5 Tips For Making Safe Hiring Decisions

Hiring is a lengthy and oftentimes difficult process. When it comes to hiring new employees, managers must make careful decisions to protect the reputation of their company and the safety of its environment. Taking the following steps to hire safe and reliable employees will put your mind at ease while protecting the safety of your current team members.

Always Drug Test

Drug testing is crucial when making hiring decisions and should be required from all new employees. If employees are using drugs on the job, the reputation of your company, along with the safety of your employees, can be put at risk. In turn, your company may lose important clients and experience a loss of revenue.

In addition, both alcohol and drug abuse can lead to poor employee morale and decreased productivity in the workplace. Federal and state laws mandate the guidelines that employers can place regarding drug and alcohol abuse. Employers have the ability to prohibit the use of drugs and alcohol, as well as test for drug use.

Run A Background Check

After screening applications, it’s necessary to complete background checks on potential candidates before moving forward with the hiring process. Many companies even use free resources and search for an applicant’s mugshot online. To determine whether these candidates are hiding anything about their criminal past, such tools are invaluable.

Running a thorough background check will make it easier to maintain a safe workplace environment. Since employers are responsible for protecting the welfare of their employees and the safety of customers, background checks can help protect employers from liability.

For example, if an employer hires someone who harms an employee or customer, the employer may be held negligent if they failed to conduct a reasonable investigation into whether the employee was a danger to others.

Check Previous References

During the hiring process, it’s essential to call and verify previous references. In a competitive job market, many applicants overstate their educational backgrounds and job histories and list false references, like friends and family, to exaggerate their qualifications.

Calling previous references will make you feel more confident when it comes to hiring the employee and will help you determine whether the employee will perform well in the workplace. As an employer, it’s important to feel assured knowing your employees are truly qualified for their position. As a result, applicants who fail to list previous employers as references should be treated as a red flag.

Set Up An In-Person Interview

Researching your prospective candidates can reveal character flaws and issues with their past, but interviewing each candidate in person is also a must. During the interview, be sure to observe their body language and overall demeanor. An in-person interview will allow you to determine whether the candidate is reliable and passionate about the position.

It’s also essential to ask questions regarding the basic responsibilities of the position. Hiring managers should ensure that candidates are fit for the position they’re applying for and that the candidate’s values are aligned with the company’s. Asking questions about the candidate’s skills and relevant work experience can help hiring managers determine whether a candidate will be able to properly fill the role.

Trust Your Instincts

Sometimes, taking the necessary steps to screen prospective candidates will result in a clean record. However, if you feel like the candidate is intentionally hiding something or will not be a reliable employee, it’s best to follow your instincts. That being said, it’s paramount to always avoid discriminatory hiring practices.

Maintaining the integrity and reputation of your company should be a top priority when it comes to hiring new employees. Taking these steps to screen potential candidates can give you peace of mind during the hiring process while protecting the safety and standing of your company.