Some employers are taking interviewing to an entirely different level by asking job candidates creative, outside of the box, seemingly absurd, but effective and unique interview questions during the hiring process. The following are 20 of the craziest questions we’ve heard of that are asked in interviews at companies like Google, Marriott, Bain & Co., and Mastercard.
3 Approaches to Pre-Screening Job Candidates
With cost-per-hire averaging just over $4,500 and the average time to fill ranging anywhere from 25 days (production positions) up to 88 days (executive positions) effective pre-screening job candidates can be one option to help streamline the recruitment and hiring process, ultimately reduce costs and help find the best talent for the organization.
An Introduction to Background Checks for Employers
For the new HR professional, and perhaps even for more seasoned HR managers, the process of conducting background checks can be a difficult one to manage. Corporate Screening, one of ERC’s Preferred Partners, has provided us with some background knowledge to help us answer our key questions.
4 Guidelines for Managing Pregnancy & Maternity in the Workplace
Before your organization doesn’t hire, promote, or accommodate your next pregnant employee—beware—because pregnancy-related lawsuits are increasing and you could be putting yourself at risk.
Local Wellness Programs and the ACA
Based on the results of the 2013-2014 ERC Policies & Benefits survey, Northeast Ohio employers are well positioned to take advantage of the recently released Affordable Care Act (ACA) regulations increasing the maximum rewards employers may offer employees for participation in wellness programs. Local employers have consistently outpaced the national averages in terms of their wellness initiatives, with specific programs illustrated in Figure 1 below.
3 Ways to Lead with Emotional Intelligence & Heart

Emotional intelligence is at the core of great leadership. Exceptional leaders lead emotionally and from the heart.
The Top 5 Characteristics of a Leader
What defines a leader? What makes individuals excel in leadership roles? How do we develop and improve our organization’s influencers?
5 Tips to Fix Your Performance Review Process
Most organizations find that their performance review process is broken and faulty process in their organization. Nobody enjoys it, everyone struggles to do it well, it’s inefficient, and it often fails to do what it ultimately intends to: improve, enhance, and recognize performance.
Religion at Work: A Guide for Employers
In 2013, there had been a number of charges filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) involving religion in the workplace. As workplaces become more religiously diverse, it may be a good time for your organization to review its practices relative to the issue.
Workplace Dress Codes: Setting Expectations
As temperatures rise and the office starts to feel sparse with employees out on summer vacations, you may notice another physical change around the office- in how employees are dressed. While many organizations are already operating with relatively casual dress codes, summertime clothing choices can sometimes push the limits of those policies.
5-Step Checklist to Protect Against Sexual Harassment Liability

Sexual harassment lawsuits continue to make up a large percentage of cases filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and many of the recent cases filed against employers. In addition, digital sexual harassment has become a more common form of sexual harassment through texting, email, and other electronic forms of communication.
FMLA Intermittent Leave: 3 Ways to Manage It

Intermittent FMLA leave can be extremely challenging for employers to manage. Fortunately, there are opportunities in the FMLA process which allow you to carefully manage this type of leave more effectively. Here are 3 ways to manage intermittent FMLA leave’s major challenges.