Users Guide to the Principles for Professional Conduct
| Index to Ethics Guide |
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Principles for Employer Professionals
5. Use of alcohol in the recruitment process
"Serving alcohol should not be part of the recruitment process on or off campus. This includes receptions, dinners, company tours, etc."
(Intent / Rationale / Scenario / Resolution / Resources)
Intent
Students should be recruited in a manner which focuses solely on
their qualifications for the recruiting organization’s position
and in which no elements are injected which may unfairly harm the
student’s comfort or candidacy.
Rationale
The fundamental concern is that the use of alcohol in the recruitment
process may be uncomfortable to some students and may harm their
job-search efforts. Some students worry that if they are offered
an alcoholic beverage, they’re being tested in some way. They wonder
if they should accept the offer, what they should order, and whether
their behavior will affect the way prospective employers view them.
This violates the spirit of one of the Principles’ basic
precepts, namely that members "maintain a recruitment process
that is fair and equitable to candidates..."
There is considerable concern on colleges campuses about the harm
that drinking creates for students and the educational environment.
Linking alcohol use with recruiting makes a subtle point that alcohol
consumption is an acceptable business process. In NACE’s view, this
does not send the best message to students about the appropriate
use of alcohol.
Also noted is the contradiction in serving alcohol to job candidates
and then requiring them to take a drug and alcohol test to be hired.
A company’s policy on alcohol use among employees should be reflected
in its recruiting policy. If a company discourages alcohol use among
employees, the company shouldn’t offer it to prospective employees.
Scenario
The college relations manager schedules a social hour off campus
for candidates that have made it through the first round of interviews.
To emphasize the company’s interest in these students, the vice
presidents for human resources and research and development decide
to attend. They inform the college relations manager that wine and
beer should be served at this event, as students expect this treatment
and will be impressed. Moreover, the vice presidents and the students
know that the company’s competitors provide alcoholic beverages
at their recruitment receptions.
Resolution
Clearly the college relations manager is in a difficult situation.
The Principles document makes it clear that serving alcoholic
beverages as part of the recruitment process is a proscribed practice.
At the same time, the pressure and danger to the coordinator’s position
are real.
The recommended approach is to make all efforts to educate the two
vice presidents about the realities of this situation. Not all students
expect or want alcoholic beverages at a recruiting event. Some,
possibly the best candidates, may be uncomfortable with this situation
and turned off by the implication that drinking is expected or acceptable
at a business function. While some organizations still make alcohol
a part of the recruiting function, many recognize that this contradicts
the philosophy that underlies their substance abuse stance. Third,
given the concern that colleges have with student alcohol abuse,
making alcoholic beverages a part of recruitment might not engender
positive relationships with the institutions from which the company
is recruiting.
The manager might also advise the vice presidents to speak with
the company’s legal affairs department. Perhaps that office might
provide cautionary reasons (and tales).
Ultimately, if the vice presidents refuse to follow the college
relations manager’s counsel, the manager should make every effort
to make alternative beverages available and let students know that
they are not obliged to demonstrate their ability to handle alcohol.
Kaplan, Rochelle. "Does Alcohol have a Place in Recruiting." Journal of Career Planning & Employment, Summer 1998.
Principle
6. Compliance with EEO and AA Principles
