We’ve been struggling through a recession, and over the past year, many things have changed. One thing, however, remains the same: Employees will call in sick, and they will sometimes not really be sick. Yes, I’m talking about that unspeakable action: They will lie. CareerBuilder has just released 2009’s survey about the most unusual excuses for missing work, which included more than 4,700 workers and 3,100 employers. Turns out nearly one-third of the workers surveyed have called in sick to work when they were well at least once.

As in 2008’s most unusual sick excuses, this year’s list is spotted with strange animal injuries, other bouts with nature or pedestrians, and questionable friendships, as well many head-shakers, like “I accidentally hit a nun with my motorcycle.” In a new twist, however, this year’s survey results are reflective of the effect of our tough economic climate, as 28 percent of employers think more employees have been absent with fake excuses due to increased stress and burnout due to the recession.

Here are 2009’s Most Unusual Excuses for Missing Work:

• Posted by: Amy Chulik on October 8, 2009
• There are 2 Comments. Join the discussion.
• Categories: Employee Engagement, Employee Retention, Survey Results

If a boss has sex with a subordinate, and no one’s around to exploit it, does it make a sound?

Had it not been for the extortion plot against David Letterman by a former CBS employee, the world might never have known of Letterman’s affairs with female “Late Show” staffers. Now, of course, the media are weighing in on the scandal and the rules regarding sex in the workplace. 

But why should the media have all the fun? I’d like to hear your take on all of this…

On the one hand Continue Reading…

• Posted by: Mary Lorenz on October 7, 2009
• There are 2 Comments. Join the discussion.
• Categories: Employee Retention

When you’re interviewing candidates, most recruiters and hiring managers already know the red flags you need to look out for – bad-mouthing current/former employers, showing up late and/or unprepared, taking a call during the interview, dressing inappropriately, etc…All for good reason, of course. 

Being overly skittish, however, does you a disservice – potentially letting otherwise good candidates slip through the cracks.  Consider the following ‘traditional’ warning signals, which may turn out to be false alarms: Continue Reading…

• Posted by: Mary Lorenz on October 6, 2009
• There are 3 Comments. Join the discussion.
• Categories: Interviewing

Calling all recruiters and hiring managers:  Help us compile a list of the best interview questions ever asked, and you could be the lucky recipient of a Flip Ultra™ video camera!  

As the economy stabilizes, you will likely need to increase headcount. To help ensure you find the best employees for your upcoming business needs, The Hiring Site is putting together a comprehensive list of great interview questions to ask.  And we want your input…

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• Posted by: Mary Lorenz on October 2, 2009
• There are 635 Comments. Join the discussion.
• Categories: Contest, Interviewing

CareerBuilder and USA TODAY’s Q4 2009 Job Forecast shows that, while employers are feeling more optimistic about the economy and job market, the majority plan to keep their staff levels the same for the remainder of the year. Continued moderation in job loss and a hesitant approach to hiring is expected for the fourth quarter. Compensation trends in the fourth quarter are expected to mirror those of the last two quarters, as half of employers (51 percent) anticipate no change in salaries for full-time, permanent employees in the next three months.

The survey of more than 2,900 hiring managers and human resource professionals across various industries was conducted by Harris Interactive® from August 20 to September 9, 2009.

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• Posted by: Amy Chulik on October 1, 2009
• There are 3 Comments. Join the discussion.
• Categories: Economy

Life is full of clichés — but your interviews shouldn’t fall victim to them. The interview process is constantly evolving, and with it, you too must review your process — and yes, evolve. Don’t forget –  just as you are screening job seekers through an interview, they are also screening you.

Companies expect candidates to continuously advance their skills, be cognizant of industry news, and surpass expectations. It should come as no surprise, then, that candidates expect the same of the companies with which they’re interviewing. When is the last time you thought about the questions you ask candidates in an interview? Or changed them to stay current or reflect the changing attitudes and needs of the job seekers in today’s market? We’ve rounded up some of the most cliché interview questions, courtesy of the experts: job seekers themselves. Underneath each cliché, we’ve added a new twist on the old standard.

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• Posted by: Amy Chulik on September 30, 2009
• There are 5 Comments. Join the discussion.
• Categories: Employee Attraction, Employer Advice, Interviewing