Chapter 9 Human Resources Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering key human resources concepts, federal employment laws, interviewing guidelines, resume elements, total rewards components, and recruitment agencies.

Human Resources Department

The organizational department that supports all areas by hiring employees, training workers, managing payroll and benefits, handling employee problems, ensuring workplace safety, ensuring compliance with employment laws, and helping every department find and keep qualified employees.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

A federal law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

A federal law that protects employees and job applicants who are 40 years of age or older from age discrimination.

Equal Pay Act (EPA)

A federal law that requires men and women to receive equal pay for substantially equal work.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

A federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

A federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The federal agency that investigates discrimination complaints and enforces compliance with equal employment opportunity laws.

Illegal Interview Questions

Questions employers are prohibited from asking during an interview, such as inquiring about an applicant's religious practices or plans to have children.

Legal Interview Questions

Permissible interview inquiries that focus on job qualifications and eligibility, such as asking if an applicant is legally authorized to work in the United States or possesses the required skills and experience.

First Five Parts of a Resume

The primary initial components of a professional resume: contact information, career objective or professional summary, education, work experience, and skills and qualifications.

Elements of a Good Resume

Five key characteristics of an effective resume: an easy-to-read format, correct spelling and grammar, relevant information, clear and concise descriptions, and a professional appearance.

Job Description

A document specifying the job title, job responsibilities, qualifications, and work environment to help applicants understand requirements and help hiring managers find qualified candidates.

Closed-Ended Interview Question

An interview question—such as 'Do you have previous work experience?'—that typically elicits a brief, direct, or yes/no answer.

Open-Ended Interview Question

A preferred interview question—such as 'Can you describe your previous work experience and what you learned from it?'—that encourages applicants to provide detailed insights into their experiences, skills, and thoughts.

Total Rewards: Pay

The direct monetary compensation provided to employees, which includes hourly wages, salary, and bonuses.

Total Rewards: Benefits

Non-wage compensation components provided to employees, including health insurance, paid vacation, and 401(k) matching.

Total Rewards: Employee Development

Opportunities provided by an organization to advance employee growth, including training programs, career advancement, and career planning.

Total Rewards: Work Environment

Workplace factors and conditions provided by an employer, such as a flexible schedule, remote work options, and a positive culture.

Recruiting Methods

Techniques used by hiring managers to attract qualified candidates, which include online job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn), company websites, employee referrals, social media, and college career fairs or campus recruiting.

Public Employment Agencies

Government-funded organizations that help job seekers find employment and connect employers with available workers.

Private Employment Agencies

Commercial businesses that assist employers in finding qualified job applicants, typically in exchange for a fee.

Executive Search Firms

Specialized employment agencies that recruit highly qualified candidates for upper-level management and executive positions.