EEO, ADA and Hiring

Abstract

Many employers are concerned about meeting Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements and adhering to the recent Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You want to hire the best qualified candidate to fill each position. EEO and ADA require you to ensure that all individuals receive equal and fair consideration when competing for employment. It doesn't seem that these objectives should conflict with one another. They don't—if the employee selection process is properly conducted. This article focuses on the importance of writing fair job descriptions and applications, and conducting proper interviews and tests during the hiring process. Through case histories, the article offers advice on how to conduct meaningful reference checks. Finally, once the employee is hired, performance evaluations become a critical part of the human resources management process. Guidelines for writing performance evaluations are included.