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Hiring

Cut lawsuit risk by listing minimum job qualifications

03/11/2015
Be sure your job announcements list minimum qualifications applicants must have. That way, if someone who lacks the right background sues, the case can quickly be dismissed.

Can I refuse to hire union members?

03/10/2015
Q. I am considering hiring an applicant to work at my steel refinery. The only problem is that he is affiliated with a local trade union, and I am doing everything I can to keep my business union-free. Can I refuse to hire him for this reason?

Cracking down on internal theft problem? Be sure to handle criminal checks properly

03/10/2015
Has your workplace experienced an increase in theft? If so, you’re probably exploring loss-prevention measures. While you assess your options, make sure you don’t crack down on employees in ways that will land you in court.

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.