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How to Hire Successfully

Hiring Tips From An Expert

More than half those surveyed in The Mechanics Bank Business Optimism Survey and Indexsay they plan to hire in the coming year. Here's some advice from Peggy Goularte, Human Resource Manager at The Mechanics Bank, which employs over 600:

1) Start with a list. Make a good list of legal questions and work all the way through it. Avoid forbidden questions under state and federal law, especially under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1990 and the employment section of the state Fair Employment and Housing Act. Asking prohibited questions could land you in court.

2) Don’t rely on "gut feelings" and don’t take anything at face value. Past behavior predicts future performance, so always ask for examples of a claimed skill or experience. The applicant probably prepared for all the standard interview questions so drill down to get more insight.

3) Use a good, unbiased assessment tool. These can help match the right person to the job opening.

4) Read resumes carefully. Two big red flags are lack of stability (job-hopping) and a series of jobs with decreasing responsibilities. Ask for a description of responsibilities in each job; if it appears the applicant has not progressed as you’d expect, ask why.

5) Don’t count on references. Due to liability concerns most employers these days will only verify dates of employment. Don't give references on your own employees either.

6) Be familiar with applicable laws. For the full text of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, go to:

http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/vii.html.

Additional information for employers may be found on the Website of the California Chamber of Commerce at:

http://www.calchamber.com

And at the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing Web site:

www.dfeh.ca.gov.

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