Sometimes it is best to use an unfortunate time or event to reevaluate our standards, procedures, and goals. One could argue that the current economic state is one of those times; in fact, it is and will continue to have unprecedented impact on every-day business life. One reality that makes this even more impactful is that there are many without jobs, therefore the labor pool is deep and robust. This is the perfect time to evaluate who is working for us and how our procedures and practices affect companies’ future performance.

It is for this reason that we decided to poll hiring managers, HR executives, recruiters and safety managers for their "Hiring Nightmares". Despite due diligence during the hiring process, the number of problem employees continues to rise, and the only way to fix this problem is to identify the causes and find ways to avoid them in the future. We now have the time to evaluate and the labor pool to accommodate.

Below are the Top 5 Hiring Nightmares and advice from Mr. Jack Milligan, of Leathers Milligan and Associates, LLC on how to avoid and deal with them:

1. Lies on Resumes
   
   In 2006, the CEO of Radio Shack resigned after it was confirmed that he falsified his resume
   • Anticipate that people will lie and do your best to eliminate it at the beginning of the hiring process by letting candidates know that you will verify everything they provide.
   • Move from a resume to an application as soon as possible and do not allow “see resume” on any part of the application. Require a signature and get affirmation that the information provided is truthful from the applicant.
   • Do your due diligence – perform adequate pre-employment screening including background checks and behavioral assessments.
   • Consistency – have discipline. Set the tone up front that if a person is caught lying, they may be terminated.


2. Great Interview : Terrible Employee
   
   A former Employee of Tiffany and Co. has been charged with the Theft of $145,000 worth of jewelry
   
   
   • Early Intervention – Clearly communicate your disappointment as early as possible and cut your losses.
   • Learn from mistakes – Train and educate managers to avoid detectable traits.
   • Due Diligence – Investigate hiring practices and employ new tools such as behavioral screening to help with the “human” side of hiring.


3. Gossipers – The Cancer that Kills
   
   "Gossip is any language that would cause another harm, pain, or confusion that is used outside the presence of another for whom it is intended" – Peter Vajda, Ph.D
   
   
   • Identification – Train managers to detect and mitigate gossipers as soon as possible.
   • Swift Action – Remove them from the workforce when applicable and document thorough records of their conduct.
   • Consistency – Make sure the punishment fits the crime and be consistent with all employees.


4. Violence
   
   The number of violent acts including threats of violence has increased over 400% over the last decade, costing billions!
   
   
   • Pre-Interview Screening – Identify patterns of violent behavior; sometimes traditional criminal searches are not enough look to expand to non-traditional screening.
   • Behavioral Awareness – Non-violent acts can often predict future violent behavior; be aware of the warning signs.
   • Training and Policies – Train Managers well and implement a zero-tolerance policy.


5. Workplace Substance abuse
   
   Theft, Workers’ Compensation, Accidents and Ancillary benefits are all outcomes of substance abuse in the workplace.
   
   
   • Screening – Combine drug screening with behavioral screening for better early detection.
   • Planning – Implement policies, seek legal review, get management buy-in and train all employees on the policies.
   • Training - Train all employees to identify potential problems, reward for policy compliance, strict enforcement.

The bottom line is that if your current hiring process is not working, review your current process and do something different. The “Top 5” listed above represent some real issues driving revenue loss, and they are controllable. Whatever your Top 5 list is comprised of, try some of the advice listed above. It is sure to help you regain control.