A few months ago, we decided to run an experiment. There were several candidates that I would not interview. However, many of these had strong advocates among our workforce. So we ran a 5 day training session (3 hours per session). At the end I conducted personal interviews with each person who graduated. Here are some of my favorite applicant comments:

“Is the drug test… like, uh… hard?”

“So what if I bit the guy? It’s not as if I had AIDS.”

“How much would it take to just pretend you didn’t find out about my prison record? I’ll tell you what, if you give me the job I will slip you a 20 each time I get paid.”

And my favorite. Me to applicant, “What kinda drugs are you on?”

Applicant, “Just marijuana.”

Me, “How much do you smoke?”

Applicant, “As much as I can but I ran out last night.”

Me, “There is no way I can hire you.”

Applicant, “Huh? I got the stuff in my pocket so I can pass the pee test!”

If you are wondering if the experiment worked, here is some information. We had 20 in the class and extended job offers to 11. After one month only 3 are still employed. Our turnover is normally under 20% and this experience will definately drive it up a little. So we will return to our former due diligence.

Conduct reference checks before the interview process!

Have a great day!  Walter