6 Steps to Leverage E-Verify

As a business owner, safeguarding your company’s integrity and promoting a lawful and trustworthy workforce is essential. When hiring new employees, you’ll need to verify their identity and employment eligibility through Form I-9. Along with physically reviewing their documents, E-Verify streamlines the process by allowing you to confirm employment eligibility electronically, making it faster and more convenient.

Follow these six steps to use E-Verify for your business: 

1: Enroll in E-Verify

You’ll need several pieces of information about your company for this task and sign a memorandum of understanding. If you have more than one location where you’ll be hiring, you can either choose to designate one site to create E-Verify cases for new employees for the whole company or enroll each site that will perform its own employment verifications.

2: Complete E-Verify Training

All employers who enroll and any users who will create cases must complete an E-Verify tutorial.

3: Create an E-Verify Case

Within 3 business days after a new hire’s first day, create an E-Verify case. To do this, you’ll input the information from sections 1 and 2 of the Form I-9.

4: Examine Documents

The employee must first transmit copies of the documents they plan to present. Then, during a live video call, complete the remote I-9 verification process by examining the documents to confirm they appear genuine.

5: Note the Use of E-Verify

Indicate you used the alternative procedure on Form I-9. This requires simply checking a box.

6: Keep Copies of All Documents

Make and retain clear and legible copies or electronic images of the documentation presented by employees for review in case of an audit.


Engaging in unlawful hiring practices can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to $3,000 per employee and possible imprisonment. While compliance with employment laws is essential for every employer, keeping up with the regulations can be both difficult and time-consuming.

Schedule a call to find out how Counter Point can protect your business and simplify your compliance processes.

Interview Strategies: Questions to Ask to Identify the Right Talent

Recruiting is an important, but time-consuming process that requires careful planning and the ability to identify and attract the right candidates. According to a recent survey of HR leaders conducted by our technology partner, isolved, it’s what keeps them up at night–65% expect recruiting to be just as difficult or even more challenging than last year. 

One of the most significant challenges in talent acquisition today is the shortage of qualified candidates. While the primary goal is to fill a role, it is equally crucial to ensure the candidate is the right fit for the organization. To help narrow down the list of applicants and make the best hiring decisions, it is beneficial to incorporate various types of interview questions into your hiring process.

Behavioral Questions

Behavioral interview questions are designed to assess how candidates have handled situations in the past, providing valuable insight into their future behavior and how they might perform under pressure. These questions typically begin with phrases like “Tell me about a time when…” or “Give me an example of…” By focusing on past experiences, employers can gauge a candidate’s problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to cope with stress.

For example, a common behavioral question might be: “Tell me about a time when you had to meet a tight deadline. How did you manage it?” This question helps to understand how the candidate prioritizes tasks, manages time, and handles the pressure of a looming deadline. The candidate’s response can reveal their organizational skills and ability to maintain productivity in stressful situations.

Situational Questions

Situational questions present hypothetical scenarios to candidates to understand how they would handle potential challenges. This type of question is particularly useful for assessing a candidate’s adaptability and problem-solving skills.

An example of a situational question is: “What would you do if you were assigned a project with unclear instructions and a short deadline?” This question assesses the candidate’s ability to seek clarity, prioritize tasks, and deliver results. Their response will reveal their proactive approach and how they handle uncertainty and tight deadlines.

Problem-Solving Questions

Problem-solving questions are crafted to test a candidate’s analytical skills and their approach to resolving issues. These questions often present a specific problem scenario and ask the candidate to come up with a solution. This allows the interviewer to evaluate the candidate’s critical thinking, creativity, and ability to work through complex situations.

For example, a typical problem-solving question might be: “How would you approach resolving a conflict between two team members?” The response to this question can indicate the candidate’s conflict resolution skills, their ability to foster a collaborative working environment, and their capacity to maintain team harmony.


These types of interview questions can significantly improve the quality of hires by ensuring that candidates are not only qualified but also a good fit for the culture and work environment. By thoughtfully crafting and using these questions, employers can make smarter hiring choices, leading to a more cohesive team. Incorporating behavioral, situational, and problem-solving questions into your interviews is key to finding the right talent and ensuring your organization’s long-term success.

Is your organization hiring? Reach out to us to learn how we can help streamline the process.

Best Practices for Effective Job Postings

In today’s competitive hiring environment, crafting an effective job posting is crucial. Considering that 75% of resumes are rejected before they reach the hiring manager, the key challenge is to write a description that attracts top talent while minimizing the number of unqualified applicants. 

Below are some best practices for writing your job posts, along with examples of effective and ineffective job postings. Creating a compelling job post involves several key elements. Here are some tips to help you make a strong first impression:

Make it Stand Out

Your job title should be more than just the position name. Add a hook or a few enticing details to make it stand out. For example, instead of simply posting “Call Center Representative,” enhance it with phrases like “Flexible Work with Growth Opportunities.” This can capture the interest of potential candidates who are looking for more than just a job title.

Highlight Your Culture

Give candidates a glimpse into what it’s like to work at your company. Include information about your culture, values, and team environment. Highlighting what makes your company unique can help prospective employees connect with your mission and envision themselves as part of your team.

Feature Key Benefits

Make your job posting stand out by listing the top perks your company offers. Be aware of current trends in employee benefits and ensure you highlight points that will resonate with job seekers. This could include health benefits, retirement plans, professional development opportunities, and more.

Share Key Aspects of the Job

Provide an overview of the most exciting and important aspects of the role. While you should avoid getting bogged down in excessive details, including key features of the job can help generate enthusiasm among prospective employees. This might include significant responsibilities, potential projects, or unique challenges associated with the role.

Focus on Flexibility

In today’s job market, flexibility is a highly valued perk. If the position is remote or offers the option to work from home part of the time, be sure to mention it. Additionally, provide details about the job’s location and whether you offer relocation assistance. Flexibility can be a significant draw for many candidates, so highlighting this aspect can give you a competitive edge.

For Example…

To illustrate these points, consider the following:

Good Job Post

Title: “Customer Service Representative – Flexible Work with Growth Opportunities”

Description: “Join our dynamic team and help us deliver outstanding customer service. At [Company Name], we value innovation, teamwork, and growth. Our employees enjoy a collaborative work environment, comprehensive health benefits, and ongoing professional development. This role offers the flexibility to work from home several days a week. If you’re passionate about helping others and eager to advance your career, we’d love to hear from you.”

Poor Job Post

Title: “Customer Service Representative”

Description: “Looking for a customer service representative. Must have good communication skills and be able to handle complaints.”


By following these tips and examples, you can create job postings that effectively attract top talent and make a positive first impression. If you need help perfecting your recruiting efforts, request a call with us today.

Navigating Pay Transparency

Pay Transparency (or salary transparency/wage transparency) is the practice of openly sharing compensation information with employees and job candidates. This often includes disclosing salary ranges for job postings and providing this information to current employees upon request, creating an open and equal environment.

A dozen states currently require or will soon require pay transparency, and the list continues to grow. Some of these laws mandate that employers list their intended pay range for a role in any publicized job description. This applies to workers in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New York (with specific laws in New York City, Ithaca, and Westchester County), Jersey City (New Jersey), Vermont, Washington, and Washington, D.C.

Other laws specify that job seekers are entitled to the pay range at certain stages of the hiring process, such as during the first interview or when receiving an offer. In some cases, candidates can request this information, while in others, the hiring manager must provide it proactively. These laws are enforced in Connecticut, Maryland, Nevada, Cincinnati, and Toledo (Ohio), and Rhode Island.

What This Means for You

Pay transparency is likely to impact your business if it hasn’t already. It is estimated that 1 in 3 workers will be impacted by pay transparency laws by 2025. This practice tends to promote greater pay equity by holding companies accountable for fair pay practices. It can also attract more talent and reduce inefficiencies in the hiring process, as candidates who are aware of salary ranges upfront are more likely to be satisfied with the offered compensation. 

Additional benefits include increased employee trust, retention, and engagement. However, pay transparency may also require employers to quickly reformulate pay practices and could expose your company to the risk of competitors poaching employees.

What You Can Do

Regardless of whether your state currently mandates pay transparency, it is advisable to review and ensure that salaries are equitable and aligned with your company’s pay strategy. Developing a comprehensive pay strategy and updating pay ranges is recommended. Conducting a salary analysis and creating a structured salary framework, either internally or with the help of a third party, can be highly beneficial. Additionally, having a thorough communication plan to introduce the new salary ranges once the project is completed is essential.

Note: For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice.


To learn more about how Counter Point can help support your compliance needs, request a call today!

New Jersey RetireReady: What Employers Need to Know

According to a recent survey conducted by AARP, a concerning one in five Americans over the age of 50 have no retirement savings, and more than half (61%) worry they will not have enough money to support them through their golden years. 

To help private-sector employees in New Jersey save for retirement, the State has launched “RetireReady NJ”, a program created by the New Jersey Secure Choice Savings Program Act and signed into law in 2019. With the rising concern over the retirement savings gap, this program aims to provide more workers in New Jersey with access to retirement savings plans.

What does this mean for employers?

Employers with 25 or more employees, that have been in business for at least two years without offering a qualified plan, are affected by this program.

The State has announced implementation deadlines for the RetireReady retirement program as follows:

  • Businesses with 40+ employees must comply by September 15, 2024
  • Businesses with 25-39 employees must comply by November 15, 2024

The New Jersey Department of the Treasury oversees compliance–employers who fail to register may be subject to hefty financial penalties.

What should employers do?

Employers can access resources and support through the New Jersey Retire Ready NJ website. The site offers detailed information, guidance, and tools to help businesses comply with the mandates and educate employees about the benefits.

Although signing up with the RetireReady program will allow you to comply with these mandates and fast-forward your ability to provide a retirement program to your employees, it’s not your only choice.  

You have options when it comes to complying with the New Jersey state mandate! Counter Point works with leading companies that provide qualifying retirement and 401(k) programs. We’d be happy to connect you, so they can provide you with resources and guidance on what your business needs to do to comply. 

For more information or assistance with compliance, don’t hesitate to schedule a call or send us an email


The bottom line

The New Jersey RetireReady mandates represent a significant step forward in promoting retirement savings among employees. By providing access to retirement plans and encouraging savings, you can help your workforce prepare for a more secure and comfortable retirement!

Note: For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice.

Best Practices for Effective Job Interviews

According to a recent Forbes article, 42% of candidates decline job offers as a direct result of a bad interview experience. What’s causing the unfavorable experience? 45% of negative reviewers cited the interviewers and 52% noted the overall hiring process. 

When it comes to hiring new talent, the job interview process is crucial. It’s the key to finding the right person for the right role. A well-conducted interview can reveal a candidate’s skills, personality, and potential fit within your organization. It can also boost the odds of having the ideal candidate accept your offer.

Here’s how you can ensure your interview process is thorough, effective, and a positive experience for both you and the candidate.

1. Involve the Right People

One of the first steps in conducting an effective interview is involving the appropriate team members. Depending on the stage of the interview, different individuals may need to participate. For instance:

  • Screening Interviews: These initial interviews are often handled by the HR department or an outside recruiter. Their primary goal is to filter out candidates who do not meet the basic requirements for the role.
  • Formal Interviews: Typically, these are conducted by the hiring manager and the candidate. The hiring manager dives deeper into the candidate’s qualifications and compatibility with the team and company culture.
  • Second or Third-Round Interviews: At this stage, it can be beneficial to include colleagues, other staff members, or even executives. This approach provides diverse perspectives on the candidate and ensures that multiple stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process.

2. Put the Candidate at Ease

Creating a comfortable environment for the candidate can lead to a more honest and open conversation. Thank them for their interest and help them relax by starting with small talk or general company information. This applies to virtual meetings as well. Next, outline the key responsibilities and duties of the job early in the conversation. This clarity helps candidates understand what is expected of them and can guide their responses. 

When asking your questions, give the candidate ample time to respond, and avoid interrupting. This not only shows respect but also allows the candidate to fully express their thoughts and experiences. Encourage the candidate to ask questions as well, fostering a two-way conversation.

3. Prepare Questions in Advance

A structured interview process is essential for fair and consistent evaluation. Develop a specific set of questions that you ask all potential hires. This consistency enables you to compare candidates objectively and ensures that all applicants are evaluated on the same criteria.

In addition, a structured approach can protect your organization from potential allegations of discrimination in hiring. By having a standardized set of questions, you demonstrate that all candidates are given equal opportunity to showcase their abilities and qualifications.

4. Share Next Steps

Ending the interview on a clear and positive note is just as important as starting it well. Provide the candidate with a timeline for the selection process, including when they can expect to hear back from you. This transparency helps manage their expectations and shows respect for their time and interest.

Additionally, clearly outlining the next steps demonstrates your organization’s professionalism and can leave a lasting positive impression on the candidate. Even if the candidate is not selected, a well-communicated process can encourage them to reapply for future opportunities or recommend your company to others.


Conducting an effective job interview requires thoughtful planning and consideration. By including the right individuals, putting candidates at ease, preparing questions ahead of time, and clearly outlining the next steps, you create a structured and positive interview experience. This method not only helps you identify the best fit for your role but also enhances your company’s reputation as an attractive workplace.

To learn more about creating a positive recruitment experience, schedule a call with one of our HCM Consultants. 

New Federal Overtime Rules Take Effect

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) recently introduced a new, final overtime rule, significantly impacting employers and employees, including making more salaried workers eligible for overtime.

In short, the new overtime rule mandates that exempt executive, administrative, and professional employees must be paid at least:   

  • $844 per week ($43,888 per year) beginning July 1, 2024 
  • $1,128 per week ($58,656 per year) beginning January 1, 2025 

Additionally, highly compensated employees must be paid on a salary basis and receive at least: 

  • $132,964 beginning July 1, 2024 
  • $151,164 beginning January 1, 2025 

These employees must meet the duties test and the salary level for the exempt status.  

Maintaining Compliance

Employers will need to devise a plan for how to address these changes to avoid FLSA violations. There are three main steps to take when determining a compliant course of action: 

  • Identify which exempt employees might be affected 
  • Calculate the hours worked by these employees 
  • Evaluate the options and decide how, and how much, these employees will be paid

Employees classified as exempt and earning less than $43,888 need to be identified. It’s important to include total incentive pay such as bonuses and commissions.

Employers must either:  

  • Increase their pay to $43,888 by July 1, 2024 
  • Reclassify them as hourly non-exempt and determine a new hourly rate on their current salary. They will be entitled to overtime pay 
  • Calculate a cost-neutral rate of pay for non-exempt employees as they will be entitled to overtime pay
  • Reclassify them as salaried non-exempt, paying them the same weekly rate for 40 hours or fewer and overtime for any additional hours over 40 in a workweek  

Coverage and Exceptions

The FLSA applies to employers with: 

  • At least two employees engaged in interstate commerce with at least $500,000 in gross annual business 
  • Hospitals, residential care facilities, or schools 
  • Public agencies 

Covered employees include those involved in interstate commerce, domestic service workers like housekeepers, full-time babysitters, and cooks, even if the employer isn’t a covered enterprise. 

The FLSA provides exemptions from the minimum wage and overtime provisions for employees in an executive, administrative, or professional capacity. The “White Collar” exemptions include:  

  • Salary Level Test 
  • Salary Basis Test 
  • Duties Test 

Exempt employees must be paid their full salary for any week they perform work and must meet the above criteria. 

Nonprofit entities, including religious organizations, are generally subject to the same rules. If these organizations engage in interstate commerce (such as ordering from Amazon), they must comply with the FLSA. 

For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice.


To learn more about how Counter Point can help support your compliance needs, request a call today!

9 Recruiting Trends to Overcome Today’s Top Challenges

According to research conducted by our technology partner, isolved, 65% of HR leaders expect recruitment to be just as difficult or more difficult than last year. If you can relate, explore these tactics to help you get a competitive edge. 

Embrace Flexibility

In today’s dynamic work environment, offering hybrid or fully remote work options is essential. Employees increasingly value the ability to work outside traditional office settings, as it allows for a better work-life balance and can boost productivity. Remote work options can also expand your talent pool geographically, enabling you to hire the best candidates regardless of their location. 

Offer Competitive Compensation

With inflation on the rise, it’s crucial to stay competitive by offering attractive salaries. Competitive compensation not only helps in attracting skilled candidates but also in retaining your current employees. Consider additional financial benefits, such as performance bonuses, profit sharing, and comprehensive benefits packages, to make your offers even more compelling.

Prioritize DEI

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are no longer optional but essential components of a modern recruitment strategy. Job seekers, especially from Generation Z, are increasingly prioritizing employers who demonstrate a commitment to DEI. Make DEI a central focus in your talent acquisition efforts by implementing unbiased hiring practices, promoting a diverse workplace culture, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all employees. 

Target College Graduates

With new college graduates entering the job market, it’s beneficial to highlight roles that don’t require extensive experience. This approach can attract fresh talent eager to start their careers and bring new perspectives to your organization. Providing clear career paths and growth opportunities can also make your company an attractive choice for young professionals.

Focus on Employee Wellbeing

High rates of burnout among employees make it crucial to prioritize their well-being. Showcase your commitment to employee happiness and mental health through comprehensive wellness programs, flexible work schedules, and supportive workplace policies. Offer resources such as counseling services, wellness workshops, and regular mental health check-ins. 

Bridge Skill Gaps

To address skill gaps, consider lowering barriers to entry and providing on-the-job training. This approach opens up roles to candidates who may not have specific educational backgrounds or experience but possess the potential to excel. Invest in training and development programs to help employees acquire the necessary skills for their roles. 

Promote Pay Transparency

Even if not legally required, promoting pay transparency by listing salary ranges in job postings can increase the number of applications you receive. Transparent pay practices can build trust with potential hires and set realistic expectations, contributing to a more positive candidate experience.

Consider Retirees

Retirees who are re-entering the workforce represent a valuable pool of experienced talent. Their extensive knowledge and skills can benefit your organization, and they can also contribute to creating an age-diverse workforce. Consider offering part-time, flexible, or consulting roles to attract retirees. Their mentorship and experience can be invaluable in training younger employees and providing stability within your team.

Expand Beyond Full-Time Employees

To address immediate hiring needs and adapt to fluctuating workloads, consider utilizing freelancers or independent contractors for short-term roles. Offering temp-to-permanent positions can also be a strategic approach, allowing you to evaluate a candidate’s fit before making a long-term commitment. 


By adopting these strategies, you can navigate the current recruiting landscape more effectively. But strategy can only take you so far. The right technology streamlines all stages of the hiring process, from recruiting to onboarding, so you get the right people in the right positions, right away. To learn more about our solution, schedule a call with us today.

The FTC To Ban Non-Competes

What You Need to Know

On April 23, 2024, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced its Final Non-Compete Clause Rule that would prohibit the enforcement of most non-compete agreements between employers and their workers. 

The rule makes it a violation of federal antitrust laws for employers to enter into non-competes with workers (including employees and independent contractors) on or after the rule’s effective date. Existing non-competes with senior executives may remain, but those with other workers are not enforceable after the effective date.

Senior executives are defined as workers who earn more than $151,164 annually and who are in a “policy-making position” which is defined as:

  • A business entity’s president, chief executive officer, or the equivalent.
  • Any other officer of a business entity who has policy-making authority.
  • Any other natural person who has policy-making authority for the business entity, similar to an officer with policy-making authority.

When This Will Happen

The final rule will take effect 120 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register, which means it could be in place as soon as late August.

While most feedback received by the FTC has been favorable, the rule change is facing significant pushback. It is expected to be challenged by trade associations and businesses across the country. The appeals process may take 12-18 months before the Supreme Court issues a final ruling.

What This Means and What You Should Do Now

Non-competes are widespread. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 5 U.S. workers are affected, or about 30 million workers total. If you have a non-compete policy in place, under this new law it will no longer be valid. If you are hiring someone who has a non-compete in place, it will also no longer be valid.

Here’s how you should respond:

  • Determine which current and former employees are impacted and be prepared to send notices once the law takes effect. 
  • Create a plan to secure confidential and privileged company information. Have your employees review confidentiality policies on an annual basis and educate them on what conduct they need to follow through training and communications.
  • Consider how, and if, the company should use non-disclosure, confidentiality, and non-solicit agreements to protect the business.
  • Keep up to date on any changes and requirements. We will continue to monitor this rule and alert you.

For help with this or other compliance-related concerns, schedule an appointment with us today.

6 Tips for Remote Onboarding

What does onboarding a new remote employee look like? 

Bringing on a new team member doesn’t look the same when an employee isn’t in the office. It’s important that new employees have what they need to feel connected to the organization and to their peers. It’s also imperative that they have the tools they need to be successful at their job.

Remote onboarding is more important than ever as flexible working models continue to rise in popularity. According to Forbes, as of 2023, 12.7% of full-time employees work from home—while 28.2% work a hybrid model. And it is projected that 32.6 million Americans will work remote by 2025 which equates to about 22% of the workforce.

This uptick is a result of organizations recognizing how successful remote work can be. In addition to reducing burn out, work flexibility has also proven to increase productivity, and reduce employee turnover and absenteeism. 

To help boost remote onboarding within your organization, we present these 6 tips. 

Make New Hires Feel Welcome

A warm welcome to the company can certainly help get things started off on the right foot and reinforce a new employee’s decision to accept the position. 

Send a welcome email or set up a video call to introduce them to their team members. Introducing them prior to their first day will help “put a face to the name” and lessen the fear of not knowing anyone (especially when they aren’t directly down the hall). 

Got some cool company merch? Send that along too! Company swag is a great way to warmly welcome a new employee and help them get excited to be a part of the team.

Provide an Employee Handbook

Sharing an employee handbook is a crucial part of onboarding. If you were to purchase a new T.V. you’d expect it to come with a manual, some kind of instruction to get it set up, what to expect from it, and what kind of features there are. 

Similarly, a new employee should be well versed in the company culture and protocols, the so-called “rule book”. This prepares employees for what to expect when entering this new relationship. 

Using a HR information system is an effective way to make sure all employees have acknowledged and signed the handbook. Scheduling a video call to go over these documents will help create a more personal connection with your remote employee. 

Set Them Up for Success

Make sure that your remote employees have the tools they need to do their job successfully. Confirm that they have a dedicated working area within their home that they can use as a home office. 

If you have a budget in place for setting up a new employee’s home office, consider sending items like a printer, computer, paper and anything else they might need before their first day. This gives them plenty of time to get set up and prepared to start. 

Make Their First Day Special

On a new hire’s first in-person day at the office, you might show them around, introduce them to various employees, peers and upper-level staff. You might point out where the conference room is or the employee kitchen. 

With remote employees, it’s still important to make them feel comfortable and connected. Set up a “first day coffee chat” via video conferencing with your new employee. Encourage team members or managers to join in on the call. 

This is a great way to make “face to face” introductions, help them understand the team roles, and how they will fit into the mix. 

Check In

After a while, there might not be a need to check in with your employees on a frequent basis, however, starting a new position remotely can be isolating. Routine check-ins can be helpful in making sure your employee feels connected and understands their role.

Schedule regular check-in times and encourage them to ask questions. You don’t want to make them feel micromanaged, the goal is to find a balance between efficiency and proper acclimation.

Rely on the Right Technology

By automating onboarding, you’ll have more time to devote to making your new hires feel welcome and engaged, while setting them up for success within the organization.

Schedule a call today to discover how Counter Point HCM can help you source, hire, and onboard the right talent regardless of whether your team is remote, on-site, or hybrid.

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