CPC CPC Professional Ethics & Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the ethical implication of 'resume padding' discovered by a recruiter?
- The recruiter should submit the resume anyway to meet quota
- The recruiter must address the discrepancy with the candidate and cannot knowingly submit a falsified resume (Correct answer)
- The recruiter should remove the inflated sections without telling the candidate
- The recruiter should inform only the candidate's current employer
Correct answer: The recruiter must address the discrepancy with the candidate and cannot knowingly submit a falsified resume
Knowingly submitting a falsified resume constitutes misrepresentation and is an ethical violation; the recruiter must confront the issue with the candidate.
Question 2: A personnel consultant who guarantees a client a hire will be 'perfect' is most likely violating which ethical principle?
- Fee transparency
- Accuracy in representations and avoiding unrealistic promises (Correct answer)
- Candidate confidentiality
- Nondiscrimination
Correct answer: Accuracy in representations and avoiding unrealistic promises
Making unrealistic guarantees about candidates is dishonest and sets false expectations, violating the principle of accurate representation.
Question 3: Under the NAPS code, how should a CPC handle a client's request to screen out candidates of a certain religion?
- Comply to maintain the client relationship
- Refuse the discriminatory request and educate the client on legal requirements (Correct answer)
- Redirect the client's attention without formal refusal
- Screen only resumes without names to avoid the issue
Correct answer: Refuse the discriminatory request and educate the client on legal requirements
A CPC must refuse discriminatory screening requests, as complying would constitute participation in illegal employment discrimination.
Question 4: What does 'informed consent' mean in the context of presenting a candidate to a client?
- The client approves of the recruiter's fee structure
- The candidate agrees to be submitted for a specific position before their information is shared (Correct answer)
- The recruiter has verified all resume claims
- The staffing agency has signed an MSA with the client
Correct answer: The candidate agrees to be submitted for a specific position before their information is shared
Informed consent requires that candidates explicitly agree to have their information submitted to a specific employer before the submission is made.
Question 5: A recruiter accepts a gift of significant value from a client after a successful placement. This creates a potential:
- Tax deduction for the agency
- Conflict of interest that may compromise future objectivity (Correct answer)
- Opportunity to negotiate higher fees
- Networking advantage
Correct answer: Conflict of interest that may compromise future objectivity
Accepting significant gifts from clients can compromise a recruiter's objectivity and create a perceived or real conflict of interest in future dealings.
Question 6: The principle of 'equal access' in recruiting ethics means:
- All clients must pay the same fee
- Qualified candidates should have equal opportunity to be considered regardless of protected characteristics (Correct answer)
- All job openings must be publicly posted
- Recruiters must interview every applicant
Correct answer: Qualified candidates should have equal opportunity to be considered regardless of protected characteristics
Equal access requires that all qualified candidates have a fair chance to be considered, free from discrimination based on protected characteristics.
CPC CPC Professional Ethics & Standards 2
What is the ethical implication of 'resume padding' discovered by a recruiter?