September 3, 2009 by Sam Narisi
The tricky thing about background checks: You actually have to pay attention to the results you get.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Background checks, Capitol Police, criminal records, hiring tests
August 21, 2009 by Sam Narisi
Does Mr. Potato Head have a place in employee training or new hire orientation? This employer thinks so.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Mr. Potato Head, Starbucks, training
August 21, 2009 by Sam Narisi
Employers generally have a lot of freedom to prohibit certain conduct at work. But regulating off-duty conduct can be tricky business.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Massachusets, off-duty conduct, smoking, wellness
April 27, 2009 by Sam Narisi
Companies often have specific dress or grooming standards employees need to follow, either for safety or appearance reasons. But what happens when a new hire says he can’t follow the rules because of his religion?
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: beards, grooming policy, religious accommodation
April 23, 2009 by Sam Narisi

As HR pros know, using pre-employment tests that have an adverse impact on a protected class can get companies dragged into court. But here’s some news: Trying to avoid a disparate impact can get you in trouble, too.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: discrimination, pre-employment testing, Supreme Court
April 15, 2009 by Sam Narisi
Many employers use some form of testing to help pick the best applicants to hire. But if the results aren’t watched closely enough, those tests can inadvertently lead to discrimination suits.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: discrimination, pre-employment test, selection
April 10, 2009 by Sam Narisi
No one likes working with jerks. But here’s a company that’s taking serious measures to keep them away.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: interview, jerks, policy
December 4, 2008 by Sam Narisi
Is it against the law to only hire applicants who speak fluent English?
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: EEOC, English-only rules, Salvation Army
November 4, 2008 by Sam Narisi
Here’s some scary news for companies that try to screen out drug users during the hiring process:
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: drug tests, employment screening, TestCountry
October 20, 2008 by Sam Narisi
When a job requires physical labor, a pre-employment physical is often a must to make sure new hires can work safely. Here’s how to give medical tests without being sued.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Americans with Disabilities Act, physical, tests