Employment law attorney Michael Maslanka reviews the book The Truth about Hiring the Best by Cathy Fyock. The review highlights a few of the book’s truths about hiring, interviewing, and dealing with employee relations.
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One generation’s truths are another generation’s missteps. As little as 20 years ago, HR truths encompassed not hiring those who resigned and seek to return, hiring only those who dress up for the interview, and engaging in chit chat about hobbies. Fyock’s frank counsel: A “boomerang” employee cust costs on on boarding a new person and sends a message that the grass is not so green on the fences other side; if a suit and tie is not reuired for the job being applied for why should they be required for the interview for that job; and stop, just stop taking the lazy way out by asking nonjob-related question and inviting the applicant to talk about nonjob-related information.
The book includes lots of good lines to use when asking applicants questions that will get them (and you) back on track when the interview strays. She tells you how to say “thanks, but no thanks” by telling an applicant you selected someone who was a better fit (if you say anything at all) and not that you selected the best-qualified person. The latter invites debate and perhaps litigation while the former does not.
I will tell you: I have practiced employment law for 27 years and again and again, I see a bad hire morphing into a litigant. I like to quote Twain that it is easier to stay out than to get out. Good advice on marriage. Good advice on hiring. This easy to read book reminds us that a considered decision is the best decision.
Michael Maslanka is the managing partner of Ford & Harrison LLP’s Dallas, Texas, office. He has 20 years of experience in litigation and trial of employment law cases and has served as Adjunct Counsel to a Fortune 10 company where he provided multi-state counseling on employment matters. He has also served as a Field Attorney for the National Labor Relations Board.
Mike is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and was selected as a “Texas Super Lawyer” by Texas Monthly and Law & Politics Magazine in 2003. He was also selected as one of the best lawyers in Dallas by “D” Magazine in 2003. Mike has served as the Chief Author and Editor of the Texas Employment Law Letter since 1990. He also authors the “Work Matters” column for Texas Lawyer.
I was fortunate in hearing Cathy speak at our SHRM state meeting and was very impressed. I purchased her book and was even more impressed. This is a bountiful guide to help design an effective employee selection process. This book is written in an easily read and utilized style and is directly aligned with recent movements in selection research.