I. Recruitment
Hiring should be based on professional competence and ability to meet the job requirements. Employee qualifications and employment opportunities should be represented in a factual and forthright manner. The employer's offer of employment and the employee's acceptance should be in writing.
Professional Employee
1. The professional employee (applicant) should attend interviews and accept reimbursement only for those job opportunities in which there is a sincere interest. The applicant should prorate costs for multiple interviews during a given trip on a rational basis. The guiding principle should be that the applicant receives neither more nor less than the cost of the total trip.
2. The applicant should carefully evaluate past, present, and future confidentiality obligations in regard to trade secrets and proprietary information connected with the potential employment. The applicant should not seek or accept employment on the basis of using or divulging any trade secrets or proprietary information.
3. Having accepted an offer of employment, the applicant is morally obligated to honor the commitment unless formally released after giving adequate notice of intent.
4. The applicant should not use the funds or time of a current employer for the purpose of seeking new employment unless approved by the current employer.
Employer
1. The policy of the employer regarding payment of expenses incurred by the applicant in attending the interview must be made clear prior to the arranged interview.
2. The applicant should have an interview with the prospective employer and, if possible, with the prospective supervisor, in order to understand clearly the technical and business nature of the job opportunity. The prospective employer should be ethically responsible for all representations regarding the conditions of employment.
3. Applications for positions should be confidential. The expressed consent of the applicant should be obtained prior to communicating with a current employer.
4. Employers should minimize hiring during periods of major curtailment of personnel.
5. Hiring of professional employees should be planned at all times to provide satisfying careers.
6. Agreements among employers or between employer and professional employee which limit the opportunity of professional employees to seek other employment or establish independent enterprise are contrary to the spirit of these Guidelines.
7. The employer's written offer of employment should state all relevant terms, such as salary, understandings relating to relocation assistance, expected duration of employment (permanent or temporary), and patent obligations. The prospective employee should be informed of any papers requiring a signature.
8. Having accepted an applicant, an employer who finds it necessary to rescind offer of employment should make adequate reparation for any injury suffered.
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