Estimates are that as many as 50% of job applicants lie on their resumes. It may not be possible to pinpoint the lies, but it is possible to identify the liars, says one professional sleuth. He is Jamie Richardson of Mission Possible Investigations in Albany, NY, which provides investigative services to law enforcement and businesses. Here he lays out a list of tip-offs to … [Read more...] about How to find out if a job candidate is lying
Managing the office
Make payment and collection policies work together to boost cash
Revenue problems? The best way to solve them is to prevent the collection problems. And the best way to prevent the collection problems is to put in a payment policy and enforce it from the first day. Along with that policy, weed out the poor-pay risks. More still, follow the little tactics that can spell the difference between payment and non-payment. Ignore the collection … [Read more...] about Make payment and collection policies work together to boost cash
How to conduct fair and effective performance reviews
It may be the most common target for Dilbert cartoons, but the performance review is an ethical obligation for a manager. Every employee in every job setting wants to know two things: What do you expect of me? and How am I doing at meeting your expectations? A manager has an obligation to answer those questions, says Dick Grote, a management consultant … [Read more...] about How to conduct fair and effective performance reviews
9 critical rules for managing former peers when you get promoted
Just promoted to administrator from within the ranks? Congratulations . . . and beware. It's not easy to manage former peers. Friendships have to change, and so do whatever hard feelings the new administrator had with other staffers. And relationships aside, about two thirds of the staff now reporting to the new administrator think they should have been given the job. Here … [Read more...] about 9 critical rules for managing former peers when you get promoted
7 ways to improve your billings and collections processes
The financial face of the legal business has changed over the years and most firms have learned to become aggressive about collecting outstanding accounts. However, if your firm is still allowing clients to delay payment, recognize that it's costing you money, sometimes a lot of money. "An unpaid bill is an interest-free loan," says business and financial management … [Read more...] about 7 ways to improve your billings and collections processes
4 elements of a successful summer intern program
What makes a successful summer recruiting program? A Philadelphia firm whose program is consistently ranked among the top five firms attributes its success to several factors, says Mindy Herczfeld, director of legal recruiting for Cozen O'Connor. These factors include work variety, strong attorney involvement, and a not-so-competitive environment—as well as personal mentors … [Read more...] about 4 elements of a successful summer intern program
How to maintain a well-rested staff and reduce the risk of costly mistakes
It's time for a wake-up call: Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of U.S. employees say they work while tired, with nearly one-third (31 percent) saying they do so very often, according to a survey by staffing firm Accountemps. The costs of working tired—both for professionals and the businesses they work for—are high: Respondents cite lack of focus or being easily distracted … [Read more...] about How to maintain a well-rested staff and reduce the risk of costly mistakes
Psychology to use when presenting a staff complaint to a partner
Any complaint from a staffer about a boss is unpleasant to address. But when the alleged culprit is a partner, the situation can get grim. Confronting the partner could put the administrator in a job-threatening position. "It's a touchy situation," says Linnda Durre, PhD, a business consultant and corporate trainer in Winter Park, FL. Durre is also author of Surviving the … [Read more...] about Psychology to use when presenting a staff complaint to a partner
17 benefits that employees like and the firm can afford
A dilemma almost every administrator faces today is how to provide worthwhile staff benefits in an economy that doesn't allow for extra expense. So we researched the benefits that legal offices, as well as other types of businesses, are offering. Some are astounding. Google, for example, provides free haircuts, financial assistance for adoption, free gourmet lunches, and an … [Read more...] about 17 benefits that employees like and the firm can afford
24 ideas for going green at work
To help celebrate Earth Day on April 22, here are two dozen ideas for going green at work from FlexJobs, a telecommuting and flexible job site that has long promoted going green in its business practices. Take a look at these tips and then consider going green whenever possible, every day. It's easier than you might think to make every day Earth Day. Reduce or eliminate … [Read more...] about 24 ideas for going green at work