In a hiring situation, which of the following steps is necessary to establish a prima facie case of disparate treatment?

To establish a prima facie case of disparate treatment in a hiring situation, being qualified for the job is crucial. This indicates that the applicant possesses the necessary skills, experience, or education that the job requires. It establishes the individual's capability to perform the job effectively, making them a legitimate candidate for consideration.

Additionally, the employer seeking applications is an important step. This means that the employer is actively engaging in the hiring process and is open to considering candidates for the position. It helps to create a context where an applicant's qualifications can be evaluated against other candidates.

When both of these factors are present, they collectively lay the groundwork for an individual to argue that they were not hired based on discriminatory practices, which is central to proving disparate treatment. Having a qualified applicant who applied for a position that the employer is actively seeking to fill demonstrates a situation where discrimination can be assessed.