HR AGENT BLOG

A reader writes:

I am a college student who is highly interested in beginning a career in Human Resources.  I have two years of college work completed and I recently earned my Human Resources Management Certificate.  How do I begin a career in the HR field?

 

You are probably like most other unemployed people seeking a job. You're sending out hundreds of resumes in response to job postings. And, like most, you've become increasingly more frustrated with the lack of response; especially when you KNOW you're qualified for the job. We've received many emails asking us - "Why am I not getting a response from the resumes I've submitted?" There are a number of reasons that might be affecting you...

A reader writes:

Could you cover "how to dress for an interview"? I am the HR Manager at a bank where everyone dresses conservatively. Recently, we've had dozens of candidates come in for an interview but they either wore clothes that revealed waaaay too much, had large visible tattoos or smelled like they took a bath in cologne. Seriously? What happened to the days when people looking for a job wore a conservative suite, tie, small earrings and no cologne?

 

Merging into a new work environment can be tough.  And, initially the hardest part may not be the daunting work ahead, but rather overcoming a situation where everyone at your new office shares a history and a common bond - none of which includes you.  You're the outsider.  The new kid in school, so to speak.  So, how do you fit in?

While there is no guarantee that you'll be hired by your dream employer, there are tactical ways to help you gain an edge. How you accept an interview, what time of day you interview, your body language and your follow up will either put you at an advantage or disadvantage. Here are tips that will put you in the former category. . .

One of the most difficult things a manager will have to do is rescind an employment offer. An offer letter is not necessarily an employment contract. Which means, it is legal for an employer to recall it. Employment in the United States is 'at-will' (that is, an employer can fire an employee at anytime for any reason or no reason at all). So, unless either party has a claim against the other for damages arising from the termination^*, withdrawing an employment offer is perfectly legal - though it can feel awful to the person delivering the news. Here are the most common reasons for rescinding an offer and how to go about it -

In this economy, I meet many candidates with gaps in their employment. Often I am asked, “What should I say when employers ask me about my employment gaps?”. Here is my advice…

 

Candidates are often nervous during an interview. As a result, they struggle with the tie up interview question. You know the one that nearly all interviewers ask - "Do you have any questions for me?" Most candidates respond "No, you've already covered all of my questions". There should always be something that you're curious to know. The problem isn't that you don't have questions, the problem is often that you're unsure what is appropriate to ask. Here is a short list of appropriate interview questions that will help you gather good intel on your potential employer...

While some questions feel personal, not all of them are. There is a difference between an interviewer infringing on your personal life and one seeking to better understand you. At some point in your career you'll encounter invasive questions during an interview. Here are some tips to help you determine which questions to answer and how to address those that make you uncomfortable...

There is quite a bit of information out there explaining how a business should go about classifying its employees. While not a simple matter, there are some basic 'rules of thumb' that can help keep your business out of trouble. Here are some of the most common questions we get from employers...

We've all been unemployed. Many of us have been unemployed more than once. And, in our search for a new job, we've all experienced rejection. We've all gotten our hopes up only to hear "I'm sorry, that position has been filled". Or worse, we apply but never hear back from the job poster. This process is wildly unnerving, I know. The key is to manage your expectations and frustration. And, above all else, remain positive.

I'll let you in on a little secret. Recruiters are a fantastic solution to your job search. As a matter of fact, many companies rely exclusively on recruiting agencies to help them fill their vacant roles. The reason - it is simply more cost effective for a company to use an agency than it is for them to hire an internal person to place ads, host job fairs and conduct preliminary interviews; all things required to vet the large number of candidates who will apply for the one or two roles that are available. Here's the catch - you must find the right recruiting agency to partner with! Recruiters have a broad network of open roles and the 'inside scoop' on what the employer is looking for. Here are a few pointers to help you find the right recruiting partner...

Often times, new managers inherit one or two employees and had no say in the decision. This can be frustrating for the new manager and equally frustrating for the employee. How can new managers overcome these challenges and take charge of their group?

Writing a resume can be a real pain. Which things should be included, excluded or (ah-hem) enhanced? Should your resume be tailored for each of the jobs you're applying to? Is it okay if your resume exceeds one page? Are cover letters really necessary?

Have you ever applied for a job and didn’t hear back? It’s a vulnerable feeling, I know. It feels personal and may lead to self-doubt and insecurity. But, before you internalize the pain of rejection, let’s examine why you might have been overlooked for a job that you’ve applied for…

 

I hear from Administrative Professionals, Office Managers, Legal Assistants and HR Coordinators, all seeking advice on how to grow their careers.  Getting recognized and promoted when you are in a support capacity can be difficult, but it is NOT impossible.

There was a point in my career when I was an Administrative Professional.  I'm very proud to have had that career experience.  Why?  Because, I now know first hand how to turn humble beginnings into an explosive career!  Here are a few tips to help you grow your own career, even from the bottom of the organization...

Interviewing can sometimes feel like a scripted and dry experience for both the manager conducting the interview as well as the potential employee.  How many times have we heard these questions -

· What would you say is your greatest weakness?

· Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

· What are your long-term career objectives?

Often times, managers rely on simple and traditional questions to help them determine who they will hire. This approach to the hiring process can feel static and uninspiring.  No matter the questions being asked, it is imperative that the potential employee take hold of the opportunity in front of them.  Don't just sit there reciting canned answers - interview the interviewer!  I've conducted hundreds of interviews.  Here are the things I've found most effective...

Outsourcing HR Administration, Compliance, and Daily Tasks.

Get back to work! A Small Business Association study revealed that the average small business owner spends up to 45% of their time dealing with employee related documentation, general HR duties, and recruiting/ hiring. I’m certain these intrepid entrepreneurs didn’t start these ventures because they were passionate about paperwork and payroll. Of course the larger a company’s workforce the more duties ownership can delegate. However, in our experience we see similar challenges with medium sized companies as well...