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Recognising Super Hu-Mums – Mothers Day 2017

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To celebrate Mother’s Day we took the opportunity to speak to some colleagues, friends, and clients of Human to celebrate the hard working Super Hu-Mums across the region. Thanks to everyone who took part! Name: Maria Elliott When Did You Become A Mum? In 2004 when my gorgeous son Jasper was born, then again in 2013 when I started becoming a step-mum to Lily and Henry What Do You Enjoy Most About Being A Mum? Seeing the children flourish and grow into confident and lovely people. Especially when they do silly and funny things to make us laugh What’s The Hardest Thing About Being A working Mum? When I was employed it was harder, as I was compromised sometimes by the hours I had to work. However, since I’ve become self-employed I have felt more able to prioritise the children – putting their needs first and working around that. If You Could Share One Piece Of Advice With Other Working Mums, What Would It Be? That it’s OK. You have to do what you have to do for your family at the time. Don’t beat yourself up, as the choices you make will pay dividends in the future. If you are going out to work, you are setting a good example for your children that you have to work hard in life to get where you want to be. If You Could Nominate Another Super Hu-Mum Who Would It Be and Why? My nominated super hu-Mum is my friend Anne. Not only is she a single mum to 2 gorgeous children, she runs her own successful business and looks after a team of employees, often putting their needs before her own. Name: Emily Oxford When Did You Become A Mum? January 2015 – arrived a little earlier than planned but my little prem baby is now a full of energy 2 year old chatterbox!  What Do You Enjoy Most About Being A Mum? Seeing my daughter develop and discovering new things for the first time.  It is amazing how quickly she picks things up.  At times it can be testing and she certainly knows how to push my buttons, but listening to her sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to herself in bed before she goes to sleep makes any day end on a high! What’s The Hardest Thing About Being A working Mum? Dividing my time between work and being at home. Children don’t fit into a Monday-Friday 9-5 schedule but I make sure that I make the most of our time together by doing fun things.  I love working as much as I love being a mum and I want my daughter to grow up understanding the importance of work-life balance and that it is important to work hard to be able to achieve your goals. If You Could Share One Piece Of Advice With Other Working Mums, What Would It Be? Be realistic about how you can divide your time and understand that you might not be there for everything. I missed seeing my daughter roll over for the first time and take her first tentative steps but there are so many other things I have been there for.  If You Could Nominate Another Super Hu-Mum Who Would It Be and Why? My friend Claire – we had our babies 3 weeks apart so have gone through the ups and downs of pregnancy, new-born to toddlerhood together and it is a great comfort to have someone to share both worries and happy times with, even at 2am! Name: Karey Roberts When Did You Become A Mum? 2009 What Do You Enjoy Most About Being A Mum? The wonderful thing’s they say What’s The Hardest Thing About Being A working Mum? Juggling time If You Could Share One Piece Of Advice With Other Working Mums, What Would It Be? Do your Best and don’t feel guilty  If You Could Nominate Another Super Hu-Mum Who Would It Be and Why? My sister as she has been a great support and source of advice / sounding board. Name: Linda Lawry When Did You Become A Mum? January 2013 What Do You Enjoy Most About Being A Mum? The cuddles, kisses and the hilarious things they do & say, even the backchat. What’s The Hardest Thing About Being A working Mum? Finding the right balance.  I’m very lucky as I work flexibly but the thought of getting back into a less flexible work environment is frightening. If You Could Share One Piece Of Advice With Other Working Mums, What Would It Be? I don’t feel qualified to be handing out advice!  If You Could Nominate Another Super Hu-Mum Who Would It Be and Why? I know so many spectacular mum’s who are working, running businesses, raising families & supporting partners in their careers as well as dealing with everything life throws at them, it’s so hard to choose just one!  But there is one very special mum in my life & that’s my mum, she has put up with me, held down a job but never failed to show up when it counted & dealt with everything life has thrown her way, never seeming to be beaten down when I’m sure she’s felt that way many times.  She’s an inspiration. Name: Louise Turner When Did You Become A Mum? Boxing Day 2006 What Do You Enjoy Most About Being A Mum? Seeing my children grow, change and revel in learning new things. Oh, and snuggling with them both and a film on a rainy afternoon What’s The Hardest Thing About Being A working Mum? The juggle. Working for myself means I’m lucky that I can take the kids to school and collect them every day. But I often then go back to my desk. I’m lucky that my husband tends to be home by 4pm so he takes over at that point, making dinner so we can eat together as a family and sorting the children’s lunches for the following day.  I did recently discover five

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Is Your HR CV Fit For Purpose?

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Odd, isn’t it. As an HR professional, you know full well what a good CV looks like—yet when it comes to writing your own, you struggle. You’re not alone in this; CV writing is tough, and finding that winning balance between highlighting your achievements, your potential, and your personality in the space of one or two pages is not an easy thing to do!   Sometimes, all we need is a bit of a reminder on how to structure and compose a CV which hits all the right notes.   1. Lead with an attention-grabbing headline. Make sure you summarise both your status and your objective at the start of the CV. For example, ‘I’m a highly experienced generalist with a strong background in employee relations for a government department, looking to take the next step in my HR career as an HR Manager’. This allows the reader to understand at a glance both where you are professionally, and which role you seek. It must be short and to the point, but there’s also room here to impress. Optionally, you may also want to include a short sentence about what kind of person you are, such as driven, passionate about HR, or solutions-focussed.       2. Highlight your skills in a breakout section. If you’re highly experienced, you may wish to follow this headline/summary section with a small section of bullet-points highlighting your strongest HR skills, such as talent acquisition, change management, or workforce planning.   3. Show how good you are. In the body of your CV, use strong action words that highlight your achievements in impressive, measurable ways. ‘I’m an excellent organiser and problem-solver’ simply doesn’t pack the same punch as ‘I identified issues with the team’s workflow, presented alternatives to my manager, co-ordinated the change and delivered a 10% increase in productivity. Try to use words such as these ones below, and tie them to actual outcomes where you can.   Achieved Completed Co-ordinated Delivered Identified Presented Promoted Reported Organised Led   4. Use keywords strategically, but don’t be a slave to them. We’re all aware that busy recruiters and hiring managers are scanning to check that we’ve referenced the competencies they’ve mentioned in the job spec. If they’re missing, the CV will be discarded, so we often feel pressure to cram every single keyword in there. This is where some of us go wrong, as we get so caught up in adding in competencies so that the CV reads woodenly (basically as a carbon copy of the job spec) with no personality or attention-grabbing quality in it whatsoever. It’s still got to be about you, remember? So, use HR-specific keywords and weave them into your CV in authentic ways that reflect when you’ve demonstrated that competency.   5. Always remember where you’re going   As Stephen Covey writes in 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, ‘Begin with the end in mind.’ If you did a lot of union negotiation in your last job but don’t want that to feature in your next role, then don’t highlight it as a major skill you’re using to impress your next employer. It can be hard to minimise the importance of impressive experience like this, but unless you want to be tasked with that responsibility again, what’s the point in drawing attention to it? List it in a bullet-point among your other achievements, certainly, but don’t put it in your headline or at the top of your list of skills.   6. Include information about your past employers.   You can’t expect the HR manager or recruiter to know about the details of your past employers, so include a short description of the company, such as industry and number of employees. However, do be aware of how the company size or structure might influence the hiring’s perspective on the job you’re going for now: for example, if you’ve only ever worked for small companies and now you’re applying for a multinational, be selective about what information to include.   7. Include qualifications and relevant outside interests. Degree or professional qualifications will of course add to the power of your CV; remember sometimes less is more. If you don’t have a lot of qualifications, don’t try and bolster them up with relatively inconsequential achievements. This section is also where you might include relevant club memberships, such as if you’re part of a young professionals or a woman in business group. It’s up to your personal preference whether you want to include hobbies and interests here. You might want to take your cue from the job spec. Do they mention a fun culture or a close-knit team? They obviously care about their culture and will want to find people to fit with it, so hobbies are good in this case.   8. White space and formatting. Don’t include blocky chunks of text that go on and on. Remember CVs are often read on smart phones or iPad’s. Break up all your text and sections with white space to make your CV easy on the eye and attractive to read. Run your CV through spellcheck, and then hand recheck for grammar and typo’s. Even the best of us can miss the odd pesky typo. You really don’t want to be cast out of the running because of a silly error. As an HR, professional, you’ve got the advantage. You already know what makes a great employee. You know what the employer is looking for by looking at their job spec. You know how hiring managers will look at your CV. And you know your own wealth of experience. In truth, you’ve got all the information you need.   Good luck!  

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interview questions

Are You Ready For The 5 Interview Questions Hiring Managers Always Ask?

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Interview questions. Something we are often quizzed about and there is a reason why. Let’s explain more. Good news! You contacted your local friendly specialist search agency. They had a great chat with you about your career path and options that would be a fit for you and the ball got rolling. Consequently, you polished up your CV, your recruitment consultant got to work and then hey presto, the interviews started to roll in. What next? Well for some candidates this is where doubt starts to creep in and it’s usually down to one thing; the interview…. more specifically the interview questions that they might be asked. The upside of the interview process The great thing about interviews is that it gives you a fantastic opportunity to shine, provided of course you are well prepared for what specifically, you might be asked. Drum roll! Here are the most common questions that local candidates are asked. The thing is over the years, we have placed literally hundreds of candidates with their dream employer. As part of our review process we always quiz candidates on the main questions, they were asked. On top of this, we know what clients are looking for when it comes to recruiting and why the questions they ask are so key. Depending on the role there will be more specific questions of course. However, you might be surprised how many candidates don’t even prepare for these. Ready to find out and plan your answers? Here we go. Tell me about yourself? I know on the surface this question seems simple? It’s the one that most interviews start with, as it is friendly, conversational and allows you to give (your potential new employer) background information about you. Your answer should be well practised and related to the expertise and skill set needed for the role, rather than your favourite holiday destination. Its fine to talk about personal details, though make these a smaller part of the conversation. In other words, focus on what type of person you are, what sort of skills and attributes you have and convey your enthusiasm for your working environment. For instance; “Well, I have worked in HR for the last fifteen years. It was always something I wanted to do and I got my first opportunity as a HR assistant and was bitten by the whole HR bug! Over the last 12 years, I have moved into different roles until I became an HR manager in my current company”. What are your greatest strengths? Trumpet at the ready and get ready to blow: You’ll know from the role specification what key strengths they are looking for. This is where your focus needs to be. As a friend of mine once reminded me, as driven human beings we have a lot of strengths and skills which can add value, not all of which are needed in every role we take. Fact: There is nothing worse in an interview situation than a candidate coming across as desperate by telling the interviewer absolutely everything they are capable of, whether it relevant to the role or not. This is a key area where your recruitment consultant can help. Remember they know the hiring manager, the company culture and what is important to highlight to give you the greatest chance of securing the role in question. What’s your main development area?  Never the easiest question to answer when you really want to work for the manager or company in question. The truth? Never answer that you don’t have any development needs; it’s unrealistic. Your answer to this particular interview question, should ideally be a weakness that isn’t pivotal to your performance in the role in question. Instead cite an example that could be perceived as a positive, such as, “I tend to forge on with tasks and in honesty, I am not the best at delegation”. Referring to your last performance review can work wonders, especially if you have a copy with you. The icing on the cake would then be sharing what you are currently doing to address the area in question. Every good manager knows their team will have development needs. By showing this level of awareness about your own development will give you a huge tick in the eyes of your potential new boss. Why did you leave your last job?   Whatever the reason, your answer should be upbeat and positive. You should never criticise a former employer or manager. I could tell you a few toe-curling stories related to this one! Instead, focus on how you are keen for a new challenge and an opportunity to grow instead. What do you know about our organisation? It’s vital that you have carried out your research on the companies who are interviewing you. It not only shows that you are thorough but also that you have put the time into research, which demonstrates how important your career is to you and the company and role in question. In 2017 there is no excuse for not being prepared. Hop onto Google or use this handy link provided by the CIO and start searching. The information it’s good to know is: Company structure/organogram – you’ll find this information on the company website. Company growth plans Services and products – Don’t only research what you will be involved in. If the company in question has different areas of service delivery, inventory etc, demonstrating that you can see the bigger picture and how they interact will make you stand out as a candidate of choice. Key staff – Their website will help and so will LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Check out your interviewers, as having an idea on their backgrounds and possible motivations can only help your preparation. Key customers, competitors and market trends – The company website may list some of their major customers, but you may also find details of them (and competitors) by doing research on Google and the sector specific websites.       P.S. Are

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“I wish I worked there!”

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At the end of June I finished at my job of 4 years, it was a risky decision to take voluntary redundancy but I fancied a change and wanted to find something closer to home, so off I set on my search for a new position. A friend of mine told me about Human Recruitment, so I gave them a call, we arranged to meet the following day at Tankersley Manor to go through the registration details. Amy was lovely, made me feel at ease, we discussed my previous roles and what I was looking for in my new role, being closer to home was clearly of major importance to me, Amy had listened to my needs and said that she had a position at a local company that ticked all the boxes on both sides, it was in Ecclesfield, I had driven past this company every day for 4 years after a 15 mile drive thinking “I wish I worked there!” I was really excited when Amy called to say they wanted to see me for an interview, it would be the following week. Amy sent me preparation advice and details of the position, she also called me a short while before to wish me luck,   I felt that the interview didn’t go as good as it could have and came out feeling a little deflated. I spoke to Amy to give her my feedback, a few days later I received a call from Caroline to say that the client would like to invite me back for a second interview, wow, I was over the moon, it would be the following Tuesday at 3pm, this interview went much better than the first one, I felt more nervous but it went well.  I really wanted this job!! Tuesday came and I received a call from Amy asking if I would be able to go and spend a morning with the client to meet the team and to see if I would happily fit in, I went in on the Thursday morning, the team were all lovely and made me feel really welcome, I spent 3 hours there and came home feeling really positive. Then on the Friday I got the call from Caroline, they wanted to offer me the job, I accepted without a seconds thought, I start tomorrow, Monday the 17th August, I can’t wait. Amy and Caroline have been brilliant, they listened to what was important to me and found me a position that is perfect and only 5 minutes away from home, they kept in touch with me throughout the whole process, made me laugh and made my job search enjoyable. I would like to say a huge thanks to them for everything!!! Jane 🙂  

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“I have never been so happy to receive a call”

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I was ever so lucky, I applied for an Events Coordinator on the 16th April and within a few hours I received a call from the Ladies at Human. They asked me about my work experience, my skills and a little about me. After this they gave me more information about the role and I was intrigued and wanted to find out more, we arranged to meet that same day. At the initial interview Caroline took more information about me and my experience what roles I was looking for, locations etc. Once this was complete we started to talk about the role in more depth. I was given a booklet to take away containing more information about the role at Arthrex and the job description. I felt confident about the job and had my finger crossed hoping I would get an interview. Once I was home I did my research into the company, looking online, finding out more about what I hoped would be my future employer. I received a call several days later offering me an interview at Arthrex. I was really happy to be given the chance to show off my experience and skills to the company. The interview was a few weeks away so I was able to prepare and with the help of the ladies at Human they made sure I was clued up on the role. The interview came round quickly; I found the location easily however Caroline reassured me she was only a phone call away. I felt nervous at the interview; we spoke about my experience and skills, also a little about my hobbies and personal interests. The interview lasted about 45 minutes; it was hard to figure out if it went well or not. The ladies at Human rang me to ask about the interview, how I felt about the company, if the role was right for me, could I see myself fitting in etc. Caroline said they would contact Rosalyn to find out how it went and would be in touch with me soon. I received a call on the 21st May, saying they would like me to attend a second interview with the Hiring Manager. I obviously accepted with excitement. I then received my confirmation email with date and time and also asked if I could create and present a presentation, I was nervous but I set to work on my presentation. The 8th June came round quickly, I went to the interview more confident armed with the presentation, rather than printing off the presentation I took my laptop to make it easier, which I think Rosalyn liked. The interview went well, I left still feeling confident. Again the ladies contacted me asking how it went, I said it went well but wasn’t 100% sure. A few hours later I received another call from the ladies saying they would like to offer me the role as Exhibitions Co-ordinator at Arthrex!! I have never been so happy to receive a call. I received my contract within a few days which I had to read and sign. I handed in my notice at the temporary job I was in, giving them two weeks to find a replacement. The countdown was on!! One afternoon I came home to a birthday card from the ladies at Human, which I thought was really nice of them. I start on Monday and I’m extremely nervous to start my new adventure within Arthrex. Thank you Amy & Caroline for your help and support to get this brilliant role at Arthrex 5 days to GO!! Thank you

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A Candidates New Venture

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A blog you say? I’ll give it a go! I have one more week left in my current job at ‘Sheffield Theatres’ before moving to work as an Event Logistics Coordinator at ‘Arthrex’ a job that ‘Recruit Human’ very much helped me obtain, here is, in a few words (hopefully not too many) how
 I have worked at Sheffield Theatres for just over three and a half years, and despite being a relatively interesting and alternate place to work the job role I currently hold does not offer any progression and I am not doing my Event Management degree any justice – also I could do with a little pay rise if I do say so myself. I therefore felt that the role at Arthrex was perfect for me. The role ticked so many boxes, it related to my degree, offered a better salary, was extremely local to where I live (city parking and/or bus journeys were really starting to grate!) and meant I no longer had to work to a shift pattern – I could be a normal person once more and enjoy evenings and weekends! Upon applying for the role, the advertisement didn’t actually state the name of the company as ‘Human’ are a recruitment agency for ‘Arthrex’ so my initial application went through and was vetted by ‘Human’. I had never used a recruitment agency when applying for jobs before, so this was a new experience to me. One, looking back I would highly recommend as it definitely eases the pressure of looking for a new job – It feels like you have someone there fighting your corner with you even if I had been unsuccessful (which fortunately I wasn’t.) I felt like Human would have been there to pick me up and move on to the next possibility. Amy from ‘Human’ contacted me and explained that she was the recruiting agent for ‘Arthrex’ and suggested that we meet up so she could a) get to know me a little better b) if this was the right role for me and c) to explain the role and the company in a bit more detail. It felt fresh, feeling that I was being put first (I.E. being asked that coming from working in a Theatre or having a degree that involved the arts this would still be the right move for me as she could contact some of her other contacts) if that makes sense? It felt like I was being put first as opposed to sometimes when you apply for a job you feel like the employer is obviously the top dog as dismissing your CV before they even know you. I met with Amy and had a good informal chat. She told my about ‘Arthrex’, what they did, the role, and was very honest. She explained that ‘Arthrex’ were bidding their time for the right employee. She advised that from our chat and my CV she wanted to put me forward for an interview, of which I of course agreed to, she even told me how many other candidates would be put forward and helped me prepare for the interview. My first interview went well, I don’t feel like it was the best interview I ever gave, I don’t usually get that nervous in interviews but I was thrown a few curveball questions – Amy asked me to contact her to let her know how it went once I got out, I did so and she said she’d keep me updated. The following day Human contacted me stating that Arthrex would like to arrange a second interview – in which a presentation would take place. Human constantly kept in contact asking how my presentation was going, I also forwarded them a copy to read through to see if I was on the right path. A matter of hours later, Amy called to inform me that I had been successful in my interview and to offer me the job. It had taken a month from my first interview to getting offered the job role, however references were quickly exchanged and my noticed was handed in the same day! I’ve even signed my new contract and returned a copy to ‘Arthrex’ ready for when I start next week. Which leaves me where I am now, with one week to go at ‘Sheffield Theatres’ and a start date of the 6th of July with ‘Arthrex’. I would totally recommend Human (and already have to friends) to anyone looking for a little help finding a new job, professional yet personal I even received a good luck on your new job card from them. To Human I say one big ol’ thank you! I look forward to my new chapter! That’s great, best of luck Rob! We know you’ll do a great job.

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