May - June 2025
HVAC ROADSHOW
Our Values
Build Community
We believe in the power of community to transform lives. At Hawthorne, we actively foster environments that promote social interaction, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.
Be The Difference
Making a difference starts with you. We encourage personal growth, philanthropy, and community involvement, empowering each team member to be a positive force for change.
Do The Right Thing
Integrity is the compass guiding our decisions at Hawthorne. We believe in doing what is right, even when no one is watching, fostering a culture where honesty and fairness are a key to success.
Be Accountable
Accountability is the foundation of trust. At Hawthorne, we communicate openly, admit mistakes, and take swift action to rectify any issues, reinforcing our commitment to accountability.
Stay Authentic
We believe in being real and relatable. Authenticity at Hawthorne means embracing imperfections, learning from mistakes, and continuously growing together.
Be Kind
In all things, we lead with kindness, always striving to leave others better than we found them.
HAWTHORNE BUSINESS UPDATES
Hawthorne Is Growing!
Welcoming Three New Communities
As part of Hawthorne’s continued growth across the Southeast, we’re excited to welcome three new communities to our expanding portfolio. These properties reflect our strategic focus on highpotential markets and thoughtfully designed living experiences:
Allen
Ridge Townhomes | 125 Units | Greenville, NC
A boutique townhome community located in the heart of Greenville, Allen Ridge offers a quiet, residential setting with modern finishes and spacious layouts—perfectly positioned for professionals and growing families alike.
The Palms at Chatham | 300 Units | Savannah, GA Nestled just outside downtown Savannah, The Palms at Chatham is a garden-style community featuring lush landscaping, expansive floor plans, and a strong existing resident base. It presents a key opportunity to strengthen our footprint in the thriving Savannah market.
Evolve Holly Ridge Apartments | 264 Units | Holly Ridge, NC
Situated between Wilmington and Jacksonville, this newly built community offers resort-style amenities and coastal charm, making it a standout option for both military-affiliated residents and those drawn to the Eastern North Carolina lifestyle.
Please join us in giving a warm Hawthorne welcome to the teams and residents at each of these communities—we’re excited to have them as part of the family!
The Palms at Chatham Evolve Holly Ridge Apartments Allen Ridge Townhomes
New Development Spotlight
Welcome to Hawthorne at Brightwood Farm! Our newest completed HRP New Development brings an additional 312 units in garden style buildings to our growing portfolio.
Located in Whitsett, NC, Hawthorne at Brightwood Farm, is perfectly situated between the Triad and Triangle hubs of North Carolina and minutes away from I-40. Hawthorne at Brightwood Farm’s new community amenity package includes outdoor entertainment spaces like their saltwater swimming pool, playground, bark park, and grilling space, in addition to a modern farmhouse inspired designer clubhouse, 24-hour high end fitness center, sports simulator and cyber-café. The interior apartment homes feature two custom finish schemes with crisp white or transitional gray cabinet styles, both include granite countertops throughout, energy-star stainless steel appliances, and unique open-concept floorplans.
The first residents were welcomed to Hawthorne at Brightwood Farm in July 2024. The community is currently at 73% occupied and 83% pre-leased. Join us in congratulating this stellar team on a job well done and a successful lease up!
CHECK IT OUT HERE!
Hawthorne’s annual sales rally and competition is in full swing with 6 bi-weekly challenges offering tantalizing prizes! Congratulations to our challenge winners thus far:
Goal Board Challenge Choice of a free Ninja appliance — up to $350
Clothing
additional lease commissions for 2 weeks
DON’T FORGET OUR END-OF-THE-SUMMER GRAND PRIZES:
6 winners will receive $3,000 each — 2 winners from each SVP Region (1 stabilized winner and 1 lease-up winner)
Winners who have the most Move-Ins from May 1 — July 31 & have participated in each Survivor Challenge.
SO, CAST AWAY WITH US VIRTUALLY ON OUR REMAINING DATES AT 11:00 AM EST: JUNE 27, JULY 11 AND JULY 25
7. What’s Happening, Hawthorne?! May - June 2025
Hawthorne at the Carlyle
Best-Dressed Runway Challenge
$500
Shopping Spree Gift Card Karlie Kissich (18 Watercress Green)
Closing Challenge
$100
Hannah Wheatley (Hawthorne at Brightwood Farm)
Streamlined Cyber Security Training
In order to create a simpler e-learning experience for our employees, we are excited to announce that all cyber security training has moved from KnowBe4 to Grace Hill. At Hawthorne, we emphasize the importance of keeping our digital environments safe. Cybersecurity not only protects sensitive data but also helps avoid disruptions. These courses cover everyday practices to boost your online security, tools to block common threats, and steps to take in the event of a breach.
Going forward, all employees will be assigned one cyber security e-course at hire and then bi-annual refreshers thereafter. Employees will still be sent “test” phishing emails and, should they fail to follow Hawthorne’s cyber security policies, will be asked to take additional training as needed.
Lease File Management Essentials
Recently, the Training Department conducted a virtual training class designed to help site teams streamline file management workflows, ensure compliance, and maintain organized, accurate lease records.
In this interactive and insightful class, our leasing teams learned:
• Best practices for organizing and maintaining lease files.
• Key documents to include and how to track them.
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
• Tools and tips for staying audit ready.
If you did not attend your assigned virtual class, a new recording of the class has been assigned to you in Grace Hill and should be completed by June 30th.
New Yardi Help Widget Walk-Thrus
As new processes and policies are launched in Yardi and Rent Café, please remember that the Yardi Help Widget will also be available to you as a resource to guide you through these new processes. Over the past few months, the following walk-thrus have been added or updated to reflect Hawthorne’s current processes:
• Entering leasing specials
• Reprocessing failed checks
• Adding nudge marketing in Rent Café
• Analyzing screening results to now include Credit Processing Numbers
• Bulk make-ready & availability
If you ever have any trouble accessing the Help Widget, please submit a support ticket.
Employee Training Schedule
Leasing School (Greensboro, NC)
July 9-10: July 16-17: July 29: August 6-7: August 19-20: August 27-28:
Leasing School (Virtual)
Career Path Class (for Area Managers) —
“Delegation: Engage and Empower People”
Leasing School (Greensboro, NC)
Live It Leadership (Greensboro, NC)
Leasing School (Virtual)
For more information about these classes and many more, click on the Grace Hill training calendar on your learning homepage.
2025 HVAC Roadshow
As we reach the halfway mark for 2025, we want to highlight our teams that attended this quarter’s Roadshow and share some accomplishments. The Roadshows this past quarter focused on the adoption of A2L refrigerants and brazing with over 450 attendees!
The A2L regulation was announced by the EPA in 2020 and officially took effect on January 1, 2025. Due to the rapid transition and significantly higher price tag, plus this transition being more complex than the last, we embraced it by putting together a fun, interactive learning experience for our Resident Service Teams.
Are A2L refrigerants dangerous?
Care should always be taken when working with any refrigerant. When managed correctly and using the proper tools, A2L refrigerants are safe and dependable.
What about flammability?
A2L is a new, special designation describing refrigerants that are difficult to ignite and have a low burning velocity or propagation.
Single Component Vs Blended Refrigerant (R-32 & 454B)
Reduced usage: Specific R-32 systems could have up to 40% less charge than similar R-410A systems. R-32 can be topped up and recharged in the field, in both liquid and gas phases, without changes in composition. R-32 systems are installed using the same steps as R-410A and R-454B system. R-32 is not a drop-in replacement for all existing systems. Retrofitting may be required, and compatibility with existing equipment should be thoroughly assessed before transitioning to R-32. As for a blend refrigerant, R-454B is NOT designed to be a drop-in replacement for R-410A. There are no drop-in A2L replacements for R-410A. R-454B was designed as a new, low-GWP refrigerant and requires equipment that is compatible with this refrigerant type.
A2L Equipment Design Changes
To name a few modifications, condenser & tubing footprint overall will increase. Specifically designed red caps on valves utilized to signify a unit is A2L. Enclosed contactors with lug connections and reverse threaded connections will also be a strategic change. The design will also incorporate a factory installed refrigerant detection system or RDS.
Brazing
To encompass the brazing portion of the training, we utilized the significance of A2L and brazing by combining both. Specific focuses were brazing safety, brazing with A2L refrigerants, proper prepping & brazing techniques, and detailed training on setting up acetylene & oxygen torch equipment.
Other topics covered during this quarter’s Roadshow included:
A2L Safety
A2L Equipment and Compatibility
How and Where to Store A2L Refrigerant
Implementation of Specific A2L Designated Tools
Employee Benefits Care.com
All employees have free access to Care.com, which will give you unlimited access to the world’s largest platform for finding and managing care for children, seniors, pets and the home. An individual annual membership to Care.com normally costs around $180, but Hawthorne provides this to all employees at no cost! You can pay caregivers directly, through the Care.com website, or through the Care app. Safety is a top concern with Care.com, and all caregivers listed on the site must have completed a full background check, including Federal and county criminal records search as well as a National Sex Offender Public Website search. Please reference the FAQ’s which will answer some questions about the website.
Another great benefit Care.com offers is called LifeMart. Similar to Access Perks, LifeMart gives you access to exclusive offers on childcare, travel, nutrition services, and more through a members-only online discount program. You will be able to access savings on major brands to everyday essentials—from car rentals to computers, groceries to gifts, electronics to entertainment, and so much more. Please see next pages for details on LifeMart.
In order to register for these great free benefits, all you need to do is go to www.care.com/yourbenefits. You will enter the company name (Hawthorne Residential Partners), work email (i.e. your individual @hrpliving.com email), your name, birthdate and address, and then verify your work email to create your account! Please see the Registration Flow information on the right to walk you step by step through the registration process.
Here is a helpful video to show the process:
Registration Flow
First, go to care.com/yourbenefits.
If you have any questions about the Care.com benefits, contact benefits@hrpliving.com.
Watch Video
Here to Support You!
We’re excited to spotlight several new resources and updates designed to support you and your teams and boost operational efficiency.
Updating Make Ready Dates in Bulk
Community Managers can now update make ready and available dates in bulk! This enhancement also allows switching units from ready to not ready as needed— saving time and streamlining workflows.
Auto NSF Email Notification Now Live
The auto-generated email tied to the Auto NSF task (launched in March) has been finalized and approved. Residents will now receive a notification when a payment is returned and recorded as NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds). These emails are sent daily at 6:00 PM for any returned payments recorded that day.
Support Tools You May Have Missed
In addition, we recently shared a powerful set of tools to help you:
• Troubleshoot Common Yardi Issues
• Submit Accurate Help Desk Tickets
• Process Corporate Applications More Effectively
These resources are designed to streamline your workflow and improve turnaround times.
Kendall McClure
Talent Acquisition & Operations Specialist
Time with HRP?
8 Months (and continuing!)
What do you love most about HRP?
I truly appreciate the culture at Hawthorne and how it influences our overall operations. Our culture shapes the way we work with our employees and helps us streamline processes to make their jobs better. It also guides our interactions with current and future residents and allows us to shine through living it daily. This culture is felt both internally and externally and finding such a strong and positive culture in a company is rare.
What do you do outside of Hawthorne?
I enjoy spending time with friends, going to coffee shops, reading, playing pickleball, paddleboarding, and attending dinner parties. At the last dinner party I attended, we all brought our favorite appetizers as the food for the night! Additionally, I am a middle school youth group leader at my church, which means my weekly schedule often includes ice cream gatherings (lots of ice cream) and various sports and musical events.
If you had 3 wishes, what would they be?
1. Unlimited vanilla lattes with oat milk from local coffee shops.
2. To have a fully paid white cottage as a house one day.
3. To be able to go to an exclusive art gallery and pick out and buy any painting that I want.
Tiffany Cales
Regional Manager
Time with HRP?
2 years, 6 months.
What do you love most about HRP?
I feel blessed to be part of such an amazing group of people that truly treat others with kindness and respect. I love knowing that each person at Hawthorne can contribute their ideas and collaboration is encouraged.
The team at Hawthorne genuinely works every day to leave others better and I feel that is a unique thing in the industry. It’s hard to believe there are so many amazing people in one company!
What do you do outside of Hawthorne?
I enjoy spending time with my dog, Xena. I love spending time outdoors and enjoy exploring trails and trout fishing with my dad and sister. I really enjoy discovering new places.
If you had 3 wishes, what would they be?
1. I would love to be able to travel back in time for the day to experience something joyful from my past. High school days, time with grandparents.
2. The ability to teleport to any travel destination instantly with freedom to explore the world and experience different cultures without logistical constraints.
3. The ability to instantly understand any language…to accommodate wish #2 of course!
YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS CELEBRATING
Name Promotion From Promoted To
Amber Cox
Brenda Bean
Danniene McNeill
Douglas Bailey
Samantha Gianos
Tiffany Meyers
Asset Manager
Senior Property Accountant
Property Accountant II
Regional Support Supervisor
Area Manager
Assistant Community Manager
Property Promotions
Corporate Promotions April - May April - May
Senior Operations Manager
Accounting Team Leader
Accounts Payable & Vendor Compliance Manager
Regional Service Manager
Regional Manager
Regional Leasing Specialist
Name Promotion From Promoted To
Catherine Caillat
Dajan Krajisnik
Diane Metzger
Jeffrey Zoleta
Jenna Chalhoub
Lacey Watford
McKenzie Crespin
Orlando Ayala
Patric Mitchell
Guarista Rice Evelin
Rick Carlisle
Robert Chiarella
Rondriquez Clayton
Vernon Goldston
Leasing & Live It! Specialist
Resident Services Technician III
Leasing & Live It! Specialist
Resident Services Technician III
Leasing & Live It! Specialist
Leasing & Live It! Specialist
Leasing & Live It! Specialist
Resident Services Technician II
Resident Services Technician III
Leasing & Live It! Specialist
Resident Services Technician III
Resident Services Technician III
Resident Services Technician III
Resident Services Technician II
Assistant Community Manager
Resident Services Supervisor
Assistant Community Manager
Resident Services Supervisor
Assistant Community Manager
Assistant Community Manager
Assistant Community Manager
Resident Services Supervisor
Resident Services Supervisor
Assistant Community Manager
Resident Services Supervisor
Resident Services Supervisor
Resident Services Supervisor
Resident Services Technician III
Your Career Path Completions
April - May
Employee
Catherine Caillat from Park Forest
Gabriel Suarez from Eagle Landing
Jorge Castro from Meridian at Harrison Pointe
Megan Martinez from Hawthorne at Murrayville
Reginald Mitchell from Hawthorne at Southside
Samantha Herndon from Hawthorne at Horse Pen Creek
April - May
High Roller Achievements
Hawthorne High Rollers is a leasing reward program designed to encourage exceptional leasing results by providing a bonus program that increases recognition and compensation for sales ability.
Employee
Alison Wahlund
Brianna Moore
Candace Mayo
Charlotte Ford
Diane Metzger
Gracen Henry
Katia Monroe
Kayla Darras
Madison Reynolds
Pamela Twitty
Ruben Cabrera
Sara Kelly
Savanna Kennedy
Savannah Bigham
Shaniya Kindle
Sydney Taylor
Tiffany Blackwell
Viktoria Dzelme
Wendy Warburton
Yolimar Garayalde
Community
Hawthorne at Leland
Hawthorne at Smith Creek
West Park
Cranes Landing
West Park
Hawthorne at Bay Forest
West End at Fayetteville
The Harbours
District at Phenix City
Hawthorne at Lily Flagg
Barber Park
Hawthorne Davis Park
Northwind Apartments
Landmark Apartments
Yester Oaks
808 Hawthorne
Hawthorne at Holly Springs
Comet West New Bern
Hawthorne at Westport
West End at Fayetteville
Status
Hot Shot Scholar
Scholar
Pot
Shot
Scholar
Pot
Jack Pot
Taylor Slaughter Rising Star Award
Danniene McNeill People’s Choice Award
Peyton Edmond Rising Star Award
Biek Hwing People’s Choice Award
Laura Lentz Live It Award
Regional Team Promotions!
Samantha Gianos Area Manager to Regional Manager Based in NC
Zolyniak Regional Manager Based in FL
Brett Smith Regional Service Director Based in NC
Michael
Welcoming Hawthorne Babies
Challen Ely-Smith
Proud Parent: Brittany Ely-Smith, Assistant Community Manager at Hawthorne at Bear Creek
Challen will be 9 months on June 4th and Brittany’s daughter, Isla is 3 years old. They love hiking and spending time together!
Emmett Andrew Jones
Proud Parent: Andrew Jones, Construction Manager at Hawthorne Construction
Emmett was born in June 2024 and is Andrew’s first-born son. He is already planned to be a big brother!
Leilani Mia
Proud Parent: Katrina Reed, Community Manager at Views at Chase Creek
Katrina’s newest little one, Leilani Mia absolutely loves bath time, looking at big sister, and of course sleeping! She and her big sister have birthdays that are one day apart.Director
Miles Scarbrough
Proud Parent: Cole Scarbrough, Software Support Specialist at Corporate
Miles was born on April 12, 2025. He is such a happy baby!
Welcoming Furry Friends
Laney
Proud Owner: Star Blackwell, Renovation & Construction
Payables Specialist at Hawthorne Construction
Star rescued Laney from a kill shelter with her only have 4 days left. She loves watching the fish in the fish tank, giving lots of love, and playing tug-of-war with her sister Dixie. She brings lots of love and joy to Star’s family!
Casey
Proud Owner: Emily Lightsey, Community Manager at High River
Emily recently added a second Golden Retriever to her family, meet Casey!
Maverick
Proud Owner: Chelsea Fritz, Community Manager at The Felix
Chelsea adopted Maverick over Memorial Day Weekend. He is an 8-week-old Black Lab/Hound Mix. He loves the water already and enjoys playing with all his new toys, especially his Hawthorne blue duckie.
Cioppino (Chip-Pee-No)
Proud Owner: Ashlee Oscar, Community Manager at Evolve Waterford
Meet Cioppino, also know as Chippy! He is a Retriever/Australian Shepherd Mix.
Waffles
Proud Owner: Lisa Ross, Community Manager at Hawthorne at the Carlyle
Waffles is a Bernedoodle who loves going to doggy daycare to play with other dogs and is always happy when his owner gets home from work!
Five Star Resident Reviews
Hawthorne Waterway By: Georgette / Apartment Ratings
Hawthorne Waterway is a place where safety, integrity, and community well-being are truly prioritized. From the moment you step into the neighborhood, you can feel the commitment to maintaining a clean, welcoming, and peaceful environment where every resident can fully enjoy the amenities provided. What sets Hawthorne Waterway apart is its balance between upholding important rules while listening with grace to the voices within the community. Concerns are not dismissed but rather heard intently and with understanding. Honest feedback is valued, ensuring that resolutions are made with fairness and thoughtful consideration. Even in moments when things may feel hectic, the dedicated staff remains steadfast, always available to assist with sincerity and professionalism. They handle matters with attentiveness and integrity, ensuring that every issue is resolved properly. For those looking for a neighborhood that truly prioritizes its people, fosters a safe environment, and actively works toward community engagement and satisfaction, Hawthorne Waterway is a wonderful place to call home.
Hawthorne at Lily Flagg By: Dionne Ottley / Google
My 2 brothers and I just moved in. The apartment complex is very peaceful. I feel comfortable walking my puppy around. Very pet friendly. There are dog play areas and wash areas. My first week here they gave us a complimentary breakfast! Maintenance is very fast and fixed what was not working at move in almost right away. They have a valet trash service which is very helpful. Ms. Pam and Mr. Jonathan answered all our questions and made the moving process very easy for us!
Reserve at Lake Irene By: Anonymous / Apartments.com
I’ve really enjoyed living at The Reserve at Lake Irene! The location is incredibly convenient—right near local stores, restaurants, and everything else I need on a daily basis. The staff here is always friendly, professional, and quick to help with any questions or maintenance requests. One of my favorite things about living here is the wide range of amenities. The two pools are definitely a highlight—perfect for relaxing or getting some sun on the weekends. Overall, it’s been a great experience, and I would definitely recommend this community to anyone looking for a comfortable and well-maintained place to live.
The Landings at Grande Dunes By: Jorja Sanders / Google
Wonderful community. It’s almost like being on vacation every day! Staff is very attentive to details and maintenance of the grounds is pristine. Numerous amenities, including outdoor kitchen, grilling kiosks, lounging areas, large saltwater pool, mini-putt golf, corn-hole, pet bathing station, mailroom with Amazon wall of lockers, craft room, health center, beverage & snack center!
Live It Stories
Several of our incredible Wilmington team members volunteered with Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, helping paint a home for a family in need. Their time, energy and contributed volunteer hours assisted those families in paying off their homes—an impact that goes far beyond a fresh coat of paint. We’re proud of the heart, hustle, and generosity they brought to the day. Hawthorne’s purpose lives in moments like this—when we give back, together.
During a quick visit to The Legacy at Lake Charles, a routine stop turned into something unforgettable. Without hesitation, Mikah jumped into action when he noticed a turtle struggling in the pool. No one asked. No one told him to. He just did it. That quiet instinct to help—without recognition or reward—is what character looks like when no one’s watching. This is the heart of the #LiveIt mindset. Thoughtful. Selfless. Real.
Our RTP teams came together for our Live It! Volunteer Day—and what an incredible day it was! Together, they sorted 7,000 bags of apples, totaling 8,500 pounds of fresh apples for the community. A huge thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and helped make a difference. This is what our Live It culture is all about— living our values and supporting those around us!
Live Fit Recap!
It was amazing to see so many of you getting active and make your health a priority during our Live Fit Bingo and Get Active Challenge! We loved cheering you on and seeing all the great energy you brought this spring.
Spring 2025 Live Fit Wrap Up
• $3,000+ in Prizes and Live Fit Activities
• 350+ Facebook Posts with Activity & Live Fit Bingo
• 1,233+ Hours of Physical Activity Logged in the Strava App
Congratulations to Our Winners! Live Fit Bingo:
• Week 1: The Felix (Team Lunch) & Megan McClusky (Drink Tumbler & Towel)
• Week 2: Amarissa Garcia & Brandon Young (HRP Branded Pickleball Paddles & $25 Gift Card)
• Week 3: Hawthorne at Bay Forest (Team Lunch) & Kassidy Zacek (Hatch Alarm Clock)
• Week 4: Stephanie Cash & Krystie Combs (Airpods Pro)
• Week 5: Hawthorne at the Ridge (Team Lunch) & Taylor Slaughter (Apple Watch)
Grand Prize:
Brandon Anderson (Blackstone Grill) & Dominika Lenart-Simpson (Oura Ring)
Let’s keep the momentum going! Keep sharing your updates and progress in our Live Fit Facebook group or the HRP Strava group.
We’ll be back in the fall with a brand new Live Fit Challenge, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Hawthorne Voices
A key element of Hawthorne’s success is a continual improvement in our processes, programs, and company in general. These improvements can only happen with YOUR valuable feedback! While we cannot implement every suggestion that is submitted, we do review every suggestion. Below is a suggestion that was submitted that has now been put into place!
“I have suggested this to a few properties already and we do it now. The GE fridges that take the water filter part number XWFE automatically turn the status light red in 6 months. Residents want these changed when this happens. Average price is $50-55 each. I suggested we install the filter by-passes ($30) which turns the status light green permanently. This is a one time purchase and can be budgeted for. The filters have to be done every six months. We can keep filters in stock and can be purchased by the residents if they want one installed. This is extra income. The filters are in almost every side by side fridge on new builds and lease ups. Installing the by-passes would mean a large savings for Hawthorne.”
We notified our latest HRP new developments to inform them it is recommended to install the filter bypass units as these units keep the status light green permanently and cost about $30. This change allows the property to manage filter replacements based on a six-month schedule, rather than being driven by the status light. The bypass option is also more cost-effective.
Our RSDs can assist with any questions you have about these filters.
Suggestion submitted by Billy Pridmore
Resident Services Supervisor at Hawthorne Palmetto
Keep the feedback coming, we want to hear from you!
MANAGEMENT CORNER HAWTHORNE
Let’s Talk Talent!
Trust, but Verify: Let’s Talk Candidate Reference Checks!
Did you know?
Fraud is on the rise, and not just on the leasing side. There has been a 92% spike in both prospect fraud (fake pay stubs, false IDs) and candidate fraud (fudged resumes, made-up job histories) since COVID.
What does that mean for us?
According to NMHC’s 2024 Pulse Survey, 93.3% of Property Managers reported fraud last year. Just like we’ve trained ourselves to spot fraudulent information in leasing applications, that same attention to detail matters just as much when it comes to hiring!
While most candidates are genuine, resume gaps and overly polished answers are showing up more often. It’s not always easy to fact check in the moment. This is where reference checks come in. They help you clarify details, confirm experience, and avoid those big surprises down the road.
The good news?
We’ve created a NEW Candidate Reference Check Guide to help you navigate reference calls with confidence. It includes sample questions, tips, and reminders so nothing gets missed.
Resume Red Flags: What to Look For & What to Ask the Reference
Red Flag
Resume gaps or vague descriptions
Scripted or generic responses
Avoidance of direct questions
Unverified or vague references
Layoff vs. termination confusion
Question
to Ask
Can you walk me through these dates and responsibilities?
Can you share a real example of that scenario?
Help me understand exactly what happened in that situation.
How did you work with this person, and what was their email or title?
Can you tell me about the circumstances around your departure?
Even strong interviews benefit from a second look. We’ve seen cases where candidates claimed to be laid off, but reference checks told a different story.
Quick Checklist:
• Use the guide on every reference call
• Ask clear, experience-based questions
• Confirm credentials when needed
• Loop in TA if anything feels off
Hiring great people starts with asking the right questions. Slowing down, staying curious, and using the tools available to you can make all the difference. We’re here to help you hire smart, build strong teams, and keep things moving forward with confidence.
Need support? Reach out to TA: TAdept@hrpliving.com
Appreciation That Sticks: Speaking the Right Language at Work
CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT!
At Hawthorne, we believe recognition should be more than routine—it should be meaningful. That’s why we’re taking inspiration from The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Paul White.
Each of us gives and receives appreciation differently. Whether it’s words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, tangible gifts, or appropriate physical touch—understanding how your teammates prefer to be appreciated can have a lasting impact.
Using the right appreciation language can:
• Increase loyalty and engagement
• Reduce cynicism and improve morale
• Strengthen team collaboration
• Create a culture where people feel truly valued
Appreciation doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming, it just needs to be intentional. Let’s continue building a workplace where people feel seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are and what they contribute.
May - June 2025
Do you have an idea for the Corporate Newsletter? For ideas email announcements@hrpliving.com
