Employment/Personnel Issues Hiring, Firing and Applying

Hiring Practices

Hiring Practices Most states, including Alabama, are called “at will” states. Employment cases are hard to win in these states. However, companies do try to comply with government regulations so they don’t get sued.

Discrimination EEOC Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces the Equal Employment Opportunity Act In a nutshell, federal employers or contractors cannot discriminate in hiring qualified Minorities Women Persons with disabilities

Drug Testing The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 is the law that governs drug testing and rehab programs for employers. Common questions Is it against the law to drug test before you are hired? Can they refuse to employ you if you fail the drug test? Can you draw unemployment benefits for being fired for using drugs? Do you have to sign the drug test consent form?

Drug Testing Answers It is not against the law for an employer to require you to take a drug test before you are hired. You can be refused employment if you fail the drug test. You cannot draw unemployment benefits if you are fired for using drugs. If one is required and you want to be considered for the job, then yes, you have to sign a drug consent form.

Pre-Employment Tests Tests can be given to see if you have the knowledge, skills, temperament or personality to work there. The tests MUST be related to the job and MUST be a valid indicator of success on the job.

Background Checks/Fingerprinting A background check may be required. Can you name some businesses that might require a background check?

Traffic Checks If you apply to work for a company in which you will be driving or using a company vehicle Checks include Tickets Wrecks Valid Driver’s License If insurance has ever cancelled you

Employment Termination

Termination According to Business Week magazine, 3.8 of every 100 employees are fired or resign from their job each month. If you are terminated (fired or laid off), you employer MAY offer you a severance package. A severance package is where the employer gives you certain things such as a one-time monetary payment, continued health insurance for a period of time, or stock options.

You cannot be fired for . . . Military obligations Jury duty Worker’s Compensation Claims Complaints to EEOC or OSHA Union activity Discriminatory reasons

Quitting It is a good practice to submit a letter of resignation to employers. NEVER quit a job in anger. NEVER just walk off the job. The right thing includes giving two weeks notice, working a full day’s work each day during that time, and NEVER bad mouthing the company or employer before, during or after you quit.

Why? DON’T BURN YOUR BRIDGES . . . You’ll never know when you might need to cross back over them. To continue your good reputation You might need a reference If you quit, you are NOT eligible for unemployment benefits.

Employment Forms

Employment Forms

The Application Be prepared to fill out the application at the job location – NOT take it with you. Many require that you complete the application onsite. Sometimes you might get an interview right after you fill out your application. For this reason, be sure to take . . .

Take these items with you to fill out an employment application Your resume Two black pens Two pencils Copies of any recommendation letters Portfolio (samples of your work) References information (names, addresses, phone numbers, email) Your social security card Your driver’s license Maybe even a pocket dictionary

To get your application noticed, If you can, type your application. If not, write neatly in black ink. Make it easy for the employer to contact you Don’t leave anything blank; if it doesn’t apply to you write N/A for not applicable. Consider the application as a sample of your work.

Health Questions Health issues or any type of disability that would hinder your job performance Be honest, but positive. Possible answers Excellent (instead of good) No problem which limits my ability to work productively – to be explained in the interview. Minor problems like nearsightedness or appendix removal need not be mentioned.

Class standing If your class standing is low, don’t just write “in lowest quarter of class” Add to that a positive point, for example “but my grades improved during the last semester of school” OR “that you did well in a subject related to that job.For example, you are applying for a cashier’s job and did well in math.

Salary Question What do you expect to make? Unless you know what the job pays, a good answer to the salary question is “prevailing wage” (that means what is normal). If you have experience, put “open for discussion”

When are you available? Beginners should say “immediately” Presently employed workers should put “on two weeks notice” Unemployed applicants with experience can be “arranged in interview”. In this case, you wouldn’t want to put “immediately.” It stands out that you are out of a job.

Reasons for leaving last position Emphasize the positive “Opportunity for advancement Sought broader experience Don’t put Poor working conditions OR Unreasonable supervisor

REMEMBER Lying on your application is grounds for IMMEDIATE dismissal Don’t do it!

The W-4 The W-4 is a tax-related form that is required by the IRS of every employee, every time you get a new job Withholding Declaration How much should they keep out of your check? How many dependents do you have?

Work Permit A work permit application and form is required by anyone employed under the age of 19 who is enrolled in school Work Permits are NOT required by the federal government.

Resume and Cover Letters See Resume and Cover Letter powerpoint