete the section since it was 'supplemental,' but you probably will not be considered for a job if you leave it blank because they supposedly need the info to conduct the background check.

I think this is a roundabout way of finding out a candidate's age before calling them for an interview. After all, the info needed to initiate the background check could be gathered after they make the decision to hire.