What to wear to a job interview is a question I get pretty often. I cannot stress the importance of that first impression that gets made when interviewing with a potential future employer, especially in this job market - everything counts. Below are my top 5 fashion tips for what to wear to an interview. Pay close attention to each, they will definitely help to ensure that you get that step up above your competition.

Is your firm dependent upon talent acquisition to grow your revenue and bottom line? Are you struggling with the decision about buying an applicant tracking system (ATS) because of cost?

When used properly, ICs (Independent Contractors) can be an excellent way to augment business services and operations. Classification continues to be hot button issue with the IRS. Misclassifying a position as an IC (also referred to as a 1099) when the position should be classified as an employee can create significant liability for a business, small or large. One of the more well known cases in recent memory involved a suit that Microsoft settled with a group of Independent Contractors for nearly $100M. At issue in the Microsoft suit was participation in various benefit programs, including employee stock options. But even small companies may find themselves targets of litigation. To help you understand exactly what is at stake, here are some areas of risk to keep in mind:

HR is playing games with you! Believe it or not, in a growing trend, businesses are using gaming in a variety of human resources (HR) functions including hiring, leadership development, and employee recognition. Gamification is a combination of behavioral science and technology that provides companies with great tools for employee development, assessment of candidates, feedback, recognition, and collaboration.

Understanding UFOs and How They Impact Your Business I had the opportunity to attend SHRM's Employment Law and Legislative Conference this past week and learned additional insights about UFOs, or Union Front Organizations. Union penetration into the private sector has fallen from 35% of employment Americans during the 1950s to just below 7% today. In the face of greater regulation and less interest from workers, unions are developing new tactics and going after new segments of the working public. It’s more important for business owners to be knowledgeable about trends in union efforts to help protect your business interests and your rights.

Providing employees the opportunity to update their knowledge, skills and abilities should be one of your organization’s top priorities and a key component of your employee total rewards package.