Adams & Garth Blog

By Christian Howell, of Adams & Garth, Staffing and Executive Search
Article originally published in Crossroads Business Magazine.

Reference checks are an important and valuable aspect of pre-employment screening, but there are misconceptions about what can and cannot be discussed. The laws on reference checks vary from state to state, however we have some general guidelines to follow. The key is that reference questions should be limited to relevant job-related information.  These questions should be designed to gain information that allows the prospective employer to evaluate the candidate’s ability to perform the job and work well with co-workers. You should avoid any questions that may focus on age, sex, religion, national origin or disability. These personal characteristics cannot be used for hiring decisions as they are not job-related and may lead to charges of discrimination. A good test is: Would I directly ask the candidate the same question?  If the answer is no, then you should not ask the reference source for that information.

The challenge of reference checks is that useful information may be difficult to get. Some employers will only disclose limited information such as dates of employment, positions held and perhaps salary information. These employers are concerned that former employees may file defamation claims if they are unsatisfied with the reference they receive.  This limited reference is really just employment verification and while important, it is not as valuable as a true reference check.

The goal of a reference check should be to obtain qualitative information about the person’s past performance, improvements needed, and recommendation for rehire. A potential solution to the litigation concern starts by getting a signed document from the prospective employee authorizing the job reference. Presenting this document does not guarantee that the former employer will provide such a reference, but it may alleviate some of their legal concerns.

In Virginia, employers providing references are protected by statutory immunity. The guidance about what can and cannot be asked when conducting a reference check is limited, but as long as the information given is true and is not intended to harm the employee or prevent them from obtaining employment, there will be no problem. From Va. Code § 8.01-46.1: “As long as the employer providing the reference is acting in good faith, it is immune to civil liability. Any employer who, upon request by a person’s prospective or current employer, furnishes information about that person’s professional conduct, reasons for separation or job performance, including, but not limited to, information contained in any written performance evaluations, shall be immune from civil liability for furnishing such information, provided that the employer is not acting in bad faith.”

Exercising due diligence to get qualified, revealing, and useful reference information on potential new hires can be overwhelming and time consuming, but it is worth the effort and may prevent a costly hiring mistake.

Christian Howell is Business Development Manager for Adams & Garth, Staffing and Executive Search.  He holds CSP and TSC certifications from the American Staffing Association and graduated from The University of Virginia. Adams & Garth is a member of the Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce and has offices in Verona, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Culpeper and Richmond. Christian can be contacted at chowell@adamsandgarth.com or 434-974-7878.  The company website is www.adamsandgarth.com.

Adams & Garth Staffing and Executive Search, a Charlottesville, VA headquartered contingent and contract staffing and recruiting firm announces the grand opening of its newest office in Richmond, Virginia.

Adams & Garth specializes in helping employers to implement “smart staffing solutions,” a method for proactive workforce planning that allows companies to improve their hiring, lower labor costs and enhance productivity. The company provides HR consulting, HR management services, staffing management, just-in-time contingent staffing, temp-to-hire and direct hire recruiting, and employee testing and training services.

Company President Lee Witherow states “We are thrilled to be expanding our services to the state capitol. For 22 years, we have been serving employers throughout Virginia, and now we have the opportunity to help thousands of employers and government agencies to create jobs, reduce expenses, and improve productivity with our strategic approach to staffing.”

Adams & Garth’s Richmond offices will be managed by Robert Huff II, Regional Vice President. Mr. Huff is a Certified Staffing Professional, responsible for establishing new staffing offices. Prior to joining Adams & Garth, Mr. Huff was a Director of Equity Investments at Fannie Mae in Washington, DC. He brings a unique combination of operational six sigma experience, as well as senior management experience and financial acumen. Robert has experience working for Fortune 50 companies, entrepreneurs and consulting firms to assist Richmond’s employers in the development and implementation of smart staffing solutions. Adams & Garth’s Richmond offices are located at 7229 Forest Avenue, Suite 103.

For more information about Adams & Garth Staffing and Executive Search, please call our Richmond office at 804-282-5627 or visit adamsandgarth.com.

Christian Howell, Director of Business Development, and a member of the Albemarle Charlottesville Human Resource Association (ACHRA) participated on January 27, 2010 in a workshop for job seekers at the Central Library in Charlottesville.  ACHRA provided this free workshop to candidates seeking one-on-one sessions with Human Resource professionals.  Christian and other ACHRA members assisted job seekers in a variety of useful human resource skills.

Christian reports, “It was rewarding to assist candidates with interviewing, resume writing and job searches using the internet.  ACHRA members worked well as a team and the turnout was great.  I was pleased to represent Adams & Garth Staffing and Executive Search by giving back to the community in this way”.

Newville Promoted to Branch Manager of Charlottesville, VA Office

Charlottesville, VA – Adams and Garth is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Jessica Newville to Branch Manager of their Charlottesville, VA office. Newville began her career with the Central Virginia staffing and employment firm as a Staffing Coordinator. Because she brought nearly 10 years of staffing experience to the job, she was quickly named Branch Manager on Monday, November 23rd, 2009.

Newville relocated here from Northern Michigan in 2008. She has extensive experience in all aspects of staffing, from professional placement to administrative, executive, industrial, and general labor staffing. Newville further broadened her experience base by serving as an on-site coordinator for several prestigious employers.

As the new Branch Manager, Newville will focus on building relationships with clients, prospects, and applicants alike. “I am excited to head into this role as a working manager,” says Newville, “staying ‘hands-on’ by continuing to conduct interviews and make placements. I take great pride in the work I do for Adams and Garth, and I’m committed to keeping in-touch with the daily operation of our business.”

Moving forward, Newville also plans to take a more active role in the local community. Specifically, she has joined the Committee for the FOCUS Women’s Resource Center (which helps women and at-risk teen girls realize their potential in the world of work) and plans to become an active member of the local Chamber of Commerce.

Lee Witherow, President of Adams and Garth, is confident in Newville’s ability to effectively lead the Charlottesville team. “Jessica brings a wealth of staffing and management experience to her new position. Her passion for staffing, natural leadership skills, and commitment to our clients’ success make her an ideal choice for the role of Branch Manager.”

About Adams and Garth Staffing Solutions
Adams and Garth Staffing Solutions opened its first office in 1989. Since then, they have taken great pride in being a leading locally-owned and non-franchise staffing, recruitment, and employment agency serving Central Virginia. The company specializes in temporary, temporary-to-hire, and direct hire services in a variety of fields, including: office/clerical, industrial, accounting/finance, engineering, IT, agriculture/farming, construction, HR, marketing/sales, medical administrative, legal, hospitality, restaurant and manufacturing.

With offices in Charlottesville, Culpeper, Staunton, Harrisonburg, and Lynchburg, Adams and Garth is able to serve all of its clients’ temporary and direct hire staffing needs throughout Central Virginia. Ultimately, Adams and Garth strives to become a partner for both local employers and job seekers.

Certifications Help Adams & Garth Deliver Superior Staffing Solutions

Charlottesville, VA – Adams and Garth is pleased to announce that Christian Howell, Director of Business Development, and Jessica Newville, Branch Manager, both recently earned their CSP (Certified Staffing Professional) and TSC (Technical Services Certified) Certifications through the American Staffing Association.

The CSP program enhances staffing professionals’ competency and knowledge of state and federal labor and employment law. The TSC program builds upon the CSP program, by reviewing labor and employment law as it applies to technical, IT, and scientific staffing. To earn these certifications, both Howell and Newville had to pass an online test administered by the American Staffing Association. The ASA is a national organization which promotes legal, ethical, and professional practices for the United States staffing industry.

Christian Howell feels his hard work has paid off. “The CSP and TSC certifications have helped deepen my industry knowledge. As a result, I’m even better equipped to reduce clients’ employment risks, explain co-employment obligations, and protect both candidate and employee rights. Bottom line, these certifications have made me a better staffing professional.”

Newville, who was recently promoted to Branch Manager, says the certifications helped her develop specialized skills that prepared her for her role in management. “With my new responsibilities, I want to do everything I can to stay on top of the latest developments in labor and employment law. The knowledge I’ve gained by obtaining these certifications will undoubtedly help me deliver even better service to my clients.”

“At Adams and Garth, we recognize the value of ongoing training and education. Simply put, ASA certification translates into better service – for our clients and candidates alike,” says Lee Witherow, President of Adams and Garth Staffing Solutions. “The more our managers know about employment and labor laws, the more adept they’ll be at delivering expert advice and superior staffing solutions.”

About Adams and Garth Staffing Solutions
Adams and Garth Staffing Solutions opened its first office in 1989. Since then, they have taken great pride in being a leading locally-owned and non-franchise staffing, recruitment, and employment agency serving Central Virginia. The company specializes in temporary, temporary-to-hire, and direct hire services in a variety of fields, including: office/clerical, industrial, accounting/finance, engineering, IT, agriculture/farming, construction, HR, marketing/sales, medical administrative, legal, hospitality, restaurant and manufacturing.

With offices in Charlottesville, Culpeper, Staunton, Harrisonburg, and Lynchburg, Adams and Garth is able to serve all of its clients’ temporary and direct hire staffing needs throughout Central Virginia. Ultimately, Adams and Garth strives to become a partner for both local employers and job seekers.

If you would like more information, or want to schedule an interview with Lee Witherow, please call Adams and Garth at 434.974.7878 or e-mail Lee at lwitherow@adamsandgarth.com.