34yo senior HR generalist, AMA about work, careers, resumes, switching jobs etc

[NickM205]

Brahs

about to be 35yo here
Senior HR generalist
BS in computer info systems, Masters in Public Administration in ethical leadership, and I hold two professional HR certifications.

Worked in IT, Sales, general management (supervised 17 people at one point), and 8 years now in HR and senior HR roles.

Ask me anything about education, work, careers, resumes, advancement, etc etc. Would love to help ppl out.

[roko79]

my gf just got laid off from being an HR assistant, and she's looking for a coordinator role. Any tips? She just got laid off from a big media company in NYC, because her position got eliminated.

[gsxtreme1987]

When potential employee puts Not to contact their current employer on their application.

Do you still do it? Do you not hire the person because of that reason?

How common is it for people to put Do not contact.

[NickM205]

my gf just got laid off from being an HR assistant, and she's looking for a coordinator role. Any tips? She just got laid off from a big media company in NYC, because her position got eliminated.

Tips in regards to? How to find a new job?

[NickM205]

When potential employee puts Not to contact their current employer on their application.

Do you still do it? Do you not hire the person because of that reason?

How common is it for people to put Do not contact.

No, I've never personally done that. Anyone involved in a search process understands that contacting a current employer without permission can compromise someone's current job. We only verify someones current employment as part of a background check, after an employment/salary offer has been made, and accepted. That way if the background check fails or comes up with dishonest information or the like, its the applicants fault for not giving us the truth.

A reference check is a different story though. We generally do reference checks as part of verifying qualifications and experience before an employment offer. If I am currently employed, and looking to get a new job, I have to find someone as a current reference from my current employer unless I haven't been there very long.

It can vary some depending upon the level of the position, and the industry.

[gsxtreme1987]

No, I've never personally done that. Anyone involved in a search process understands that contacting a current employer without permission can compromise someone's current job. We only verify someones current employment as part of a background check, after an employment/salary offer has been made, and accepted. That way if the background check fails or comes up with dishonest information or the like, its the applicants fault for not giving us the truth.

A reference check is a different story though. We generally do reference checks as part of verifying qualifications and experience before an employment offer. If I am currently employed, and looking to get a new job, I have to find someone as a current reference from my current employer unless I haven't been there very long.

It can vary some depending upon the level of the position, and the industry.

That's tricky - Im in IT. Recently got an offer from a company for a start date not for a few months and theyll be conducting background check soon.
I checked the do not contact current employer on my app and obviously i don't want my current employer knowing that i am looking for jobs especially 3 months before i start the othr one.

That would be an awkward couple months or just incase something changes with the job offer.

Does HR ever wait after the person start and then call the previous employer?

[roko79]

Tips in regards to? How to find a new job?

yeah, she's looking for an HR Coordinator role. any advice?

[NickM205]

That's tricky - Im in IT. Recently got an offer from a company for a start date not for a few months and theyll be conducting background check soon.
I checked the do not contact current employer on my app and obviously i don't want my current employer knowing that i am looking for jobs especially 3 months before i start the othr one.

That would be an awkward couple months or just incase something changes with the job offer.

Does HR ever wait after the person start and then call the previous employer?

Nope, not in any type of normal situation, because then we need to fire you if something doesn't add up.

Theres two reasons why your current previous employer are important: 1) verify employment - do you actually work there, and/or salary history (if appropriate)? 2) Reference check

Which is it? Are they calling your current employer to verifying your existing employment, or to do a reference check? If its a reference check, you should be able to provide someone/somehow of a peer, current supervisor you can confide in that you're looking for new opportunities etc. If its just an employment verification, your new employer is hopefully savvy enough to use a 3rd party employment/background check verification service to keep their name out of it.

For example, if we can't make the call to do an employment verification, we have a 3rd party company do it - so your current employer wouldnt know if its for a mortgage application, or an employment verification for a new job.

[NickM205]

yeah, she's looking for an HR Coordinator role. any advice?

I'll assume shes looking for actual jobs on various websites, so:

Does she belong to any SHRM chapters?

She should start going to as many SHRM chapter meetings as she can, in a geographically acceptable radius of where she would like to work. There is no better way to find work than to network.

http://www.shrm.org/communities/shrm...s/default.aspx

If she is already going to SHRM chapter meetings and trying to network with existing HR professionals, another step I would do is to informational interview.

She should make a list, as big as possible, of all the potential employers should would like to work for, and seek out contacts via LinkedIn or even company websites, to invite to chat or discuss their work at Company A and how they got there and how she can too. I've had people contact me before via something like LinkedIn, or even via email, and ask me if they could meet for coffee etc to discuss this type of thing and it always comes across as impressive and someone who is aggressively seeking a good opportunity. It helps you stand out much more than a PDF resume in an applicant tracking system.

[gsxtreme1987]

Nope, not in any type of normal situation, because then we need to fire you if something doesn't add up.

Theres two reasons why your current previous employer are important: 1) verify employment - do you actually work there, and/or salary history (if appropriate)? 2) Reference check

Which is it? Are they calling your current employer to verifying your existing employment, or to do a reference check? If its a reference check, you should be able to provide someone/somehow of a peer, current supervisor you can confide in that you're looking for new opportunities etc. If its just an employment verification, your new employer is hopefully savvy enough to use a 3rd party employment/background check verification service to keep their name out of it.

For example, if we can't make the call to do an employment verification, we have a 3rd party company do it - so your current employer wouldnt know if its for a mortgage application, or an employment verification for a new job.

Oh okay cool - Yeah its a 3rd party conducting the employment verification.

[NickM205]

Oh okay cool - Yeah its a 3rd party conducting the employment verification.

Then the 3rd party will likely handle it the right way.

[gsxtreme1987]

Lets hope so - i guess at this point i can't do much. If my boss does ask me i might just say its for an auto loan or something

[strengthgained]

How good are you with people? My dad is a senior VP of HR for a massive tech company and has superhuman social skills when it comes to talking to people

[Alphabolone]

No, I've never personally done that. Anyone involved in a search process understands that contacting a current employer without permission can compromise someone's current job. We only verify someones current employment as part of a background check, after an employment/salary offer has been made, and accepted. That way if the background check fails or comes up with dishonest information or the like, its the applicants fault for not giving us the truth.

A reference check is a different story though. We generally do reference checks as part of verifying qualifications and experience before an employment offer. If I am currently employed, and looking to get a new job, I have to find someone as a current reference from my current employer unless I haven't been there very long.

It can vary some depending upon the level of the position, and the industry.

How does a background check know if someone was/is employed somewhere?

[MyAvatar]

Why are there so many HBBs in HR? Is it intentional?

[WhyNotTry]

Question about applying through emails... Do you put in a short covering msg in if they do not ask for a separate cover letter or..?

[CrocodileBrah]

Second year electronics engineering student, eventually wanna go into management or consulting to make the money - thinking of going for an MBA after working full time for 3 or 4 years as an engineer. Anything in particular i should be looking out for right now? I know that getting into management can take like 10 years for most people, but i wanna break into it a lot quicker.

[bh4tmannn]

Brahs

about to be 35yo here
Senior HR generalist
BS in computer info systems, Masters in Public Administration in ethical leadership, and I hold two professional HR certifications.

Worked in IT, Sales, general management (supervised 17 people at one point), and 8 years now in HR and senior HR roles.

Ask me anything about education, work, careers, resumes, advancement, etc etc. Would love to help ppl out.

Most interesting way someone got a job?

[NickM205]

How does a background check know if someone was/is employed somewhere?

Most background checks are conducted via verification of some hard piece of data, like a social security number, and usually done on paper. If you were to randomly call us, and say hey I am doing an employment verification for so and so, we would want you to prove its legit. You would need to fax or email the request and prove you have the right person by having their social security number.

Why are there so many HBBs in HR? Is it intentional?

Not in our office lol

Question about applying through emails... Do you put in a short covering msg in if they do not ask for a separate cover letter or..?

You're applying to a job via an email? Meaning your sending an attached resume? I would also attach a cover letter, both as a PDF in a similar format, same font etc. Theres little harm in including a cover letter. An email "cover letter" is ok, but it doesn't print as well as a PDF and each time it gets forwarded, it gets uglier and uglier. If you attach your cover letter and resume and in the actual email say something like Dear ____, Please find the attached cover letter and resume for your consideration as application for ______. Best, ________

Second year electronics engineering student, eventually wanna go into management or consulting to make the money - thinking of going for an MBA after working full time for 3 or 4 years as an engineer. Anything in particular i should be looking out for right now? I know that getting into management can take like 10 years for most people, but i wanna break into it a lot quicker.

If you are motivated enough already to want to fast track a career as best you can, then you should seek out a mentor in the area in which you're interested in. Most successful people like to give back, join professional organizations in your field, go to the boring meetings where they have lousy coffee and a guest speaker. Meet people. Its not always possible to find a mentor in your field from your employer, so its perfectly fine to have a friend or contact who can be a mentor even if you don't work in the same company. They usually can offer a fresh perspective on your career and work, because they are removed from it.

Getting promoted is about 3 things: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Do whatever you can to get involved in work and projects over your head to learn the KSA's to grow. Doing the same thing well, over and over is an important ability, but gaining new KSA's is really the key. You have to be able to demonstrate an ability to do beyond what you're currently responsible for. See if your new mentor(s) can share job descriptions with you for the type of jobs that appeal to you. Work to fill the gaps to obtain the KSA's so that the job description of that manager you wish to become sounds exactly like your resume.

Most interesting way someone got a job?

I can't really think of a specific example, but being creative or separating yourself always increases your chances. Proactively contacting a company or organization, who might not even have a current job opening for you, is a great way to make an impression that you're interested in the company itself. Think about it, if we get 200 applicants for a posting, everyone has a decent resume, how do you stand out? Maybe 1 of them took the initiative to learn more about our company before ever even applying to a job here. That shows real investment into our company's mission and vision.

[NickM205]

How good are you with people? My dad is a senior VP of HR for a massive tech company and has superhuman social skills when it comes to talking to people

There are some HR folks, like say on the Info Systems side, who aren't really out there working with people - but in general, HR is about negotiation, problem solving, strategy, managing managers, managing executives, and doing a lot of persuasive interactions. Even interviewing, is an art or skill that few people are born with.

If you're a good HR practitioner, you're generally charismatic.

There's still a bit of a stigma that HR is some strange field, or its women only. Thats a very old view from the 70's and 80's. Things have changed a lot.

[gsxtreme1987]

I can't really think of a specific example, but being creative or separating yourself always increases your chances. Proactively contacting a company or organization, who might not even have a current job opening for you, is a great way to make an impression that you're interested in the company itself. Think about it, if we get 200 applicants for a posting, everyone has a decent resume, how do you stand out? Maybe 1 of them took the initiative to learn more about our company before ever even applying to a job here. That shows real investment into our company's mission and vision.

That's a pretty good tip - that's how i got both of my previous positions. Before that i always thought if the company doesn't have a job listed they're not hiring for that position.... but i was wrong.

[NickM205]

That's a pretty good tip - that's how i got both of my previous positions. Before that i always thought if the company doesn't have a job listed they're not hiring for that position.... but i was wrong.

Theres no greater way to get a meaningful job, and advance, than networking.

It doesn't end when you get hired, you have to continue to network and build contacts within the company if its feasible/large enough.

[MyAvatar]

Pls respawn to PM pls.

[WhyNotTry]

OP, first thanks for the response, but need some clarification. Should I still send a cover letter even if the application does not mention?

Also semi off topic would you happen to know who works in architectual visulisation? Would really like someone to chat to that is in the industry.

[Acetheticz]

Hey OP, nice to see other guys going into HR. I'm majoring in HR and can't wait to get into the field.

My question is basically a lot of people think STEM is the only way to go, and if that doesn't work then Finance is okay, but there's a lot of money to be made in Human Resources if you really look. Are you comfortable with your salary right now? Did you think that majoring in IT helped you or it didn't make a difference since it's possible to get into HR with just a business degree?

[SkipBayless1]

HR LMAO. Completely Useless.

[wintersun]

if i don't include a past job on my resume, will it show up on a background check?


example:

Mcdonald's - Sep 2012 to Aug 2013
Wendy's - Aug 2013 - Dec 2013
Burger King - January 2014 - present


If I don't include Wendy's on my resume, and say I just took a break from work, will the HR department be able to find out that I worked at Wendy's?

[mrkdrt]

What is the best way to present my resume for an industry/career change when it has been very focused to this point in energy?

How to answer questions about why someone so experienced would want a downgraded job (I still have a job)

[Lamborg]

copied and pasted from thread i made

I have the opportunity to graduate (walk) this semester if I choose to take 2 summer courses for 7 units. My advisor told me she would waive a few classes because I have a great academic record that shows I already know the material


I have 2 options currently as it stands and I would like to know your opinion on what would be a better choice


Graduate this semester, take summer courses and forego a summer internship but start full time work soon

Graduate next semester in December, summer is open for internship opportunities (no offers and no applications so far...)


I am expecting to graduate summa cum laude with B.Sc in Economics and I believe I will be competitive when applying for jobs/internships
2nd option may save me a bit of money but just how important is having an internship? I do not have any internship experience so far (Do have work experience)

Is it worth staying back a semester just for the possibility of an internship?

Seeking career in finance/banking/data analysis? Open to others

[NickM205]

Pls respawn to PM pls.

Who did you PM? I didn't receive anything from you.

OP, first thanks for the response, but need some clarification. Should I still send a cover letter even if the application does not mention?

Also semi off topic would you happen to know who works in architectual visulisation? Would really like someone to chat to that is in the industry.

I don't think its going to hurt, just be sure it isn't a restatement of your resume, it should be a unique document, and keep it fairly brief.

I don't know anyone in that field.

Hey OP, nice to see other guys going into HR. I'm majoring in HR and can't wait to get into the field.

My question is basically a lot of people think STEM is the only way to go, and if that doesn't work then Finance is okay, but there's a lot of money to be made in Human Resources if you really look. Are you comfortable with your salary right now? Did you think that majoring in IT helped you or it didn't make a difference since it's possible to get into HR with just a business degree?

Having a technical background helped me understand databases, data, excel, and so forth. I had some SQL experience before I ever got into HR. I am a generalist, but I have responsibilities in metrics, for example, so having an understanding and background in that area is important.

A lot of HR is finance related - comp (compensation), benefits, etc all interplay significantly in HR. If there is a particular aspect of HR that appeals to you, don't be afraid to gravitate towards it. Even the best CHO's or VP's out there tend to have 2 or 3 strengths.

There are plenty of great salaries in our department. HRIS (HR info systems) folks are essentially re-branded IT people, same goes for Benefits folks very often having finance backgrounds.

HR LMAO. Completely Useless.

What decade do you live in?
Read Work Rules by Lazlo Bock, SVP for 'People Operations' at Google

But nevermind, you're right. Of course its completely useless. Someone at Google should be calling you some time today (or tomorrow) to scoop you up to lead the company. Lazlo Bock replaced by SkipBayless1 at Google. First move, eliminates entire People Operations department. Tremendous success ensues.

if i don't include a past job on my resume, will it show up on a background check?

example:
Mcdonald's - Sep 2012 to Aug 2013
Wendy's - Aug 2013 - Dec 2013
Burger King - January 2014 - present

If I don't include Wendy's on my resume, and say I just took a break from work, will the HR department be able to find out that I worked at Wendy's?

That's not a cut and dry answer. It depends on the type of background check being done. They aren't all the same. What kind of job/company are you applying for, and why would you want to lie on a resume or application?

What is the best way to present my resume for an industry/career change when it has been very focused to this point in energy?

How to answer questions about why someone so experienced would want a downgraded job (I still have a job)

You'll have to speak specifically to you strengths and skills, and how they relate to the work you want to do. The industry, the mission/vision of the company you want to work for, how you are intrinsically motivated etc. Speak to the work you would be doing and why you're passionate about it.

People change jobs and lose a bit of salary sometimes, its more common than you think.

copied and pasted from thread i made

I have the opportunity to graduate (walk) this semester if I choose to take 2 summer courses for 7 units. My advisor told me she would waive a few classes because I have a great academic record that shows I already know the material
I have 2 options currently as it stands and I would like to know your opinion on what would be a better choice

Graduate this semester, take summer courses and forego a summer internship but start full time work soon
Graduate next semester in December, summer is open for internship opportunities (no offers and no applications so far...)

I am expecting to graduate summa cum laude with B.Sc in Economics and I believe I will be competitive when applying for jobs/internships
2nd option may save me a bit of money but just how important is having an internship? I do not have any internship experience so far (Do have work experience)

Is it worth staying back a semester just for the possibility of an internship?

Seeking career in finance/banking/data analysis? Open to others

That's tricky. The sooner you start work, the higher your long term income potential. Do you actually have a job lined up to "start full time work soon"?

The goal of an internship, is to gain perspective - "do I like this field?" And employment skills.

I think I am a little confused. But, if you have a job opportunity already, and can graduate sooner rather than later, then go for it.

The only thing an internship does for you, is help you get closer to that first job. Once you're actually out in the working world, you're very unlikely to ever really reference your internship experience again.