• The HR Specialist - Print Newsletter
  • HR Specialist: Employment Law
  • The HR Weekly

Hiring

To google or not: Legitimate screening method or privacy breach?

01/01/2008

The popularity of Internet blogs and social networking sites such as MySpace, LinkedIn, Facebook and Friendster is causing confusion and concern for some employers. At a time when it’s easy to search the web for information on just about anyone, what steps should a reasonable employer take to investigate the background of an employee? …

Consent required to run background checks on internal applicants?

01/01/2008

Q. We are considering applicants for a management position, including several internal applicants. Our policy is to obtain background checks on all candidates from a consumer reporting agency. If the internal applicants signed consent forms when we originally hired them, do we need to get new consent forms from them? — J.P. …

Internal thefts and background checks: What if employees withhold consent?

01/01/2008

Q. We are getting ready to conduct an internal investigation into a series of thefts that have occurred within one of our offices. We would like to obtain background checks from some of the suspected employees, but are concerned that they may refuse to execute the necessary consent forms. Can we require them to do so? — A.K. …

Background checks for everyone?

01/01/2008

Q. I’ve always heard that Georgia does not require that background checks be conducted on employees, except for certain types of employees who work with children or the elderly. Our new HR director believes that background checks are required for other employees as well. Who’s right? — W.P. …

Do your pre-Hire tests carry lawsuit risks? New EEOC guidance helps make the call

01/01/2008

The EEOC last month issued an extensive fact sheet that explains how federal anti-discrimination laws apply to pre-hire tests. The nonbinding guidance focuses on the best—and legal—practices for cognitive tests, personality tests, medical exams, credit checks and criminal background tests …

Worker’s criminal past won’t immediately get discrimination case tossed

01/01/2008

When an employee sues you for employment discrimination, it’s natural to want to learn more about the person suing you and whether he may have sued others. That information is readily available. But don’t expect that even a fraud conviction related to false employment claims will get the case tossed out …

Who screened these screeners?

01/01/2008

An investigation by federal, state and Chicago authorities uncovered no fewer than 23 illegal immigrants working in security-sensitive areas at O’Hare International Airport. Ideal Staffing Solutions Inc., of Bensenville, employed the workers …

Michigan Legislature considers illegal immigration laws

01/01/2008

While federal immigration reform remains in limbo, several Michigan lawmakers have proposed a package of bills that would crack down on companies that hire illegal immigrants. The laws would make it a felony to knowingly hire an illegal worker …

Class-Action status granted for disgruntled immigrant workers

01/01/2008

A Mexican woman has been granted permission to serve as the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit against a company that recruits and places temporary agricultural workers on farms and other agricultural operations in North Carolina and other states. The woman claims that International Labor Management Corporation purposely placed women in less lucrative temporary visa programs than men …

Don’t get stumped: 25 interviewee questions to prepare for

01/01/2008

Your interview with a top candidate goes well. At the end, you toss out the obligatory, “Are there any other questions?” The candidate asks, “What’s the turnover rate in the department where I would work? What are the main reasons employees leave and where do they go?” The question catches you off guard …