[btian]

I'll add another $100. I think the fundamental problem is that employers are unwilling to take on someone unless they are absolutely certain that the candidate is the right person because firing is extremely difficult and complicated (with potential for law suits) if the new hire does not prove to be a good fit.

[xsmasher]

It's not just lawsuits. Getting a new hire equipped and up to speed takes resources, and drains productivity away from existing employees.

Also, once you've done a little training the sunk costs fallacy can kick in, even if you wouldn't hire them in hindsight.

[misnome]

I thought this was what probationary periods were for; evaluating a new employee with the opportunity to not continue their employment at the end of it.

[mjwalshe]

What in America the land of "at will" employment I find that very hard to believe.