4 ways to make your hiring blind to discrimination.

The hiring process is a main flashpoint for discrimination charges. But it's hard to discriminate against applicants based on characteristics like age and race if you never know they belong to a particular protected class. That's why more employers are creating "blind" hiring processes. Four key steps to avoid liability:

1. Consider accepting applications almost exclusively online.

   You can make exceptions for applicants who need a paper copy because of self-identified disabilities. Design the application website to comply with accessibility guidelines.

2. Have someone who won't be participating in the actual hiring process review all applications to make sure they are complete and to make initial calls to determine if candidates can interview. If an applicant identifies a need for a reasonable accommodation, honor that request.

3. Consider...