Back in 1967, I turned in many applications to electronic corporations. Eventually I realized that, without first getting the draft from over me, no one would hire me, though I did get close once.
One thing I noticed on all the applications were questions concerning being a communist or having relationships with them. At that time I knew if I replied yes to either, any chance I did have would instantly evaporate. Companies associated with The Defense Department simply couldn’t hire anyone who might be suspect.
As I think back over it, I wonder. Being a communist might give a person something of an advantage. When an employer looks over an application, he just might prefer the communist.
I have some suspicions that it doesn’t much matter. Putting such questions on applications might be illegal. After all, we would not want to discriminate against those who want to destroy our way of life.