TRYING TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE

HRH · May 2006

The owner of the company, having just gone through a second maintenance man in several months, wants me to have applicants fill out a questionaire. Two of the questions raised my internal red flag:
"Are you Ok on a ladder?" and "Can you lift heavy items?"

Are we headed for jail?

HCCADC · May 2006

Is "Heavy lifting and Heights" listed on the job description as requirements? If so, just ask if the applicant is able to perform the job as listed on the job description.

HRinNH · May 2006

Agreed. We just revamped our job descriptions to include sitting, reaching, standing, lifting, and walking.

Irie · May 2006

I too agree with the other posters. Just ask if they can perform the essential functions of the position.

HRH · May 2006

Many thanks!

SMace · May 2006

I'm going to assume that when you ask them that question you will have told them what the essential function are, right?

Dutch2 · May 2006

Absolutely update your job descriptions to include lifting XX pounds and ability to climb ladders, etc... In my former life, we would actually give the applicant(s) a tour of the area(s) where they would be working. This gave them first hand knowledge of just what was expected of them if they were hired. It always amazed me how many decided they did not want the position when they saw first hand just how physically demanding it was.

HRCalico · May 2006

We also give applicants a tour of the work area and show them the job. I think it goes a long way to their figuring out what will be expected of them.

pork1 · May 2006

I concur; our world of work is not for everbody. Even with a tour and an opportunity to physically do any task during the tour the potential employee may not be able to do the task. The tour and demonstration is offered to all and we will quickly turn away anyone who does not want to even touch or interplay with the job task as being less qualified than others who take the opportunity to test their physical and mental abilities!!!

PORK

TRYING TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE

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