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Hiring

What’s the difference between an independent contractor and an employee?

10/26/2011
Q. How do I know when to classify a worker as a contractor or a true employee?

Be prepared to show business necessity if ­hiring rule excludes members of protected class

10/26/2011

Hiring rules that end up excluding many applicants who belong to a protected class can spell big trou­ble. That’s because if the rule has a disparate impact on any particular protected class, it may be invalid and could become the basis for a lawsuit. At a minimum, be prepared to show that the rule is based on business necessity.

Absolute ban on all who fail drug test upheld

10/25/2011
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has refused to reinstate a lawsuit based on a “one strike, you’re out” drug testing policy.

Disability group honors 9 firms for leadership

10/20/2011

The National Organization on Disability has cited nine companies for making the hiring of employees with disabilities a corporate priority. The “Fine Nine” include Sam’s Club, J.B. Hunt, Tyson Foods, Lowe’s, Aetna, Sodexo, ADP, Saint Barnabus Health Care System and Toys R Us.

EEOC says Texas Roadhouse won’t hire well-aged workers

10/18/2011
The EEOC has filed suit against the Texas Roadhouse, claiming the na­­tional restaurant chain discriminates against older workers by denying them “front of the house” hourly po­­si­­tions, steering them instead into kitchen jobs or refusing to hire them.

What’s your most effective way to attract new employees?

10/18/2011
HR pros count on the web and employee word of mouth to fill jobs.

What are the pitfalls of conducting background investigations on job applicants?

10/12/2011
Q. We use an outside company to conduct criminal background checks on applicants. The company asked us if we were interested in having it conduct searches on applicants’ past civil claims. Is that something we should do?

Act fast on firing for misconduct, or risk being liable for unemployment compensation

10/12/2011
If you want to fire someone for misconduct, here’s a good reason not to drag your feet on it. If the delay is too long between the alleged misconduct and the termination, the employee may get unemployment compensation.

Military outreach team recruits veterans

10/11/2011
Lockheed Martin is filling 1,000 jobs a year with military veterans and has expanded its recruiting efforts. Dedicated recruiters invite vets to face-to-face interviews with hiring managers and to participate in monthly online chats about employment opportunities.

Sorting through résumés? Make criteria clear

10/07/2011
These days, you’re probably receiving tons of résumés for open positions. You obviously can’t interview all candidates. But don’t get careless about whom you pick to advance to the next screening level.