Experienced HR Manager revealed SECRETS to great job interviews: HR interview questions and answers

Summary

Natalie Pepper, an HR veteran with two decades of experience, shares insights into the dynamic and flexible nature of human resources. As a project manager leading a review of Los Alamos National Labs' compensation system, she emphasizes the importance of curiosity, thoughtfulness, and the ability to make informed decisions without complete information. Pepper discusses her role in facilitating conversations, influencing outcomes, and the significance of understanding employee motivations. She also touches on the challenges of having difficult conversations and the evolution of HR with technology, offering advice for those considering a career in HR.

Takeaways

• 🌟 HR roles require a combination of common sense, curiosity, and the ability to make judgment calls without complete information.
• 📞 The initial interaction with a recruiter can be a significant indicator of a candidate's passion for the company.
• 📈 Natalie Pepper's current role involves leading a review of the compensation system at Los Alamos National Labs, which includes defining the project plan, identifying resources, and creating a timeline.
• 🗓 Project management in HR involves meeting with managers and employees to understand roles and comparing them to market standards to determine appropriate compensation.
• 🔍 A typical day in HR can be highly variable, with a mix of meetings, project work, and one-on-one conversations to understand employee motivations and career aspirations.
• 💼 HR professionals must be adept at having difficult conversations, balancing the needs of the organization with those of the employee, and delivering hard truths with empathy.
• 🏫 A background in business classes, finance, economics, and statistics can be beneficial for those looking to enter the HR field, as they provide a foundation for understanding business operations and analytics.
• 👥 Being part of a project team can help develop neutrality and open-mindedness, which are valuable traits in HR for gathering information and forming balanced opinions.
• 📝 Analytical thinking and the ability to articulate specific experiences and lessons learned are highly beneficial in progressing a career in HR.
• 🌐 HR professionals should understand the importance of company culture and how it aligns with their own values and work style before pursuing a role.
• 📈 The field of HR is evolving with the impact of artificial intelligence, mobile learning technologies, and advanced data analytics, which are changing the way recruiting, learning, and talent management are conducted.

Q & A

What is Natalie Pepper's current role in HR?

Natalie Pepper's current role is a project manager leading a review of Los Alamos National Labs' compensation system.

What are some key skills Natalie mentions for success in HR?

Natalie mentions that being good at HR requires common sense, being comfortable making judgment calls without all the facts, curiosity, thoughtfulness, and the ability to consider all facts.

How does Natalie describe the role of HR in an organization?

Natalie describes the role of HR as facilitators of conversation and outcome drivers, rather than directors telling everyone what to do.

What is the significance of the first phone call with a recruiter according to Natalie?

Natalie believes the first phone call with a recruiter is significant as it can reveal a candidate's passion for the company and provide insights into the company's culture.

What does Natalie's role involve in terms of managing projects?

Natalie's role involves defining the project plan, identifying necessary resources, and creating a timeline for project completion.

How does Natalie approach understanding an employee's role and compensation?

Natalie meets with managers and employees to understand their roles and compares that information with market data to determine appropriate compensation.

What does Natalie suggest for someone looking to progress in their HR career?

Natalie suggests being open to asking questions, being curious, and being comfortable with not having all the facts, as well as being adaptable to different situations and roles within HR.

How does Natalie handle hard conversations in her HR role?

Natalie handles hard conversations by balancing the needs of the organization with the needs of the employee, ensuring that both parties feel heard and understood.

What advice does Natalie give for someone considering a career in HR?

Natalie advises that a career in HR requires a good understanding of business, analytics, and customer service skills, as well as a genuine interest in helping others and facilitating positive outcomes.

How does Natalie view the impact of artificial intelligence on HR?

Natalie sees artificial intelligence impacting the recruiting process by making it easier to find and reach out to candidates, as well as in learning and development through mobile technology.

What personal advice does Natalie give for someone interested in HR?

Natalie suggests that if you love what you do, every day at work won't feel like a chore, and encourages people to explore opportunities and not be afraid to make a change if they find a better fit.