CSS Weekend Reflections Newsletter by

Confidential Search Solutions

National & State Employment Trends & Updates

The newly updated unemployment rate for February 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is scheduled to be released on Friday, March 9, 2012, by the Department of Labor.

Factoid #1

According to an article printed in the Texas Business Today, last year, "the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) Office of General Counsel, Division of Operations-Management, released a report (see https://www.nlrb.gov/print/1480) discussing the outcome of 14 social media cases they have investigated (e.g., involving the use of Facebook, blogging, Twitter, etc.). These cases involved employees who were disciplined and/or fired for violating the employer's social media policy. In four of the cases involving use of Facebook, the department concluded that the employees were engaged in "protected concerted activity" (see definition in 29 U.S.C. Section 157 at: http://nlrb.gov/national-labor-relations-act) because the employees were discussing conditions and terms of employment with coworkers. While the report does not give employers hard and fast rules about social media, looking at it as a whole, the report does give employers some guidelines to keep in mind when dealing with social media issues at the workplace."

Factoid #2

Did you know in the same publication, there was another article that stated it is perfectly legal for employers to hire only non-smokers in the State of Texas? It was a surprising fact to learn that the state of Texas does not have a law that protects smokers like some states do.  This is important to know if you are a job seeker who is also a smoker.  The smell of smoke on your clothing may be a legal reason an employer in the state may elect not to hire you.

Factoid #3  

Another article listed in Texas Business Today,  warns employers about companies' who charge for the workplace compliance posters that they offer for free.  "The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) urges, employers to be aware of unscrupulous business operators who may try to coerce employers into purchasing required workplace posters. Obtaining these compliance posters through TWC, as always, is free.  All workplace compliance posters required by law can be obtained free of charge from the TWC website at  

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

One of 28 Valid Reasons Why Hiring Managers Do Not Hire People

In one of our signature classes, "Why Won't They Hire Me," which has been incorporated into our new class "The 28 Valid Reasons Why Hiring Managers Do Not Hire People," we share some amazing facts about the way many hiring managers' make their decisions. There are many factors that influence hiring decisions but there are 28 valid ones that causes hiring managers to pass on an otherwise highly qualified applicant.  One of those reasons is, "inconsistent answers during the interview."   

Hiring managers are very cautious and particular people, especially during the hiring process.  They become extra careful to eliminate all red flags during the initial and subsequent interview stage(s).  Therefore, they take their time to learn as much as possible about the people they interview before making such a huge investment of time, money, and other company resources to hire a person that has a high probability of not working out.  It is very expensive for companies to recruit, train, maintain, and then have to terminate someone because of a poor hiring decision.

To increase your chances of moving forward to the next level in the interview process, be consistent and honest with your answers.  Under no circumstances should you exaggerate or embellish the truth. Honesty is always the best policy.

Much Success From All of Us at CSS