A Day in The Life of a Human Resources Professional | Indeed

Summary

Geneva, a human resources supervisor at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), takes us through a day in her role as a talent acquisition partner. She highlights the variety in HR work, from recruitment to offering job opportunities that can change lives. Geneva discusses the challenges and rewards of HR, especially the human interactions, and the importance of removing barriers for people. She emphasizes the need for adaptability, communication, and organization in HR and shares insights on the path into the field, where there's room for diverse interests and skill sets.

Takeaways

• 😀 Geneva is a Human Resources supervisor at Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), responsible for talent acquisition across various job levels.
• 😀 HR professionals, also known as talent acquisition partners, work to create opportunities for individuals and change their career trajectories, ultimately impacting their families and generational wealth.
• 😀 The HR field is diverse, including roles like recruiters, HR analysts, and administrative analysts, all working to help people find fulfilling employment.
• 😀 Geneva emphasizes the importance of removing barriers for all people, ensuring they can thrive and find joy in their careers.
• 😀 A career in HR involves a variety of tasks, including consultations, interviews, recruitment, and team meetings to coordinate and improve HR operations.
• 😀 The skills needed in HR include adaptability, public speaking, cool-headedness under pressure, and the ability to manage policies while interacting with a diverse group of people.
• 😀 Geneva's role includes making difficult decisions like informing candidates they've not been selected, but also sharing the exciting news when someone receives a job offer.
• 😀 HR professionals must balance a lot of human interaction, which can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when dealing with tough news or celebrating someone's success.
• 😀 Geneva enjoys de-stressing by spending time with her kids, playing board games, and participating in activities like tee ball and softball.
• 😀 To break the monotony of the workday, Geneva organizes her schedule to maintain variety and balance between meetings, recruitment tasks, and team collaborations.

Q & A

What is Geneva's role at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)?

Geneva is a Human Resources Supervisor at SMUD, specializing in talent acquisition. Her team handles hiring across a wide range of positions, from interns to director-level roles.

How does Geneva describe the impact of her work in HR?

Geneva finds her work fulfilling because it not only helps individuals find careers but also impacts their families and future generations by providing them with opportunities for financial stability and growth.

What is Geneva's approach to human resources?

Geneva aims to remove barriers for people, ensuring they can thrive and live in joy, focusing on making sure employment opportunities are accessible to everyone.

What are the pros and cons of being an HR professional, according to Geneva?

The pros of being an HR professional include frequent human interaction and the opportunity to positively affect people's lives. The cons include having to deliver disappointing news to candidates and managing difficult situations involving people.

What does Geneva find rewarding about her job in HR?

Geneva finds it incredibly rewarding to inform candidates about job offers, knowing she is helping them secure a position that can change their lives.

What are some essential skills needed to work in human resources, based on Geneva's experience?

Key skills for HR professionals include adaptability, public speaking, staying calm under pressure, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while adhering to policies and procedures.

How does Geneva manage her workday to stay productive?

Geneva breaks up her day with varied meetings and tasks to avoid feeling stagnant. This helps her stay engaged and focused throughout the day.

What type of work does Geneva do in her staff meeting?

In her staff meeting, Geneva and her team strategize on recruitment processes, share updates on ongoing projects, and discuss training sessions to improve their work.

What does Geneva recommend for those interested in entering human resources?

Geneva suggests looking for entry-level HR positions such as HR Assistant or HR Technician. These roles provide valuable insights into how HR functions within an organization and typically do not require a degree.

What types of roles exist within HR for individuals with different interests?

HR offers a variety of roles, including positions for those interested in public speaking (recruiting), data and numbers (HR analytics), or learning and development (training). There's a place for everyone, whether their passion lies in people, processes, or numbers.