The Criminal History Record Information Act forbids criminal convictions from being considered as part of the employment hiring decision process. In Pennsylvania, an employer may only consider an applicant's criminal history as it relates to misdemeanors and felony convictions.How to file a complaint if you believe an employer illegally asked about your criminal background during the job application process. There are many state and local laws that protect you from discrimination in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Know your rights as a job applicant. If an employer decides not to hire someone based on his or her criminal record, the employer must so inform the applicant in writing (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. If a job applicant has a criminal history, your agency must request approval to hire the employee prior to the final selection. An employer in Pennsylvania can't discriminate against an individual based upon their criminal history after receiving an application. Regarding criminal record discrimination, employers may not discriminate against job applicants with similar criminal records based on protected classes. What laws protect me from discrimination based on my criminal record?