The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

HR news

You've got the job and given notice: Can the new company withdraw the offer? November 15, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: This happened to a friend of mine recently. The company made her an offer, and she accepted and gave notice to her old company. The day before she was supposed to report for...

Company's reneging on relocation costs may be a sign of things to come November 1, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: Your company offered you a new job at headquarters in another city. Human Resources told you to have the lowest-priced of three moving companies bill the company directly and that it would pay...

When a manager shows you respect, not getting the job can be a positive experience October 25, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: I want to share a wonderful story about how I did not get a job. Although I interviewed with a personnel clerk, the hiring manager called me himself to say it was a...

If networking is the way to find jobs, why do so many still pursue impersonal ads? October 25, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: Today the Internet is a very popular way to apply for work. Job boards and other kinds of online employment listings are easy to use. Some people still do it the old-fashioned way,...

You nailed the interview -- but will the pre-employment test sink your chances? August 30, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist After your first interview, the company administers a test to determine whether you will advance. You finish the test and feel helpless. What should you do?(trends) Q: Your first job interview went OK, and...

Trend or gimmick? Some recruiters are paying people to interview for jobs August 16, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Is it a real trend or just a gimmick? Some recruiting firms are offering to pay people to interview for jobs. Who do you think would use such a service?(opinion) Q: It's not clear...

Effective recruiters need fire in the belly, a high profile and good relationships August 16, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: I am an independent recruiter looking for strong job candidates. What should I do other than refer to purchased lists of industry people? I also need advice about putting the right "corporate words"...

I'm the top candidate for the job -- so how many more references do they need? July 31, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: I'm working through a headhunter on a position, and I'm the top candidate so far. He spoke to references from my last two employers, and all the references came back good. Now the...

Do you have to sign a non-compete agreement for your company's new management? May 1, 2009

polls - Take Our Poll Q: You have been at your company for three years. New management has taken over and they are trying to make everyone sign a non-compete agreement (NCA). There is no existing NCA in place....

More immigrants finding better job prospects, higher pay back home March 13, 2009

By Kristin Collins McClatchy Newspapers RALEIGH, N.C. — A Duke University researcher says the United States may no longer be the world's only land of opportunity. According to a study released this month, immigrants from India and China are...

It's just good policy to review the benefits package before you accept a job offer February 6, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: A company has given me a job offer, but its policy is not to disclose the benefits until after I've accepted the position. This sounds really bizarre. They assure me that the package...

Is our company's hiring process too time-consuming? January 23, 2009

By Nick Corcodilos Syndicated columnist Q: I'm a hiring manager and I like to ask candidates to: -- Review our Web site and provide ideas for improvement prior to the interview. -- Meet with a sales manager who can...

Does your resume suggest you're a job hopper? November 28, 2008

polls - Take Our Poll Q: The long-suffering job market has left otherwise stable workers with fragmented resumes. They worry that they look like job hoppers. In the last 10 years, how frequently have you changed employers? Nick's reply:...

What perks did you get when you were hired? November 21, 2008

polls - Take Our Poll Q: Some companies are still interested in gaining a hiring edge over their competitors by offering perks to new hires. What kinds of perks did you receive when you hired on to your latest...

Which comes first, the interview or the forms? September 26, 2008

A company has recruited you. You show up for the interview, only to find that the personnel department wants you to fill out several forms and to take an employ ( surveys) Q: A company has recruited you. You...

Balancing the health of company, workers September 26, 2008

By Cindy Krischer Goodman Miami Herald Todd Friedman, president of a Miami marketing firm, was taken aback when a senior director handling several major projects told him she needed time off. The woman explained she would be undergoing cancer...

Have you encountered age discrimination? September 19, 2008

Have you encountered age discrimination in your work environment? ( polls) Q: Claims of age discrimination in hiring are a significant controversy, especially in a tough economy. Have you encountered age discrimination in your work environment? Nick's reply: Age...

What should a manager do with rejected candidates? August 22, 2008

surveys - Take Our Poll Q: You're a manager and you just interviewed five job candidates. Two are good enough to consider for the position, and you're going to bring them back for more discussions. What should you do...

Why companies facing layoffs are on the hunt for new hires July 21, 2008

By CAROL HYMOWITZ The Wall Street Journal Companies typically shed talent rather than search for new or additional employees during periods of economic slowdowns. That could change, though. Even as they contemplate layoffs, many companies also are hunting for...

Hiring interns for free labor is a no-no July 14, 2008

Many summer interns are willing to work for free just to get a foot in the door. It's tempting for employers, but it can land a firm in more trouble than it's worth.

Rising employer premiums threaten employee health coverage in state, AARP finds June 30, 2008

Kyung M. Song Seattle Times health reporter Eroding health coverage A NEW AARP SURVEY of 407 employers in Washington found ominous signs that workers may have to contribute more to keep their health-insurance coverage. Among the findings: Cost sharing:...

Fingerprint Scans Replace Clocking In March 28, 2008

It's happening at Dunkin' Donuts, at Hilton hotels, even at Marine Corps bases: Employees are starting and ending their days by pressing a hand or finger to a scanner that logs the precise time of their arrival and departure, and the information is automatically reflected in payroll records.

Put down the iPod, stop texting and do your job March 13, 2008

Tapping out an e-mail on your BlackBerry under the conference-room table. Resetting your ringtone to your favorite song. Keeping your Bluetooth in your ear at a business lunch. Think no one noticed those technological faux pas? Wrong – and many find it rude.

Condos find new office space February 4, 2008

Condominiums aren't just places to live any more. The condo concept is migrating to the workplace. Businesses looking for office space don't necessarily have to lease it or buy an entire building. There's a third option: Buy an office condo.

Employee benefits begin to include pet insurance February 4, 2008

At a time when employers are scaling back on costly health benefits, pet insurance is gaining popularity as an employee benefit. Veterinary Pet Insurance, the nation's largest pet insurer, saw its corporate accounts balloon from 15 to 1,600 in the past six years. About 15 percent of Veterinary Pet Insurance's policies, or about 50,000, come from its corporate accounts.

No gobbledygook; company handbook is in plain English January 25, 2008

How much should a company's culture reflect its chief executive, especially one who prides himself on being blunt and innovative – and, some might say, abrasive? If you're new Tribune Co. CEO Sam Zell, the answer seems to be: a lot.

"Healthy Workplace Bill" would protect employees who feel the bite of a tormenting boss January 24, 2008

In her nightmares, Jaymie Lennon's former boss calls her an idiot, undermines her confidence, tells other employees that Lennon is "unstable" and "mentally ill," and regularly threatens to fire her. Just, she says, like in real life.

Support builds for 5 paid weeks of family leave March 10, 2007

A bill to give workers up to five weeks of paid family leave — which would be one of the most generous benefits in the nation — was approved on March 5 by the Senate budget committee.

Advertising
Advertise with us

Search articles

More topics


Subscribe

Subscribe to Career Center via RSS


Advertise with us

What is this?