MightyRecruiterLet’s picture this scenario: you have done the bulk of the hard work that it takes to get yourself into the hiring hot seat. You have updated and polished up your resume, scoured countless online job postings, used your social media networks to connect with leaders in your field and now you finally have an ideal job opportunity sitting right in front of you. Your hard work isn’t over quite yet, at least not until you deal with the myriad legal issues there are to think about when getting a job.
There are legalities regarding how your potential employer can advertise the job to you, laws about the things you can say or do to get that job, and even restrictions about what can and cannot be said during the interview and during the phase of pre-employment testing. Therefore, it is best to go into the hiring process with a basic awareness of what the legal and other issues might be. Follow these essential guidelines below in order to go into your new job with your best foot forward.
Things to Do: What You Should Accomplish Before Getting Hired
Many potential employees are not aware they should follow a certain pre-employment protocol in order to secure themselves a job that is right for them and avoid any confusion or frustration down the road. Here are a few of the things you should consider doing in the interim between having a successful interview or job offer and actually accepting the position:
• Consent to routine pre-employment drug testing and a background check, regardless of what field or industry you are entering into. Employers have the legal right to test you for certain substances and ensure your criminal record and history does not differ from what you have told them in the job application, especially if you have a felony conviction in your past.
• Give your new employer your legal documentation that states you have a right to work in the U.S. This will usually come in the form of a valid, unexpired driver’s license, ID card, passport or green card.
• Ensure your employer is aware of or has contacted your personal or professional references who can vouch for your character and work ethic.
• Talk with your potential employer about any safety issues that may arise at your new workplace, and make sure they are in compliance with all state and federal safety standards and are prepared to provide you with the gear you need to keep safe on the job.
• Get every detail of the new job offer in writing, preferably in the form of a contract. This will help confirm you will receive the salary and benefits you have been promised.
Things Not to Do: What You Should Avoid When Getting Hired
There are just as many actions potential employees should be careful not to take if they are hoping to land the job in question. By avoiding these steps, you will make yourself a more appealing candidate to your future employer, as well as staying clear of any unnecessary conflict or misunderstandings just before the start of a new job.
• Be careful not to lie or omit any important information on your application or resume, and be prepared to face up to these issues during the interview if you have not told the truth.
• Refrain from answering any personal questions that make you uncomfortable during the interview. Legally, employers are not allowed to inquire into your relationship status, if you are religious or not or whether you might want to have children in the future.
• Don’t dress casually to the job interview, unless you have been expressly advised to. Companies may assume what you wear to the interview reflects what you will wear once you are hired, so make it count.
Legal Disclaimer
The content on our website is only meant to provide general information and is not legal advice. We make our best efforts to make sure the information is accurate, but we cannot guarantee it. Do not rely on the content as legal advice. For assistance with legal problems or for a legal inquiry please contact you attorney.