Monday, April 28, 2014

One Size Does Not Fit All ~ Why You Need to Fit the BG Check to the Job!

#SmallBiz #BackgroundChecks


When it comes to Background Checks, many clients ask me “what exactly do I need to screen for”?




The answer.....it depends!




It depends on what position you are looking to fill and what your job description requires.


One Size Does Not Fit All When it Comes to Employment Background Checks!  "Tweet This"


It is wise, and cost effective, to fit the Background Check to your open position.  This means covering only what is necessary in your screening process. 


Doing this requires pre-planning.  Therefore, before you need to hire, it is best to get your job descriptions in place.  


Make sure you outline in advance details for each position in your company.  You should determine the education/training and prior experience required.  You will also need to describe the job’s responsibilities and duties. 


Most employment screenings require some type of criminal background check.  Therefore, you need to decide if a criminal or civil record would prohibit your candidate from performing the job requirements safely.  


This is where you need to be especially specific.  It is crucial you determine exactly what types of crimes would be of concern ~ assault, drugs, theft, etc.  The key is to make sure the crimes that would prohibit hire are ones that would keep the applicant from performing the duties listed in your job description.


For example, if your job requires driving a company vehicle, a record of drunk driving would be of concern.   Or, it would be reasonable that jobs where your employee has access to customer’s homes would require a more stringent criminal check.


You may also want to check for any civil court records if a position requires access to company funds.  In that case, financial crimes like embezzlement may prohibit hiring.








Here is a list of what to consider:


  • Level of Position ~ It makes sense to elevate your screening as the position advances.  While entry level positions may only require criminal checks, you may add education, references, and more as determined to be wise for higher company jobs.



  • Access to Company Assets ~ Does the position require handling money or product?  If so, criminal and civil record checks would be a must ~ looking for a crime like theft would be of interest.



  • Access to Sensitive Customer and/or Company Data ~ Making sure your applicant has never been convicted of a crime related to mis-using company data is key. 



  • Contact with Clients, Customers, and Employees ~ Will they be the “face” of your company?  Actually go into client’s homes or businesses?  Work closely with other employees? Knowing whether your applicant has a history of physical or emotional violence and abuse is necessary to a safe hire.



Being as specific as possible with this list will help you determine what you need to screen.  It is important to be consistent across similar positions in your company.  This helps you avoid charges of discrimination in how you use background checks. 


#SmallBiz #BackgroundChecks


The EEOC also weighs in on this issue, especially in the area of criminal background checks.  According to the EEOC’s Compliance Manual on Race and Color Discrimination , employers must “be able to justify (the decision not to hire due to information obtained in a background check) as job-related and consistent with business necessity”. 


In order to be compliant with EEOC best practices, you need to consider these 3 factors:


  • The nature and gravity of the offense.


  • The time that has passed since the conviction and/or completion of the sentence.


  • The nature of the job held or sought.


High on the EEOC’s radar is  the “blanket exclusion” of anyone convicted of a crime from being hired.  Remember, your decision needs to be “job related and consistent with business necessity”.


When faced with a background check containing a criminal record, you need to evaluate whether that crime poses a risk based on the job description.  That is where carefully crafting those descriptions in advance pays off (and working with a great background check company can help!).  


As you can see, a “one size fits all” approach to background checks is unwise, and may put you on the EEOC’s watch list. 


Being proactive and carefully writing thorough job descriptions will help you save money by screening for only what is necessary ~ and keep you compliant.


That is definitely a winning combination!


Authored by  



I am here to help!  Contact me and I will guide you in your quest to hire the best employee for your company.  Find out more by clicking on these links About Me and My Services. 



You will also find links to my Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter pages and more on my Contact page.  Let’s connect!

Monday, April 21, 2014

Hiring an Intern? Don’t Skip the Background Check!




It is once again that time of year when many college students are focused on finding that perfect internship



They are searching for one that will give them the “real work experience” they need and test the skills they have worked so hard to attain.



They know that an internship can be a valuable learning experience and a way to get their foot in the door to their chosen field.  Most have never worked in a professional environment and believe an internship will teach them the ins and outs.



Employers can also gain great benefits from hiring interns. Interns offers companies the chance to develop talent and get fresh insights into their business.  There is also the chance of finding possible future hires.




Internships are currently being debated.  The question revolves around whether, under current labor laws, interns should be paid.  Recent lawsuits have been decided on the side of the interns and many believe this could result in a decrease of internship programs. 


Discover 3 Reasons Why You Should be Paying Your Interns here!





Despite this controversy, companies would do well to continue using interns.  Not only is it a great way of gaining the valuable talents of new hires without a long term commitment, it is also an opportunity to “pay it forward” to the next generation of young professionals. 


However, as with any new hire, bringing interns into your company is not without some risk.


Employers usually minimize this risk by running background checks on their applicants.  When it comes to interns, however, many don’t utilize this resource.



Hiring an Intern? Be Safe & Don't Skip the Background Check!  "Tweet This"




Since interns are, by nature, part-time hires, employers question whether investing time and money into screening them is necessary.  


To determine that, it is best to take a look at what your intern will be doing during their time with your company and fit the background check to the job!!







Do they have access to proprietary or sensitive client information? Will they handle company funds or other valuable assets?  Do they come in contact with children, the elderly, or other vulnerable individuals?



If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then screening potential interns is wise




In these cases, you should at the minimum run a criminal history check. Finding out if your potential intern has been convicted of violent crimes or theft is crucial.  In addition, if a certain level of skill is necessary to complete their duties, then verifying that skill is also in your best interest. 



However, if your internship largely consists of shadowing existing employees or acting mainly as a “mentee”, then running a background check becomes more discretionary.



What employers need to keep in mind is that as with any hire, protecting your company, your employees, and your customers must come first.  Using a background check as a tool to that end is always in a company’s best interest, even if it is on temporary employee.



The bottom line is this ~ 
background checks are designed to give you peace of mind.  
Whether that new hire is permanent or an intern, you have invested too much time, money, and hard work in your company 
to put it at risk.




Please "Pay it Forward" and Share this.  Leave a Comment too.  I would love to hear from You!  Thanks! 


Authored by  





To learn more about what background checks can do to help protect your company, 
Contact Me!  I can help!



Find out more About Me and My Services too!


Monday, April 14, 2014

Tips to Help You Gain Focus & Get Active!



No doubt about it.  It is time to Get Active!



After these holiday months, I am ready to put some focus on me!  The problem?  I still need to work.  I have clients to keep happy and bills to pay.  I also have blogs to write and social media obligations.


Is it possible to do both?  I answer with a resounding “Yes”!


The key for me has been to not deny myself.  I have implemented a work schedule with built in “me time”.  I find that when it is scheduled into my day, I do it!


As an added benefit, I found that taking an “active” break recharges me.  I gain better focus, added energy, and even find that I am more creative.


Taking an "Active Break" is Good for Your Health & Your Business!  "Tweet This"



Regular active breaks get you away from your desk and out of your seat. Like most people, I enjoy and am energized by my breaks from work. 


Taking an active break does not have to be a huge commitment.  It can be as simple as a 10 or 15 minute walk around the block or, as it sometimes is for me, a quick stepping or boxing session with my Wii.


What is important is planning these breaks into your day.  I find it best to begin each day with something active.  It gets my metabolism moving and revs up my energy to tackle the work ahead.


The next break I take is usually around lunch.  If I can, I like to get outside and take a brisk walk.  If the weather isn’t cooperating, once again it is my Wii to the rescue.  


I end the day much the same way.  Many times it is a longer walk or Wii session after dinner.  The longer Spring and Summer days really help.






Reasons Why I Take a Break:



  • It is Good for My Body and Health ~ My body is not designed for sitting hours on end.  I know my back, neck, and shoulders feel the strain, along with my eyes from staring at my screen.  Getting up and moving has made all the difference.


  • I Feel More Creative & Effective ~ I have found that when I return after a brisk walk (or a session on my Wii!), my mind is clearer.  Often something that has been puzzling me, or a blog article that just won’t come together, is suddenly not so daunting.

  • I Become more In-tune with my Surroundings ~ Without sounding too “zen”, I find real peace being outside and moving (and if that outside happens to be the beach, watch out!).    


  • I Feel Much Better at the End of the Day ~ Stress levels and headaches are lessened and my energy high.  I have also found I sleep much better.


According to an article on sharecare.com, “Take Short Walks to Live Longer”;

The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 30 minutes of physical activity each day. By squeezing in an additional 15 minutes, you'll likely live even longer and make your daily life a lot more pleasurable.”


While working from home definitely helps me easily fit these active breaks into my schedule, you can do this even from an outside office.  


Tips on How You can Incorporate Active Breaks into Your Day

  • Go for a Short Walk Every Day ~ It can be outside or indoors, just get moving!  Over time you can increase your distance, or simply take a few short walking breaks each day (even three 15 minute breaks work great).


  • Join a Fitness Program ~ Choose a time that works for you.  Try to choose an activity that you can also do on your own time.  This will help you keep it up even on weekends. 


  • Support a Fund-Raising Walk or Run ~ Join with co-workers or, if you work from home, recruit other local at-home workers.  Train for the event as a group daily or at least several times a week.  This type of active break is great for team building.  


No matter what you do, it is important that you Get Active!


While I have certainly not always been the “poster child” for healthy living, I have discovered that I really need to do this for me.  It is not simply about fitting into nicer clothes, it is about my overall physical and mental well being.


Occasionally I am able to take a much longer than normal break in downtown Washington D.C.  I will meet my husband for lunch, then spent the rest of the afternoon walking down to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms if they are in season.  I then make my way to the WWII Memorial, walk along the reflecting pool to the Lincoln Memorial, and then the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials. 

accessprofilesblog.com

I even get to see the the Einstein statue (one of my favorites)!  I then make my way along Connecticut Ave., up 17th, to Farragut Park and back on the Metro.







***Side note ~ I took all the pictures in this post during that walk!









While I don’t usually have the luxury of all that time, taking an extended break can be glorious.  


I hope each of you can do it too.  You are worth it!


Please Pay it Forward and Share this on Your favorite Social Sites!  Thanks!


Authored by     




You will find more tips to Help You with Your Small Business on my website, accessprofilesblog.com.  I invite you to take a look!  Contact me for a free consultation on your hiring needs!

Find out more About Me and My Services too!

Monday, April 7, 2014

6 Things About Salespeople You Need To Know





Michael Matalone, President of Excelsior Group, shares 6 ideas you may have about what makes a great Salesperson.  My key takeaway, it is not the Extroverts that rule, but those that understand the need to "treat others the way THEY want to be treated"!  Read on.....




Everyone has a stereotype of what they believe a salesperson is, and unfortunately, most of them are not what I would call “positive” perceptions. Most of them sound a lot like this: "That blabbermouth guy in the cheap suit talking a mile a minute about his product or service, never allowing you time to think or get a word in, the one you can’t trust because you know he’s just saying whatever he can to close that sale." 

Well, hopefully you realize that the best salespeople aren’t anything like that annoying guy you’re imagining. The following are six things about salespeople you need to know:


  • Extroverts aren’t the best salespeople.

Author Dan Pink will tell you that the best salespeople are “ambiverts”: those people in the middle. Extroverts have a need to be liked by other people, which often results in them focusing on the relationship rather than the objective of closing a sale. They also tend to talk more and listen less, which are not excellent qualities for a salesperson! 

The golden rule (“Treat others the way you want to be treated”) doesn’t apply in motivating all of your salespeople.
Instead, apply the platinum rule: “Treat others the way they want to be treated.” We all have our own unique motivational needs. Your job is to determine which motivators each of your sales people have so you can be sure you are motivating the “right” things for each person. The good news is that there are many assessment tools available to help you streamline and pinpoint this process.


  • Managing to the sales goal doesn’t work.

Instead, identify and manage the activity that leads to the sale. This typically includes the number of prospects contacted each week, the number of meetings conducted, the number of proposals submitted, etc. What gets tracked and measured gets done and what does not, you can’t manage. The key is to proactively manage these metrics and make the necessary course in a timely manner. This can range from daily to at least once every week in order to be truly effective depending on your unique situation.


  • The best salespeople are avid learners.

In selecting salespeople, figure out what they’re doing on their own to improve their sales knowledge and skills, e.g., participating in webinars, reading books, blogs, and articles, tapping into LinkedIn groups, etc. Also ensure that they are open to coaching. Anyone who thinks they have it all figured is a hindrance to themselves and your organization!


  • The best salespeople typically make bad sales managers.

The knowledge, skills and traits of a top producing salesperson are vastly different from the knowledge, skills and traits of a top-producing sales leader. The skills that distinguish outstanding salespeople are:

  1. Prospecting
  2. Qualifying
  3. Presenting
  4. Closing


On the other hand, the top four skills required for a top producing sales leader are:

  1. Hiring and Selecting Top Salespeople
  2. Training and Developing Salespeople
  3. Managing and Holding Salespeople Accountable
  4. Leading and Motivating Salespeople



  • Salespeople care about more than money.


As I stated earlier in #2 about The Platinum Rule; every person has their own unique motivations for doing something. Sometimes it’s about money. Sometimes it’s about the thrill of the kill. Sometimes it’s something entirely different! That’s why utilizing various assessment tools are so critical to understanding what motivates your salespeople, and thereby more effectively managing to their particular needs and desires.


Shared by  



Visit my blog and website for more articles like this with tips to help your business succeed!