I-9
The I-9 is a required employment form used in the United States to verify a person's right to work in the country. Every employer must complete this form for all new hires, whether they are U.S. citizens or not. It's like a legal checklist where employers verify identity documents (such as driver's licenses and social security cards) to confirm someone can legally work. Not having proper I-9 documentation can result in significant fines for companies, which is why many employers put special focus on this process.
Examples in Resumes
Managed I-9 compliance for 200+ employees across multiple locations
Conducted regular I-9 audits to ensure company compliance with federal regulations
Implemented digital I-9 verification system to streamline new hire onboarding
Led training sessions on proper Form I-9 completion and documentation requirements
Typical job title: "HR Compliance Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find HR Compliance Specialists
Professional Organizations
Government Resources
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle an I-9 audit for a company with multiple locations?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating an audit plan, reviewing all I-9 forms for completeness, addressing any missing documentation, implementing corrective actions, and developing company-wide procedures to prevent future issues.
Q: What steps would you take to transition from paper I-9s to an electronic system?
Expected Answer: Should explain project planning, vendor selection, data migration, training staff, ensuring security compliance, and maintaining proper backup systems.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the most common I-9 compliance mistakes and how do you prevent them?
Expected Answer: Should identify issues like missing signatures, incorrect document copies, late completion, and explain preventive measures like training, checklists, and regular audits.
Q: How do you handle remote employee I-9 verification?
Expected Answer: Should explain the authorized representative process, proper documentation requirements, and maintaining compliance while managing remote workers.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the three sections of the I-9 form and when must they be completed?
Expected Answer: Should explain Section 1 (employee information - day one), Section 2 (employer verification - within 3 days), and Section 3 (reverification if needed).
Q: What documents are acceptable for I-9 verification?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain List A, B, and C documents and provide common examples of each, such as passport, driver's license, and social security card.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic I-9 form completion
- Document verification
- File maintenance
- Basic compliance understanding
Mid (2-5 years)
- I-9 audit preparation
- Training development
- Process improvement
- Remote I-9 management
Senior (5+ years)
- Compliance program development
- Multi-location I-9 management
- Electronic verification systems
- Internal audit leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unfamiliarity with basic I-9 timeframes and requirements
- No knowledge of acceptable documentation types
- Lack of attention to detail in compliance matters
- No experience with compliance audits or reviews
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Navigating the Legal Labyrinth: Unpacking Global Labor Laws for Transnational Teams
Navigating Compliance: Structuring On-the-Job Training in Regulated Industries
ATS Benefits For Recruiters: A 2025 Guide to Smarter Hiring
