I'm interested in knowing if companies are crediting "New Hires" for their years of experience in their profession as a recruiting tool. Example: An employee receives 3 weeks of vacation after 5 yrs. of service. If a "New Hire" has 5 yrs. experience prior to being hired, does he receive 3 weeks of vacation?

I have almost been forced to credit new hires with some level of vacation that is outside of stated policy. (ie: one week after six months; or 2 weeks after 1/1) when policy says 2 weeks after one year. Recruiting is so tough these days, this seems to be a small price to pay to tip the scales to our favor.