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The Critical Step Harried Hiring Managers Leave Out

“I need this job filled, and I want it posted today!” No surprise that managers who are short an employee want a new hire instantly, but that’s a dangerous approach. Slow down, step back, and figure out what you are looking for. In their eagerness to start interviewing, many managers launch their search before they […]

Ask the Trainer: Storytelling During Training

A:  Stories help learners remember key points from training sessions, reinforce the content, and help new trainers feel more poised and comfortable, says Mark Satterfield, founder and CEO of Gentle Rain Marketing, LLC (www.GentleRainMarketing.com), and author of Unique Sales Stories: How to Persuade Others Through the Power of Stories. “People remember stories,” he says. “People are […]

Solis’ Proposed Budget Opens Door for 358 More DOL Inspectors, Staff

Today, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis hosted her third live Web chat during her tenure with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). During the session, Solis answered questions on the department’s proposed budget for the 2011 fiscal year. She touched briefly on the agency’s plans with the requested $116.5 billion, a decrease from last year’s […]

Disability and Group Insurance Plans? How Do You Rate?

No one plans on becoming disabled. But accidents and illnesses happen, and they can confine workers to bed for weeks … or longer. A serious disability takes away more than workers’ earnings—it can take away their sense of control over their own lives. Do your employees understand the importance of ensuring that they receive a […]

‘Want to Take a Ride in My New Car?’

We recently covered weird interview questions on the part of the hiring manager. This week we look at some odd questions asked on the other side of the desk. Here are a few responses from a recent OfficeTeam survey that collected weird inquiries from the interviewee. Here are a few: “Do I have to be […]

‘I Didn’t Know You Wanted Me Here Every Day!’

Yesterday’s issue emphasized the necessity of sharing your attendance expectations with employees. Here are the key points that BLR’s popular 10-Minute HR Trainer suggests you stress in employee training on attendance. 1. Employer Expectations Regarding Attendance Regular attendance is a requirement of every employee’s job. It is important because: High absenteeism rates reduce productivity. Absenteeism […]

Potential Pitfall in Social Media Screening of Potential Hires

The Internet Age and, more specifically, the social media age have added a new element to the hiring process. Rather than relying predominantly on what employees say about themselves on their résumés and cover letters, or what their handpicked cheerleaders say about them in letters of recommendation, employers can easily type a candidate’s name into […]

State-to-State Conflicts in Employment Law

by Mark I. Schickman The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) lists as one of its purposes the creation of a uniform national labor policy. That might have been the thought nearly 80 years ago when the NLRA was enacted, but it is the furthest thing from the truth today — as state-to-state conflicts in employment […]

California’s minimum wage expected to increase to $10

by Cathleen S. Yonahara On September 12, a bill that would increase California’s minimum wage passed the California Legislature and was sent to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature. Governor Brown has expressed support for the bill, stating, “This legislation is overdue and will help families that are struggling in this harsh economy.” Assembly Bill (AB) […]