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Bullet-proof your promotion process: Tell everyone to forward notes and documents to HR

02/13/2012
When it comes to promotions, courts want employers to be honest and fair. Otherwise, they won’t interfere—unless the employer has no records to back up its promotion decisions or show how its decision-making process worked.

Can Native Americans refuse to provide an SSN?

02/09/2012
Q. A new hire is refusing to provide his Social Secur­­ity number because he does not want taxes withheld from his paycheck. He argues that since he is Native American, the U.S. government is not entitled to tax him. Is he required to provide this information? Can we withdraw our employment offer if he continues to refuse?

Let ’em know: Post all promotion opportunities

02/03/2012
Here’s an easy fix for a potentially big problem: Post all promotion openings. If you do, only employees who actually apply can take you to court. That can save thousands in legal fees and lost productivity. It also signals to employees that you value them and encourage equal opportunity.

The ‘surge home’: Welcome service members back to work

01/31/2012
U.S. combat operations in Iraq ended in December, and the Depart­ment of Defense is gradually drawing down forces in Afghanistan. As you rehire employees returning from military service, make sure you follow USERRA guidelines. How to comply:

Court: New promotion test lists aren’t discriminatory

01/31/2012
Employers that compile promotion lists based on test results should tell employees that the lists will be updated periodically.

Beware asking applicants about medical histories before making job offer

01/31/2012

Tempted to ask applicants about their past medical history, disabilities or other private information related to potential disabilities? Don’t do so before you make a job offer.

Feel free to authenticate suspicious documents

01/31/2012
Employers may be suspicious about a prospective worker’s claimed professional credentials or other certifications—especially if it seems like the documents may have been altered or forged. If you have such doubts, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

Would you hesitate to hire someone who has been unemployed for a year?

01/31/2012
As the economy struggles to rebound, the stigma of long-term unemployment has lost some of its sting.

In Thomasville, prospective principal pockets $25,000

01/27/2012
Thomasville City Schools will pay $25,000 and provide age discrimination training to key personnel under a settlement agreement with a would-be school principal and the EEOC.

Take notes on all reference-check calls

01/27/2012

Sometimes, it’s a close call to decide who will be the best fit for a job or promotion. There may be several candidates with the relevant education, training and experience. If that’s the case, the decision may come down to who has the best “soft” skills—subjective qualities indicating a good fit. Checking applicants’ references can break that tie.