Human Resources Manager (Episode 98)

Summary

In this career exploration video, Clara, a Human Resources Manager at the Rick Hansen Foundation, shares insights into her role, highlighting the importance of communication, leadership, and adaptability in HR. She explains the responsibilities of an HR manager, from recruitment to performance management, and the value of fostering work-life balance. Clara discusses her personal connection to the foundation's mission, her educational path, and offers advice to aspiring HR professionals. The video emphasizes the rewarding nature of guiding employees and the potential for career growth within HR.

Takeaways

• 😀 An HR manager oversees the people and people processes within an organization, handling tasks like recruitment, payroll, and performance management.
• 😀 HR managers teach leaders to become better leaders and provide coaching or solutions for sensitive situations.
• 😀 An HR specialist focuses on specific HR disciplines, while an HR manager has a broader, jack-of-all-trades knowledge across various HR functions.
• 😀 The Rick Hansen Foundation has an accessible, spacious office that caters to people with disabilities, ensuring accommodation for all employees.
• 😀 The attraction to the HR manager position at the Rick Hansen Foundation was personal, as the candidate is hearing-impaired and connected with the cause.
• 😀 HR managers ensure work-life balance for employees, offering flexible working hours and sometimes remote work options.
• 😀 Verbal communication and presentation skills are essential in HR, especially when training employees and ensuring they understand the material.
• 😀 To become an HR manager, a bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field (like industrial psychology) is typically required, along with possible certifications like CHRP.
• 😀 The final interview process typically involves HR personnel and gives candidates the opportunity to ask questions at the end.
• 😀 Helping employees advance in their careers, like seeing them get promoted, is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an HR manager.
• 😀 Aspiring HR professionals should research the different HR disciplines to find what resonates with them and pursue further education to advance their careers.

Q & A

What does a human resources (HR) manager do?

An HR manager oversees people and people processes. They handle recruitment, payroll, performance management, and coaching managers to improve their leadership skills.

How is an HR manager different from an HR specialist?

An HR manager is a generalist with a broad knowledge of all HR disciplines, whereas an HR specialist focuses on one specific area within HR, such as recruitment or benefits.

What kind of work environment does the Rick Hansen Foundation provide?

The Rick Hansen Foundation ensures an accessible and spacious office, designed to accommodate people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs or need additional support.

What attracted Clara to work at the Rick Hansen Foundation?

Clara, who is hearing-impaired, was drawn to the Rick Hansen Foundation because of its focus on raising awareness for people with disabilities, which she personally connected with.

What are the typical working hours for an HR manager at the Rick Hansen Foundation?

The working hours are from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, but flexible hours are offered, allowing employees to adjust their schedule and even work from home occasionally.

What skills are important for HR professionals, according to Clara?

Clara emphasizes the importance of verbal communication and presentation skills for HR professionals, especially when conducting training sessions and conveying key information effectively.

What educational background is typically needed to become an HR manager?

A bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field, such as industrial psychology, is typically required. Additionally, pursuing certifications like the CHRP (Certified Human Resource Professional) can further enhance one's qualifications.

What happens during a final interview at the Rick Hansen Foundation?

In a final interview, the candidate is asked questions by a panel, which always includes an HR person. The candidate is also given an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview.

What is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an HR manager, according to Clara?

Clara finds it rewarding to help employees advance in their careers and be promoted, knowing she played a role in their professional growth and success.

What advice does Clara give to young HR professionals?

Clara advises young HR professionals to explore different HR disciplines to understand what resonates with them and to conduct research to determine their area of interest in the field.