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. 

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!

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.

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.