4 Things Your HR Department Needs to Start Doing

4 Things Your HR Department Needs to Start Doing It is often the case that only thing that human resources departments have in common with each other is that they don’t have anything in common. In some companies they perform functions like payroll and compliance with legal employment issues, among others, they are responsible for evaluating employees and handling interviews. This is largely because every company is different and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for what an HR team should be expected to do. But there are some things that the HR department of every company should be doing to improve the general running of the business.   1. Embrace new technologies It doesn’t make sense for your HR department to be in a position where they are spending most of their time dealing with the mundane aspects of the job. It is often possible to streamline tasks by embracing new technologies. For example, rather than keeping a filing system of important dates you can simply invest in alert technology that pops up and tells you whenever an employee is due for an evaluation. It is vital that companies should invest in new technology that can make their HR staff more productive and free up their time to work on more important projects.   2. Consolidating online systems One problem for many businesses is that simply have too many internal systems in place in order to do their job. Having one system for payroll, and another for time management, and another for shift planning can be extremely complicated to track. It also creates far more admin work that can take up a lot of staff time. Thankfully, many companies are now focussing on systems that consolidate multiple operations into one place. Staff rota software suppliers are making it easy for HR departments. As well as making it easy for businesses to manage their staff rotas, the software can be used to handle issues like staff management, internal communication and even producing reports. This kind of technology reportedly improves employee satisfaction, makes it easier to maintain the day-to-day issues â€" and will also make it far easier for new staff entering the business, as they will only have to learn the processes of one software rather than many. 3. Develop a consistent brand profile for hiring The HR department has an important role to play in the hiring of new staff, and as a business grows it can be very important for their HR team to take on the task of developing a consistent brand profile for hiring staff. Ultimately for a harmonious working team and the best possible atmosphere, it is important to hire people who share the same work ethic. Large companies with multiple departments will make their hiring decisions independently, so it is down to the HR department to ensure that they all hire on a consistent basis. Your HR department needs to work closely with each department. Drawing up a brand profile that explains the ethos of the business and how you like to work. If it is left up to individual departments to write the job description they will be focussed on that individual manager’s opinion of what staff should be like, rather than thinking of the overall company ethos. 4. Take an active role in reviewing employee performance It is essential that businesses should review and analyze the performance of their staff. Of course, you want your employees to be as productive as possible and performing their role to the best of their abilities, but it’s not something that you can rely on happening 100 percent of the time. Because of this, it is useful to have performance reviews. Once again, this is something that the HR department needs to be involved in â€" especially in a large organization. The HR team will understand better how to analyze performance on a broader scale. It can be very difficult to evaluate the performance of staff if their efforts are only measured against other members of a small team. About the author:  Mike James  is an experienced business writer specializing in HR, tech, and cybersecurity. On the latter, he has contributed to many of the leading publications both online and in print such as StaySafeOnline, GlobalSign, Tech London and more.  

Valuable Tips For Improving Your Resume Writing Skills

Valuable Tips For Improving Your Resume Writing SkillsLooking for ideas to improve your resume writing skills? The truth is there are plenty of online tips, tricks and techniques that you can use to boost your chances in the upcoming job hunting. You just need to know how to apply them and how to tweak them to fit your current situation.It's easy to get swept up in all the information available on how to write a resume, but it is important to remember that there is only one right way to do it. It doesn't matter if you have a great cover letter, great resume or an amazing track record. If your resume is unprofessional and disorganized, you may not be getting the job of your dreams.When you are looking for work you can take what you learn in this article and apply it to a new job. One thing to consider is creating a job description for yourself so you can customize the material you use when applying for jobs. Use the information you have gathered from reading the resume tips to create a job description in detail. You should also highlight the skills you have so they will be highlighted in the application and in the resumes of others who have had experience with the position you are applying for.To get the most out of these resume writing tips you need to hire a professional resume writer. There are a number of places you can find writers, but the best place to begin is with you local newspapers. Make an appointment with them and ask them for a list of some of their clients. By following their advice you can start to improve your resume writing skills, and create a resume that gets you interviews for the job you want.Another thing you can do is to practice writing your resume before you apply for a job. Try to use the materials you have for samples and do not worry about spelling or grammar mistakes. This will help you not only to be more relaxed but also to improve your resume writing skills.As you will soon discover, you will be in competition with other people applying for the same position as you on a daily basis. You need to use your imagination, to the point where you are able to see beyond the traditional letter of intent format. If you use all of the tips in this article, you will be well on your way to improving your resume writing skills.Your resume will be one of the first things potential employers see when they are reviewing your application. When writing it, you should have it reviewed by someone else that is not connected to the company or the position you are applying for. What they will look at is the quality of the writing, your qualifications and experience, and how you match up to the qualifications they are looking for. It can be easier to get a second opinion, and it will give you some fresh ideas when you are trying to come up with an effective resume.Writing a resume is an art that takes time and effort to master. By finding the best tips, tricks and techniques to use when applying for jobs, you will be one step close r to landing that dream job.

Job Hunting in the Digital Age (INFOGRAPHIC)

Job Hunting in the Digital Age (INFOGRAPHIC) When it comes to marketing one’s self in the digital age, undergraduates with a marketing background should definitely lead the pack in attracting the interest of employers. Fortunately, the online environment provides a great opportunity for you to get yourself out there. But while there’s no one way to effectively harness the power of the online environment to get ahead in the marketing industry, there are plenty of wrong ways that can sink your hopes. Employers can track your online goings and comings, for instance, so you need to be wary of the sorts of things that can build or damage your online reputation. In order to kickstart your job search, read on to learn more about reputation, resumes and video interviews in the digital age. Reputation Matters When you go about the process of marketing yourself, you don’t want to contradict that message by posting inappropriate things comments or pictures online. You should assume that employers will see it all. Statistics suggest, for example, that 75% of recruiters will research applicants online, and 70% have turned down applicants after what they discovered online. In order to make a good impression, you need to leverage what you learned while earning your marketing degree so that you can showcase yourself in the best possible light. Getting a LinkedIn account should be your first order of business. Statistics show that 89% of all recruiters have hired someone through LinkedIn. Despite this, only 36% of job seekers are active on LinkedIn. So be among the 64% who are actively using LinkedIn rather than among the 36% who arent. In addition to signing up for a LinkedIn account to showcase your resume, you also need to focus on filling in all the relevant details to make the most of the social media platform. Another thing on profilesWhen it comes to your personal profiles, restrict access to those you trust, delete inappropriate pics or comments, and refrain from using your real name as your username. For professional profiles, you should use your real name for your username and stick to posting industry-specific content. Video Resume In the digital age, you need to customize your resume to really set yourself apart. Around 90% of resumes come in the traditional format, so a video resume can be a game-changer. Video Interview A video interview can be a crucial component of your job application. When you consider that 33% of employers know within the first 90 seconds whether or not they will hire someone, you can begin to appreciate how video interviews can help you to make a good first impression.

How To Keep Top Talent at the Top of Their Game

How To Keep Top Talent at the Top of Their Game Becoming a manager is a big step in your career, and with it comes a lot of new responsibilities and expectations. As a manager, your goals are no longer just your own, as you and your team’s success are one and the same. A good manager also knows that a major part of her role is lifting up and bringing out the best in those she leads which is why it’s so important to focus on developing your people, especially those that you think are top talent. Identifying and retaining top talent is typically seen as a major focus for HR teams, but its success ultimately lies in the hands of managers. While it may seem like a no-brainer, the first step in retaining top talent is to figure out what “top talent” means in your organization and have a system to identify them. It’s best to start by understanding the goals of your company and who is crucial to achieving those goals. Avoid falling into the trap of focusing all of your attention strictly on performance coaching. It’s important to understand what distinguishes employees at your particular organization what skills and attributes stand out as the most valuable? Oftentimes our most successful people are also those who truly embody the values of a company. When you look beyond performance, you might be surprised by how many of the right people just happen to be in the wrong role. Don’t lose a good employee due to a mis-match of their talent; take the opportunity to find a better fit within the organization that will allow them to thrive. Once you’ve determined what it means and how to identify your top performers, consider the following tips to growing and nurturing that talent:  Communicate their value. You know who they are, but do they? Reward programs are great, but more importantly, you need to ask: is their manager communicating with them to reinforce the fact that that are valued? Managers should be holding regular 1:1 meetings to not only catch up with their direct reports, but also leverage the time to give insightful feedback both positive and constructive. This is key to help employees feel valued and promote their growth as leaders. Train your leaders. Employees leave managers, not companies. Train your leadership not to be threatened by top talent. Show your leaders that nurturing top talent is as valuable to their own success as leaders, and   prep them to offer employees the training, feedback and encouragement they need to keep growing.  Know their needs. Top talent programs are not “one size fits all.”   Make sure that you know the aspirations of each and every one of your top talent some might value autonomy, some special projects, while others might want exposure to new ideas or skills. Find out what motivates your talent and then tailor their experience to that. Keep an eye out for any and all opportunities that might help build up their strengths and develop new skills. At XO Group, our employee-led affinity groups and clubs give some of our top talent a more non-traditional opportunity to earn their leadership stripes. Build from the bottom. Layering in management will not only discourage your top talent, it will push them to the door. Instead, elevate top performers by bringing in more junior employees where possible. This not only builds your bench strength, it takes a lot of the day-to-day tasks from your top talent so they can focus on more strategic issues and build leadership experience. Invest in them. This can take many forms. Sure, pay your top talent well, but don’t stop there. Make sure that they have exposure to your executive team, invite them into meetings where they can learn different areas of the organization; provide an education stipend and include them in strategic discussions. Employees feel more connected and loyal to an organization that values them. Double down on your mission. Your top talent must not only feel personally connected to your mission, but they must understand how what they’re doing fits into the bigger picture. Spend the time to make sure they’re aligned and, where possible, let them be part of setting goals and strategy. They will be more invested when they helped build it. Allow time for innovation. All work and no play makes for an unengaged employee.   Some of your best ideas might stem from allowing the team to be creative. Hack-a-thons, 10% time, or whatever you call it, let your top talent step into a different zone that nurtures them to bring out their biggest ideas yet. A good leader knows that he or she is only as good as the talent around him or her, which is why it’s so important to build up your people. Focus on each top performer individually and get to know what motivates them. Keep your eyes open for any and all opportunities to let them build on their strengths and gain valuable career experience. Having a clear understanding of who your rock stars are and taking action by fostering their engagement and growth is key to building the strongest team and, ultimately, organization possible. This guest post was authored by    Michelle Dvorkin.  Executive Vice President, HR, XO Group Inc. Michelle Dvorkin joined XO Group in November 2015. With over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Dvorkin’s career has spanned senior level work in compensation and benefits, MA-related HR, business partner/generalist support, performance management, coaching, culture, and employee relations.  Shes worked in start-ups such as Quigo and Lot18, successful mid-size growth companies like AppNexus, and large organizations including AOL, Ogilvy, Primedia,  Dvorkin. Michelle has a broad range of tech, media, and commerce-related people operations expertise.  Dvorkin received a BA in Industrial Psychology from San Francisco State University.  She also has a graduate degree in Industrial Labor Relations from Cornell University.

Professional Resume Writing Services

Professional Resume Writing ServicesIf you are looking for professional resume writing services in Northern Virginia, your first step is to get in touch with a few professional resume writing services providers. The best way to find these professionals is by asking your network of friends, colleagues and even employees who have used resume writing services in the past. Your friends can easily be contacted and they will be able to recommend several professional resume writing services in the area that they are living in.A lot of businesses and organizations hire qualified resume writers from Northern Virginia because they know that they have an added advantage over the other businesses and organizations. Since these writers usually live in the Northern Virginia area, they know that they have good connections to many of the companies or organizations that need to hire new employees. So, instead of hiring people locally, the companies and organizations pay a higher fee to the profession al resume writing services in Northern Virginia and recruit them to work on their projects.Professional resume writing services in Northern Virginia are also very aware of the fact that people all over the world use resumes to land great jobs. So, it is important for them to ensure that their writers use the best resume writing techniques to create a resume that is not only unique but also effective. This is especially true when it comes to addressing the company and employment-related letters that they receive. They use the best resume writing techniques and qualifications that make resumes stand out among the other samples that they receive from potential employers.One of the most common questions that people who have recently hired a professional resume writing service in Northern Virginia to ask is 'how do you write a resume?' The truth is that there are actually some questions that these people will ask. They will ask how they can distinguish between a formal resume and a not-s o-formal resume. They will also ask how they can avoid using the same terms and phrases in their resumes as they would in a job application.The job-application process has become a complex one, as employers and job applicants each use words that mean the same thing, only the context varies. For example, the terms 'manager'leader' mean different things in a job application and a resume. If you are looking for a resume writer that specializes in hiring managers, then you should look for a job writing resumes for executives. If you are looking for a resume writer that writes resumes for management level positions, then you should look for a job writing resumes for vice presidents.The fact is that elite resume writers are people who not only understand the rules of writing resumes and job applications, but also the lingo that is used in upper-level positions and industries. They know that the meaning of certain words and phrases do not necessarily mean the same thing when used in resume s and job applications. However, it is important to remember that resumes and job applications are meant to be used by two different audiences. They are meant to be used for formal letter submissions and for informal conversations.Job applications are meant to be used when hiring employees, while resumes are meant to be used when hiring managers. It is also possible that these professionals might work at two different companies, yet their resumes would still look like they are written by the same individual. So, you have to be aware of the fact that your resume needs to look professional, but it should also be flexible. Once you are aware of this, you can be sure that your resume will be viewed the same way when it is submitted as it would have been viewed when you were applying for the job.Professional resume writing services in Northern Virginia can help you keep your resume up to date. They will use the latest writing skills and software that are available to keep your resume up to date with any changes in the job market. So, get a professional resume writing service in Northern Virginia today and see how they can help you land the perfect job!

Resource Action - It is Not About You! - Career Pivot

Resource Action - It is Not About You! - Career Pivot It is Not About You! This is something that has been repeatedfrequently in the last couple of weeks. I have had discussions with many who have been affected by resource actions, the politically correct way of saying lay off, at companies like IBM, Merck, AMD, Dell,…. I was talking last week with a former IBM colleague (by the way I left IBM after 22 years in 2000 on my terms), who was affected by the resource action. She had been with IBM for 33 years and received a 1 rating on her last performance review. She was devastated. I kept telling her, it is not about you! Remember that people do what people do Organizations do what organizations think they need to do. Organizational decisions are most often made by someone who does not even know you. If they do, your past history of landing on your feet tends to signal you will simply do that once again. It is not about you! Two Sides of Resource Actions Unfortunately, I have been on both sides of this equation. I was in management of a rapidly collapsing technology company in 2002, and I was on a team to rank everyone in the area. We knew why we were doing this. A young man in his mid-20s sank to the bottom of the list. He did not work for me but a peer manager. We all had received handsome retention bonuses over the previous year. He was within two weeks of putting a down payment on a house. I did the right thing and took him to lunch. I told him he would likely get laid off and should not buy the house. Within a month there was a resource action. He did not buy the house. Listen to the most recent episode I ran into this young man three years later. He went two years unemployed, moved back in with his parents, but he did not lose a house or go bankrupt. He thanked me profusely. This was a miserable experience. Later in the year, I had a bicycle accident that changed my perspective on life. This led me to decide to volunteer for the next resource action.I was laid off, but it was on my terms. I knew it was not about me. What to do next? First thing is to take a deep breath. Remember it is not about you. You did nothing wrong. Share the Shock â€" Reach out, connect, and once you reground a bit, start on your new plan. Create a fan club of people who know and care about you. Opt for the Opportunity â€" This is also the time you’ve been waiting for even if it is not the first choice in the timing. Assess your Entire Situation â€" This is a great time to reassess everything. Home, expenses, family responsibilities,….. Are you still paying bills for your adult children? Is the home too big for you now? What kind of car are you driving? My favorite book is Repacking Your Bags: Lighten Your Load for the Good Life to help you through this process. Sometimes we need the kick in the butt to do something we really want to do. Take the next few weeks to decompress. It is not about you! You can then make plans for the rest of your life. If you are an IBMer who has recently been affected by this Resource Action I would like to hear your story. I am considering building a support group for exiting IBMers. Contact me at the e-mail address at the top of this page. Marc Miller Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons above. Like What You Read? Get Career Pivot Insights! Check out the Repurpose Your Career Podcast Do You Need Help With ...

Summary Sunday New Year Prep For Your Job Search

Summary Sunday New Year Prep For Your Job Search As December winds down, you might be thinking its time to prep for your job search. This weeks summary contains articles to help you launch or reignite your job search in the new year. Youll find a roundup of 25 top job search articles, how to answer an important job interview question, why you need to pay attention to your personal brand, LinkedIn settings you should know about if you are employed and looking, and information on age discrimination. In order to prep for job search, youll want to make sure youve got all your tools ready to go. You also want to get a handle on how the recruiting process tends to work and what parts you can influence. Thats why I compile this summary written by experts each week. JOB SEARCH Top Job Search Articles for 2019 by Jacob Share | JobMob This is a compilation of top articles by job search experts. Youll want to read all 25 of them. They cover everything from resumes to cover letters to interviewing. I am honored one of mine is included here too! How To Get A Great New Job In 2020 by Jack Kelly, Wecruit.io | Forbes Pay attention to the first step recommended. Even if you dont think it applies, it probably does. I strongly disagree with the recommendation of hitting the job boards to apply for jobs, however, the other steps are on track. INTERVIEWING Job Interview Question: Why Should We Hire YOU? (Plus Sample Answers!) by Laura DeCarlo | Job-Hunt.org Be ready to show your success, self-confidence, and preparation by having a strong answer to this question. PERSONAL BRANDING 4 Reasons Why Social Proof Is Essential to Building Your Brand by Maleeka T. Hollaway | Entrepreneur What is social proof and why do you need it? Social proof is the elements of conversation that verify your brand. From customer and client testimonials to media interviews and even contributed content, your social proof is built with every interaction you make You may not be an entrepreneur but all these tips apply! LINKEDIN Managing Your LinkedIn Settings for a Stealth Job Search by Ed Han | Job-Hunt.org If you are employed and looking for a new job, youll want to know about these LinkedIn settings. OLDER WORKERS Forced Out, Older Workers Are Fighting Back by Carole Fleck | AARP Here are statistics and four case studies of people who believe age discrimination was the cause of their dismissal. While we only hear one side of the story, the article includes some legal resources in place to help older workers.

10 Reasons Your Job Hunt May Last Too Long -

10 Reasons Your Job Hunt May Last Too Long - Photo by Aaron Edwards I came across information about a book by Tony Beshara, The Job Search Solution: The Ultimate System for Finding a Great Job Now! While the book came out in 2006, I thought several of the main points suggesting why you may be having trouble with your job search are relevant for job seekers today. (Points are from Besharas book, commentary is my own.) 1. Youre not making finding a job a job itself. Focus, schedule your time and make a committment to finding a job. It isnt going to just happen on its own. 2. You havent developed a system of finding a job. Set goals. Make plans. Follow through. Network. 3. You have an unrealistic idea about the market for your skills. Recognize that there is no perfect job. 4. You arent acknowledging the psychological and emotional stress that changing jobs entails. Looking for work can be stressful. Seek support from friends, family or a group. Consider hiring a career coach to guide you ?? 5. You ignore small businesses. Most people work for small companies. Dont overlook these potential employers. 6. You dont recognize the importance of the face-to-face interview. A great resume will get you an interview, but the interview is what will get you the job. 7. You dont prepare well for interviews. This is a big problem for job seekers and employers. Be prepared and dont waste an opportunity in front of a decision maker. 8. Youre not selling yourself. It is up to you to let the employer know why you are the one for the job. 9. You have the attitude, What can you do for me? Develop your hire me strategy around the employers needs. They dont really care what you want them to do for you explain what you offer the employer for results. 10. You give poor reasons for leaving your job. Be positive and honest, but dont dwell on the past. Emphasize your future plans as they relate to the potential employer. If your job hunt is going on too long, consider seeking help. A professionally written resume will save you time and money. Keppie Careers is here to help!