Reference no: EM132874483

1. Among the materials that Madeline Combs provided to you for your feedback is an application form. Evaluate the application form and discuss whether there are items that should be re-worded or eliminated. Be sure to explain to Madeline, who is not an HR expert, the reasons for your recommendations. Are there any items on the form that may be considered illegal or otherwise inappropriate? Should the item(s) be re-worded or eliminated?

2. Acacia also uses a reference request letter and reference request form for various positions in the company. Evaluate the reference request letter and form:

a. Are there any items, questions, or phrases that could be problematic and/or inappropriate in the letter and/or form? Please briefly explain why or why not.

b. What suggestions do you have to improve the reference request form? Specifically, are there any items or wording you would change, remove, and/or add to the form? Please explain.

3. Madeline Combs has also provided you with a list of potential interview questions, admitting that she has not used formal interviewing in the past. Review the interview questions and address the following questions:

a. What is your overall assessment as to whether the interview questions have face validity (i.e., appear to really measure what they are supposed to measure)?

b. Are there any interview questions on this list that may be considered illegal, inappropriate, or otherwise potentially lead to negative reactions from the interviewee? Please explain.

c. Take a look at the "Primary Responsibilities, General Areas of Expertise, and Important Characteristics" tables that Madeline provided to you regarding this job position (pp. 1-2 of the case). Based on this information and your recommendations above, design a new/modified set of interview questions that would be more valid and appropriate for this position. Madeline has indicated a preference for around 8 to 12 interview questions but this is flexible. The set of questions should assess the most important aspects of the job, based on your professional opinion. You can modify or edit the original questions, or use a combination of some of the original questions, modified questions, and/or new questions- whatever you deem most appropriate.

4. Finally, given Madeline's lack of experience creating and administering formal interviews, please give your recommendations concerning the following:

a. Would it be better for the interviews to be conducted in-person or over-the-phone in this case? Please explain your reasoning.

b. Who should conduct the interviews? Do you recommend a one-on-one interview between Madeline and each job applicant, or a panel interview consisting of Madeline and the full-time bakers (whom the Bakery Manager would supervise), or some other method of interviewing? Please explain.