As a job seeker you will undoubtedly have some kind of contact with a human resources department. What exactly does an HR department do? And how can you impress them? Well, we’ve cleared up the murkiness for you by going straight to the source. We talked to Lissa Law, the Director of Human Resources for a leading retail company, to get the skinny on how you can get on the HR good side.
What is the role of the human resources department in terms of hiring?
The role of the HR department in hiring is many faceted. HR is responsible for recruiting and screening qualified candidates for open positions while ensuring adherence to all federal and state laws, including record keeping requirements for required government reports.
In today’s environment, the HR department may take a lesser role in the screening process due to time constraints.
What makes a resume stand out?
A resume stands out when it meets the job requirements. This can often mean having more than one resume or tailoring a resume to fit an advertisement or job lead.
The other way to make a resume stand out is to follow up with a phone call a few days after sending it to politely say that you are extremely interested in the position, that you are qualified for the position and that you look forward to an interview. Operative word here is polite, not pushy.
What are three qualities of an effective resume?
- no errors
- short and concise
- neat – nothing handwritten, including the cover letter.
What are some resume no-no’s?
- too many pages
- rambling descriptions
- typos
- erasures
- pictures (unless you are applying for a modeling job).
What makes an interviewee standout?
Thoughtful answers to questions, enthusiasm about the job opportunity, neat appearance. Probably the most important is enthusiasm. I’ve interviewed many people who appear to be relatively uninterested in working.
Remember: a person can never have too many interviews. The more you do it the better off you are.
What are three things (skills, qualities, characteristics) an interviewee should communicate to their interviewer?
Again, try to match skills etc. to the job requirements. During an interview, the interviewer should outline the position(s). The interviewee’s challenge is to take his/her past experience and show how it be useful in performing the job. Give concise, truthful answers. Most good interviewers can spot a “white lie” right off the bat.
Also, Know something about the company you are interviewing with.
What questions should an interviewee ask their interviewer?
- What are the most important skills, characteristics you are looking for to fill this position?
- When can I expect to hear your decision?
- Can you outline the benefit program for me?
- What is the salary range for the position?
It’s always a good idea to ask a specific question about the position. For example, the interviewer says that one function of the position is to process bills of lading. The interviewee might ask where do the bills of lading go once they are processed.
What are three no-no’s for an interviewee?
Asking:
- When do I get vacation?
- Do I have to work overtime?
- Can I smoke in here?
- What time is lunch?
How can recent graduates prepare to enter the workforce?
Go to work for temporary agencies. That is the best way to get exposure to different companies and jobs, to prove your own potential to a company.
If you want to work at a particular company, call the HR department ask if they use temporaries and what agency do they use. Working for as a temp can also help you to develop a list of references as you look for a position.
How can college seniors prepare themselves?
Get a part time job. Nothing like first hand experience to prepare you for the real thing.
What are the top three things you look for in an Entry Level candidate?
- An enthusiastic outlook, flexibility and some idea as to a career goal for themselves.
- How do job seekers find out about open positions within a particular company?
- Work there as a temporary, watch the want ads, network, network, network, or call the HR department and ask the same question.
Is it a good idea to “cold call” a company?
Can’t hurt. Just don’t be a pest. A pest calls every day. A professional calls once a month.
What is your advice to recent graduates looking for work?
Keep a positive attitude. Don’t be too picky, it’s always easier to get a job when you have a job and every job has something to teach you.
Talk to everyone about what you want to do, what kind of job you want. Networking through friends and relatives is the best way to get work.
If you are looking for employment in a particular field, find out whether that field has an association or professional organization. Go to the meetings (tell them you are doing a research paper, if you have to) mingle and mix with everyone (don’t get drunk). Ask them how they got started in the field or got their first job.
Remember: Self confidence is a great thing and is very important when you are looking for a job but remember to be humble too.
