Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are software tools that recruiters and hiring managers use to find top candidates. They save time by storing applications and tracking job seekers throughout the recruiting process—from job ads to hiring. You should consider an ATS that is free, simplifies job posting, filters incoming resumes and applications, and improves candidate-employer communication….
About the Author
Laura Handrick
Laura Handrick specializes in the full cycle of human resource topics from recruiting to talent management. She holds SHRM certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), a Master's in Educational Technology from San Diego State, and is certified as an International Franchise Executive through the IFA. She has worked with small business owners and managers as a business coach and served as the HR director in Fortune 100 companies.
Laura’s expertise has been featured in over 100 articles, including on Fast Company, New York Post, and NBC News. Laura has received three Telly awards for her videos on enterprise training and corporate strategy
Laura spends her free time hiking, gardening, golfing, and volunteering in northern AZ with her husband and their dog, Sparky.
Top 25 HR Tools the Pros Use
The best human resources tools range from employee data software to mobile HR apps that track people and work-related activities. HR tools streamline tasks human resource professionals manage—beyond hiring, benefits, and culture building. Below are traditional HR standbys plus some newer tools your HR team may find you can no longer live without. In fact,…
Exempt vs Non-exempt: Legal Definition, Employer Rules & Exceptions
Exempt vs non-exempt are worker classifications that determine whether you must pay an employee overtime pay. An employer should determine this―based on the job duties―before posting a job and hiring. Misclassification is costly, so we’ll help you understand the three tests to discern the difference between exempt vs non-exempt employees. Federal law requires that you…
I-9 Form: Definition, Requirements & How to Complete
The I-9 form is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) document used to verify a person’s eligibility to work in the U.S. Workers provide identification such as a Social Security card and driver’s license or passport. The employer then verifies these documents to confirm the employee’s work eligibility. Both complete and sign the form. How…
How to Conduct a Payroll Audit [+ Free Payroll Audit Checklist]
Conducting a payroll audit helps ensure your payroll process complies with labor and tax laws. Further, regular payroll audits reduce occurrences of fraud, embezzlement, and wage theft. You can strengthen your financial controls and address potential issues using our free customizable payroll audit checklist that covers how to conduct a payroll audit step-by-step. , which…
Illegal Reasons to Fire Someone + 29 Examples
Most states abide by a doctrine called “at will,” allowing employees or employers to terminate the employment relationship at any time. However, some employers still find themselves defending wrongful termination cases. Avoiding the numerous illegal reasons to fire someone—like discrimination and unfair bias—can protect you from fines, lawsuits, and unemployment claims. It’s not a bad…
What Does Human Resources Do? 25 Important HR Functions
In a word, HR oversees the “people” stuff. It has both tactical (hiring, benefits enrollment) and strategic (leadership training, risk avoidance, diversity) roles. You can place the specific HR functions a business needs into buckets, depending on its size. For startups, HR may run payroll but focus more on building culture as the company grows….
7 Best Project Management Apps for Android & iOS
Not every job is done at a desk, so why should your project management tools tie you to one? Project management apps for Android and iOS help keep tabs on tasks, milestones, and team communication from anywhere. We looked at apps that cost nothing to more than $80 monthly and chose the seven best. Top…
10 Best Google Project Management Tools & Apps
Google offers excellent apps for project collaboration and organization at a lower cost—some are free—than traditional project tracking software. We examined the best Google project management tools and apps that you can use for work scheduling, task management, collaboration, communication, and integration with your existing business software. Top 10 Google Apps for Project Management How…
What Is Holiday Pay? (+ Free Holiday Pay Policy Template)
Holiday pay is not required, but to remain competitive, U.S. businesses voluntarily pay employees for an average of 7.6 holidays per year—typically New Year’s, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. When employees are required to work on a holiday, businesses often provide additional compensation or a floating day off instead. Holiday Pay…
How to Calculate Vacation Accrual (+Free PTO Calculator)
Small businesses offering paid time off (PTO) must manage accruals accurately to avoid labor law violations. Our vacation / PTO accrual calculator lets you determine the appropriate accrual rate to use per pay period based on your business work days, hours in a work week, and how many days of PTO / vacation you offer…
Top 25 Office Holiday Party Ideas
Office holiday parties boost morale and teamwork. With winter festivities around the corner, it’s important to consider holiday party ideas that will get your employees in the spirit of the season. You have numerous options, from affordable team community service events to pricey all-out entertainment with lots of cool food and event options sandwiched between….