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Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
You want to work in HR, but do you know why?
When I posted a new position this week called "Human Resources Administrative Assistant" I received an enormous amount of resumes applying to that single job. Why do so many people want to work in Human Resources? A large amount of recent grads that I know say that's what they want and they are pretty stubborn about it. They are holding out all summer and/or all year until they find that glorified "HR" position. I have the pleasure of working at a recruiting firm and seeing what employers offer to pay for a variety of positions. It's not like HR pays more than any other entry-level position, so why is it so popular?
Maybe the better question is what do they actually do? Or even better: What do fresh grads think they do? I’d like to make this a learning experience so that when you say you only want to work in HR, you know exactly what that means. These are objectives and responsibilities for an HR position we are currently hiring for.
Requirements for Human Resources Assistant
RESPONSIBILITIES
I actually learned a lot from doing a little research on the HR field! This is a great example of why colleges should require internships in order to graduate. You can do all the studying and testing and at the end of 4 years still be clueless to what your desired profession actually does in day-to-day work. When you begin your search for a specific type of job be ready to explain why you want it and why you'd be good at it. Try to keep your expectations realistic, do your research and remember every profession has its starting point!
Maybe the better question is what do they actually do? Or even better: What do fresh grads think they do? I’d like to make this a learning experience so that when you say you only want to work in HR, you know exactly what that means. These are objectives and responsibilities for an HR position we are currently hiring for.
Primary Objectives:
- Safety of the workforce.
- Development of a superior workforce.
- Development of the Human Resources department.
- Development of an employee-oriented company culture that emphasizes quality, continuous improvement, and high performance.
- Personal ongoing development.
Requirements for Human Resources Assistant
- Excellent computer skills, including Word and Excel in a Microsoft Windows environment.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- General knowledge of various employment laws and practices.
- Experience in administration of benefits and other HR programs.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Skills in database management and record keeping.
- Able to exhibit a high level of confidentiality.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Must be able to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
- Must be able to gather and analyze information skillfully.
- Coordinate and schedule team events, travel, appointments, meetings, conference calls, video conferences and training sessions.
- Coordinate meeting set-up, including ordering food/beverages, making copies, preparing agendas and other materials as requested.
- Assist Generalists with staffing initiatives.
- Process and track background checks.
- Maintain HR out-of-office calendar and meeting room schedules.
- Receive, code and forward HR department invoices with requests for payment to Accounting.
- Complete, file, and track various surveys, and corporate compliance reports.
- Respond to employment verification requests in a timely manner.
- Reconcile business credit card accounts for department and complete and process expense reports as requested.
- Maintain independent contractor files and tracking log.
- Assist HRIS Representative with employee change requests, filing and auditing.
- Assist Benefits team with projects and scheduling.
- Coordinate couriers and FedEx shipments. Receive and organize mail from all other offices and outside sources for the team.
- Organize files, filing systems, and file storage.
- Assist with special projects (e.g. market pricing, staffing initiatives, budget, etc.).
- Assist Group Coordinator and Group Leaders with coordination and administration of semi-annual performance review process
- Answer a variety of questions from employees and Office Managers regarding policies, benefits, and less complex HR issues.
- Identify process improvements for systems and procedures.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Why did I pay so much for college?
Today I found an article titled The Lowest Earning Majors of 2011. So crossing my fingers that mine was not on the list, I checked it out. I wasn't surprised by what made the list, but I was surprised by the how high the average salaries were for these majors. Perhaps my major should be on this list...
The Not-on-Tops
Counseling/Psychology………………………………………..$29,000
Early Childhood Education…………………………………….$36,000
Theology and Religious Vocations………………………….$38,000
Human Services and Community Organizations………..$38,000
Social Work…………………………………………………………$39,000
Drama and Theater Arts ……………………………….……..$40,000
Studio Arts………………………………………………………….$40,000
Communication Disorders Services………..……………….$40,000
Visual and Performing Arts……………………….…………..$40,000
"Recently, the Pew Research Center and The Chronicle of Higher Education asked Americans whether college is worth its increasingly outrageous (and outrageously increasing) price. After years of religiously swallowing the notion that a four-year degree is a good value, the majority, according to my colleague Lynn O’Shaughnessy, no longer believe. Some 57 percent say that college fails to provide students with a good return on investment." -SO I'm not crazy, I'm just part of that 57 percent!
"Watching my kids struggle with student loan debts and jobs that don’t pay a ton of dough, I’ve had my own doubts. Maybe all that money that they, my husband and I poured into higher education would have been better spent setting them up in businesses that couldn’t be outsourced to Bangladesh, like say, plumbing or time-share sales."
The only question to ask now is WHY is the cost of college "outrageously increasing"??? I'll have to get back to you on that.
"Watching my kids struggle with student loan debts and jobs that don’t pay a ton of dough, I’ve had my own doubts. Maybe all that money that they, my husband and I poured into higher education would have been better spent setting them up in businesses that couldn’t be outsourced to Bangladesh, like say, plumbing or time-share sales."
The only question to ask now is WHY is the cost of college "outrageously increasing"??? I'll have to get back to you on that.
Friday, July 1, 2011
New Grads, New Jobs!
Being a recent college graduate myself I understand the stress and frustration of graduating college without that "dream job." We all graduated from high school, getting accepted into our dream college and the economy was great! We were told that a college degree was necessary to find a job, and that student loans would be able to be paid off. Well then reality set in a few years into school and we all ran into a brick wall full force! Where are all these jobs we were promised? Where is all this income I am supposed to be earning? Why is this not all working out?
Though there is all this doubt in the back of our minds there seems to be some hope in the horizon for us recent grads, jobs! According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers there is an increase in plans to hire new grads of about 19%. Of course a lot of the growth is in finance, accounting, and IT, but its a step in the right direction!
In the article, Job Outlook Looking Up for College Graduates at myfoxtwincities.com there was a quote that really stood out in my head, its a quote from Charles Purdy, a Monster.com career expert; "You are the leaders of tomorrow - but right now, the leaders of today are still in charge. (And they have things to teach you.) Generally speaking, this means approaching your career (and your new job) with a sense of humility and a willingness to learn. Specifically, it means that the traditional rules of job searching still apply: you still need a great resume, you still need to dress professionally for job interviews, and so on."
Steve Saah, Director of Permanent Placement for recruiter Robert Half International is also quoted in the article stating," Though they lack experience...new grads have qualities employers love...It's all about a good head on your shoulders, are you going to take the initiative, are you well spoken? Do you want to be there and contribute to the organization? "
Both Saah and Purdy have excellent advice to give to us inexperienced folk that should be taken to heart. We are not in control of our country, we don't have all the experience in the world, and we don't know it all.... yet.
Though there is all this doubt in the back of our minds there seems to be some hope in the horizon for us recent grads, jobs! According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers there is an increase in plans to hire new grads of about 19%. Of course a lot of the growth is in finance, accounting, and IT, but its a step in the right direction!
In the article, Job Outlook Looking Up for College Graduates at myfoxtwincities.com there was a quote that really stood out in my head, its a quote from Charles Purdy, a Monster.com career expert; "You are the leaders of tomorrow - but right now, the leaders of today are still in charge. (And they have things to teach you.) Generally speaking, this means approaching your career (and your new job) with a sense of humility and a willingness to learn. Specifically, it means that the traditional rules of job searching still apply: you still need a great resume, you still need to dress professionally for job interviews, and so on."
Steve Saah, Director of Permanent Placement for recruiter Robert Half International is also quoted in the article stating," Though they lack experience...new grads have qualities employers love...It's all about a good head on your shoulders, are you going to take the initiative, are you well spoken? Do you want to be there and contribute to the organization? "
Both Saah and Purdy have excellent advice to give to us inexperienced folk that should be taken to heart. We are not in control of our country, we don't have all the experience in the world, and we don't know it all.... yet.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Social Media and Crazy Networking
I am a social media fanatic because I talk about it everyday, I use it everyday and I learn something new about it everyday. It's one of my few obsessions at work and at home. I think it has become so popular because people love the idea of "branding" themselves. Through whatever type of social media you use, you determine how you are portrayed to your peers. You can share a lot or a little about yourself, and you will most likely only highlight the best parts of you and your life. The biggest advantage of this "brand" you create for yourself is being able to connect with others who are interesting to you and build a network of people you know.
I was reminded of the importance of your network when I read a recent article from CareerBuilder.com . It was called "Stay connected to your network without being a pest". When I read this title I got a little sinking feeling and thought, "Do I annoy the people I'm connected to online?" I immediately answered myself, "Probably."
I think there is a very fine line between networking and crazy networking. I don't know for sure if I've crossed it yet, but I don't think it's a tough thing to do. One of the tips this article shared was, "Figure out how each person uses social media and stay in contact that way. Occasionally commenting on a status, saying "Hi!" on their wall, or thanking them for posting an informative article are simple ways to stay in front of them without being obnoxious." That sounds simple enough.
My least favorite tip for not being a pest, "Don't network with enemies," is just a little too obvious. My favorite tip is- "Meet them for drinks or lunch"! How many friends or connections do you have that you have never actually met or even messaged? Would you say hi to them and have a conversation if you saw them out in public? If not I would get rid of that connection. For your network to be a real network you have to be ready and willing to reach out to them when the time comes. That's my personal tip.
I was reminded of the importance of your network when I read a recent article from CareerBuilder.com . It was called "Stay connected to your network without being a pest". When I read this title I got a little sinking feeling and thought, "Do I annoy the people I'm connected to online?" I immediately answered myself, "Probably."
I think there is a very fine line between networking and crazy networking. I don't know for sure if I've crossed it yet, but I don't think it's a tough thing to do. One of the tips this article shared was, "Figure out how each person uses social media and stay in contact that way. Occasionally commenting on a status, saying "Hi!" on their wall, or thanking them for posting an informative article are simple ways to stay in front of them without being obnoxious." That sounds simple enough.
My least favorite tip for not being a pest, "Don't network with enemies," is just a little too obvious. My favorite tip is- "Meet them for drinks or lunch"! How many friends or connections do you have that you have never actually met or even messaged? Would you say hi to them and have a conversation if you saw them out in public? If not I would get rid of that connection. For your network to be a real network you have to be ready and willing to reach out to them when the time comes. That's my personal tip.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Do You Work for a Meanie?
This morning I read a CareerBuilder article called "7 Tips for Handling a Mean Manager." This article caught my eye because I personally have worked for a big meanie, and thankfully for only a short time. This manager was called mean not because she was a tough manager, but because she was a real bully. She made fun of her employees in front of others, talked to them like they were children, and when they tried to switch departments she gave them bad reviews so they couldn't leave. I'll list the 7 tips from CareerBuilder so you can decide if they'd be helpful to your tough situation. In my case, I think only one of these would have worked and that's my favorite tip; #7.
1. Make the distinction.
"Make sure you have not confused 'demanding" with 'mean.' There are lots of demanding bosses out there, who demand you do the job you are paid to do. If you are not qualified to do that job or cannot do the job for some reason, the problem is actually yours. What might sound mean to you is probably just the facts being placed before you. Suspect yourself and do all you can to deliver as required on your job," Hurzeler says. "If you have delivered on time and as promised, and the boss is still mean to you, sit down and talk to the boss. Maybe you have missed the point of his or her ineffective behavior, or maybe you do have room for improvement. The boss will learn of the negative effect that they are having on you and may work to change his or her ways. If you don't bring up your grievances in a clear and constructive way, nothing will ever change."
2. Take a break.
"Working for a mean or bully boss can be one of the top stressors in the workplace and can cause severe stress-related health problems. In view of this, it is essential for employees to take a stress break when they are confronted with a mean or bully boss. Take time off from work for at least a week and be sure to visit your doctor during this time," Branch says.
3. Don't shut down.
"If you fold up under the pressure of a mean boss, the boss is then given the sword to take you out of the game. The mean boss wins and you lose," Hurzeler says. "Bring your best game to work every single day and you will outlast or win over the mean boss. You win. Mean loses."
4. Document
"Employees should begin to document the mean boss's behavior. Make note of negative actions taken by the boss and how they are impacting employee productivity. Include details such as dates, times, specifics of the mean boss behavior and employees targeted. Include what attempts, if any, were made by you or other employees to address the situation and the outcome of such interventions," Branch says.
5. Constructively confront
"Meet with the mean boss to address your concerns. Keep your emotions intact. Do not scream, yell or become aggressive. Keep your tone calm and even. Be careful not to point the finger or focus on the individual, but rather seek to understand and resolve any concerns the boss may have which lead to the mean behavior. Ask open-ended questions. Ask how you can better support the boss," Branch says.
6. Report the boss
"Make your human resources department aware of the situation, especially if the situation escalates following your discussion with the boss. Be sure to present your documentation. In addition, you may want to contact an attorney as some of the boss's actions may violate laws regarding hostile work environments and may be eligible for legal action," Branch says.
7. Plan your exit
"The negative impact of working with a mean boss is too great. If you are in a situation where you work for a mean or spiteful boss, plan your exit. Update your résumé and begin circulating it internally and externally," Branch says. "Work your network to learn about unadvertised opportunities in other areas of the company or at another company. No employee should have to work in a mentally, emotionally and, in some instances, physically debilitating environment."
After only a couple months of my new manager starting I started looking. It felt so good to tell her I was putting in my 2 weeks notice! I like that this article presented the "Mean Manager" issue as a serious one because it definitely affects your stress level and your overall happiness. The best advice in general is to take some sort of major action so you don't dread going to work everyday. Eventually those mean managers will have to change their methods as they continue to lose their employees to better-managed companies.
You can read the entire article here.
1. Make the distinction.
"Make sure you have not confused 'demanding" with 'mean.' There are lots of demanding bosses out there, who demand you do the job you are paid to do. If you are not qualified to do that job or cannot do the job for some reason, the problem is actually yours. What might sound mean to you is probably just the facts being placed before you. Suspect yourself and do all you can to deliver as required on your job," Hurzeler says. "If you have delivered on time and as promised, and the boss is still mean to you, sit down and talk to the boss. Maybe you have missed the point of his or her ineffective behavior, or maybe you do have room for improvement. The boss will learn of the negative effect that they are having on you and may work to change his or her ways. If you don't bring up your grievances in a clear and constructive way, nothing will ever change."
2. Take a break.
"Working for a mean or bully boss can be one of the top stressors in the workplace and can cause severe stress-related health problems. In view of this, it is essential for employees to take a stress break when they are confronted with a mean or bully boss. Take time off from work for at least a week and be sure to visit your doctor during this time," Branch says.
3. Don't shut down.
"If you fold up under the pressure of a mean boss, the boss is then given the sword to take you out of the game. The mean boss wins and you lose," Hurzeler says. "Bring your best game to work every single day and you will outlast or win over the mean boss. You win. Mean loses."
4. Document
"Employees should begin to document the mean boss's behavior. Make note of negative actions taken by the boss and how they are impacting employee productivity. Include details such as dates, times, specifics of the mean boss behavior and employees targeted. Include what attempts, if any, were made by you or other employees to address the situation and the outcome of such interventions," Branch says.
5. Constructively confront
"Meet with the mean boss to address your concerns. Keep your emotions intact. Do not scream, yell or become aggressive. Keep your tone calm and even. Be careful not to point the finger or focus on the individual, but rather seek to understand and resolve any concerns the boss may have which lead to the mean behavior. Ask open-ended questions. Ask how you can better support the boss," Branch says.
6. Report the boss
"Make your human resources department aware of the situation, especially if the situation escalates following your discussion with the boss. Be sure to present your documentation. In addition, you may want to contact an attorney as some of the boss's actions may violate laws regarding hostile work environments and may be eligible for legal action," Branch says.
7. Plan your exit
"The negative impact of working with a mean boss is too great. If you are in a situation where you work for a mean or spiteful boss, plan your exit. Update your résumé and begin circulating it internally and externally," Branch says. "Work your network to learn about unadvertised opportunities in other areas of the company or at another company. No employee should have to work in a mentally, emotionally and, in some instances, physically debilitating environment."
After only a couple months of my new manager starting I started looking. It felt so good to tell her I was putting in my 2 weeks notice! I like that this article presented the "Mean Manager" issue as a serious one because it definitely affects your stress level and your overall happiness. The best advice in general is to take some sort of major action so you don't dread going to work everyday. Eventually those mean managers will have to change their methods as they continue to lose their employees to better-managed companies.
You can read the entire article here.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
QR Codes- Are They As Great As They Seem?
QR codes are the next big thing to hit the marketing world, which seems to be including when you are marketing yourself. These codes, which stand for Quick Reference, give your audience a quick peek at whichever detail you are trying to provide, be it your website, blog or Linkedin page. I have done some research on these codes and I am trying to find a downfall and a reason not to create one and post it on everything, but I have only found a few. There are many places also that you can put your QR code that you may not have though of; email signatures, cover letters or business or networking cards. All of these are a great way to market yourself and can be used at a career fair, happy hour,dinner meeting or just to hand out to friends that may have contacts to help in your job search.
One downfall to these QR codes is that some analysts feel that human resource departments or hiring managers are not yet familiar with these codes and will be turned off immediately. Some thing that these codes could take longer than a year to actually catch on or even longer. Another worry with the QR code is that it takes more time and energy to crack the code than the meaning of the material. HR departments are always strapped with time and the number of resumes they can receive for one position can be overwhelming, taking a picture of a coded box and waiting for the material to upload may not be on the top of their list.
Moral of the story? Though it is obvious that these little hidden boxes are becoming huge in the US they may not be suited for everything. Sure they work in marketing ads and posters where we cant wait to decode them but when it comes to your resume maybe you should wait for the HR department to figure out what one is first. For now its not a "don't", its just a "think before you act".
