Hiring

Screening/Hiring: Overview

12/28/2014

HR Law 101: Protecting yourself and your company from lawsuits starts the minute you decide to hire someone. Potential lawsuit land mines line your path. Federal laws provide a patchwork of legislation protecting workers and applicants from discrimination by employers …

What employers want from job applicants

12/26/2014

Aside from technical skills acquired through education and training, employers seek applicants with “soft skills” above all else.

What restrictions limit child labor?

12/24/2014

Q. One of my employees asked if her 15-year-old son could work for my business. Under Texas law, in which occupations may teenagers be employed?

Texas boom continues

12/24/2014

More than 2.1 million jobs have been created in Texas since 2000, nearly a third of all jobs created nationwide during that time. Over the last 12 months, 413,000 jobs have been added to the Texas economy.

Job announcements: Can more details = fewer lawsuits?

12/19/2014

Many employers provide skimpy details on their websites about job openings. The legal problem: Less information can lead to a higher number of unqualified applicants. And when applicants have to speculate at the reasons they’ve been rejected, they’re more likely to sue.

Homebuilder targets teens for future jobs

12/19/2014

Homebuilders across the country are having such a hard time hiring enough skilled construction workers and professional staff that many are forced to turn down jobs or delay projects. That’s why William Lyon Homes in Newport Beach, Calif., is recruiting its future workforce now.

Found talent within? Weigh pros, cons of internal hires

12/10/2014

At some point, every organization struggles with a decision of whether to promote from within or look outside for a candidate to fill a key vacancy. To put the issue into perspective, here’s a look at the pros and cons of hiring internally and externally.

Using Independent Contractors

12/10/2014

HR Law 101: Many organizations use independent contractors as a way to sidestep payroll taxes, expensive fringe benefits and red tape. But if the IRS concludes that those workers are really employees, the employer could be liable for back taxes, penalties and interest charges …

Temp to permanent? OK to set standards high

12/08/2014

The temp-to-permanent track can be a win-win for everyone. It’s perfectly fine to establish high standards for making the jump to permanent employment.

IRS Audits: Worker Classification

12/04/2014

HR Law 101: The IRS has the burden of proof when it interrogates an employer about its worker classifications. Before the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, the onus was on the employer to prove that an individual didn’t qualify as an employee …