how do I avoid hiring undesirables applying for work?

Question

I run a service industry company. They seem ok in the interview. Later there is excessive absences and tardiness causing me to lose accounts. They steal my property. I advertise for employment inthe local community newspapers. H E L P !!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

I would consider using a Temporary Service for a probationary period. This way, they can be let go without any problems. Temp to hire works great for employers.

Answer 2

Very difficult to know what people are like on the basis of a short job interview. Best thing to do is to ring them up unexpectedly before you invite them for an interview and see what they are like. Trust you instincts if there is something that you are not sure about, then don't take their application any further. Make sure you check their references especially verbally. Employers will often say things on the phone which they won't say in writing. Other than Psychological tests I don't know what else to suggest.

Stealing is a definite no no, as is rudeness. But you mention excessive absence. It could be that these people are off for genuine reasons with proper medical, and disabled qualified health reasons. I appreciate from the employers point of view that this causes you to lose business but from the employees point of view, these laws are in place to protect them from unfair dismissal.