Hiring

Court slams EEOC on background checks

03/10/2015

EEOC efforts to crack down on employers’ use of credit and criminal checks suffered a serious setback on Feb. 20 when the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling that exonerated an employer of illegally running discriminatory background checks on job applicants.

Safeguard against failure-to-hire suits by explaining how hiring process works

03/09/2015

Do you explain up front exactly how your hiring process works? If not, consider providing a written notice that outlines the process, especially if it’s a lengthy one and you collect applications even when you have no current openings. This may come in handy later if a disgruntled applicant sues, claiming she was blacklisted or suffered discrimination by not being called for an interview or otherwise being considered for a position.

Lure top candidates with engaging ad format

03/06/2015

What’s your online recruiting pitch like? Take a look at this clever ad format used by Hillel International to snag hot prospects.

Prodigal employee? Ensure hiring managers don’t know details of prior complaints

03/03/2015

Even after an employee who has participated in employment lawsuits or complaints is discharged for entirely legitimate reasons, he may later sue if he isn’t rehired. Then he’ll try to argue that his prior protected activity was the reason he wasn’t rehired. To avoid such lawsuits, make sure the hiring manager knows little or nothing about those prior activities.

Tips to follow if you insist on Googling applicants

02/26/2015

40% of respondents admitted to an HR Specialist poll that they sometimes Google applicants. If that’s you, at least do it safely.

Great interview question assumes offer is coming

02/19/2015

Here’s a novel question worth trying in an interview.

Know rules for running background checks

02/16/2015

Last year, three large employers learned that there are many wrong ways to perform employee background checks. Canon Solutions America, retailer Dollar General and the Publix supermarket chain all wrote big checks to former job applicants as a result of technical errors in their background investigation policies.

Denying a permanent job to a marginal temp worker is OK

02/12/2015

When considering converting temporary employees into permanent staff members, you don’t have to accept an application from someone who has already proven to be a poor worker.

Guide gathers resources on employing disabled workers: Download it now

02/11/2015

The Obama administration has released a new guide for employers that compiles key federal resources related to the employment of people with disabilities.

Where in Texas do ‘ban the box’ laws apply?

02/10/2015

Q. I have been hearing a lot about “ban the box” laws lately—measures that limit when inquiry or investigation may be made into the criminal history of a job applicant. I am worried about how these laws could affect my business. To what extent has Texas adopted such policies, and could they endanger my company?