This essay compares the regulatory environment of the hiring process in the United States and South Africa, two countries with different cultures, legal systems, and economic conditions. The essay begins with information about the structure of the governments and legal systems of both countries. Later, I analyze statutory and case law relating to anti-discrimination, employee privacy and employee contracts. This paper seeks to compare the effectiveness of regulations in these two countries when it comes to addressing deep societal issues including poverty and unemployment. I conclude that more progressive employment law and protection of employee rights does not directly translate to decreased unemployment and poverty. Employment law is only a first step in solving these issues.