The HR Mentor

#72: Navigating Office Politics Early in Your Career

Most people would prefer to avoid office politics, especially early in their career. Unfortunately, they are an inevitable part of working in organizations. It doesn’t mean you will always experience it first hand, but learning how to navigate messy situations in the office when you are getting started in an HR career can be very helpful to your career trajectory.
In this episode, I share strategies to help you navigate and mitigate office politics early in your career. I also walk you through an example of a situation that you may face and provide you with four steps to address it. 
Helpful Links for this Episode:
Episode 8: The Importance of Making Connections
Episode 16: How to Build Trust in Your HR Career
Join The HR Mentor Fan Club and get instant access to my Courageous Conversations Audio Lesson.
Sign up for the Newsletter to get notified of the HRCA Launch and remember your discount code HRMENTORPOD
If you are feeling generous and want to send some love my way, I would be so very grateful for a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts or a recommendation on LinkedIn. And if you haven't yet, don't forget to subscribe to The HR Mentor so you never miss an episode on the following platforms:
Apple Podcast
Spotify
Podbean
And if you are serious about building your HR career and want to support the HR Mentor, consider getting a membership.
The HR Mentor Fan Club is a virtual space where you can access special bonus episodes of the podcast, resources, and free downloads, as well as a chance to access special discounts on future programs. 
If you join today, you will get instant access to my decision-making tool to help you say no to activities that aren’t aligned with your values and goals.

#71: Managing Your Stress as an HR Professional

You know, there are a lot of reasons to love working in HR. It is interesting and there is a lot of variety. Truly no two days look alike. You also have the opportunity to influence and connect with people, which is something I wanted in a career. But a career in HR is not without its challenges; one of them is that it can be quite stressful. But you don’t have to let the stress get to you.
In this episode, I share six strategies to help you manage your stress at work so you can maintain some sense of balance in your life and enjoy the career path you’ve chosen.
 
Helpful Links for this Episode:
Episode 23: Is An HR Career Right For You?
Episode 32: Your Wellbeing Matters with David Trawin
Join The HR Mentor Fan Club and get instant access to my Develop Your Annual Intention Workbook.
Sign up for the Newsletter to get notified of the HRCA Launch and remember your discount code HRMENTORPOD
If you are feeling generous and want to send some love my way, I would be so very grateful for a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts or a recommendation on LinkedIn. And if you haven't yet, don't forget to subscribe to The HR Mentor so you never miss an episode on the following platforms:
Apple Podcast
Spotify
Podbean
And if you are serious about building your HR career and want to support the HR Mentor, consider getting a membership.
The HR Mentor Fan Club is a virtual space where you can access special bonus episodes of the podcast, resources, and free downloads, as well as a chance to access special discounts on future programs. 
If you join today, you will get instant access to my decision-making tool to help you say no to activities that aren’t aligned with your values and goals. 

#70: Demystifying Quiet Hiring

In this episode, I am demystifying another HR buzzword making the rounds - quiet hiring! I’ll talk about what quiet hiring is (don’t worry, you won’t need to whisper at work) and why it is helpful to employers. I also share the downsides of this freshly named but tried and true talent management practice and how you, as an employee, can protect yourself and take advantage of a great opportunity.
Helpful Links for this Episode:
Episode 69: Know Your Strengths and Empower Your Career Journey
Episode 57: Quit Quitting: What’s All the Fuss?
Join The HR Mentor Fan Club and get instant access to my Develop Your Annual Intention Workbook.
Sign up for the Newsletter to get notified of the HRCA Launch and remember your discount code HRMENTORPOD
STRENGTHS-BASED LEADERSHIP BOOK CONTEST:
Would you like to win a copy of “Strengths Based Leadership” from Gallup? I have a hard-copy book to give away that comes with an access code to take the Clifton Strengths Assessment and receive your personalized Strengths Based Leadership Guide.
Here are the steps to enter:
Listen to this episode and note one of the strategies I recommend.
Subscribe and rate this podcast wherever you are listening and take a screen shot.
Post your screen shot photo on Instagram or LinkedIn and tag the HR Mentor.
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-reed-hrmentor/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_hrmentor/ 
Send an email to melanie@thehrmentor.ca with your name, social media handle and one strategy that you heard in this episode.
The contest closes on May 10th and the winner will be selected from a random draw of all entries. 
If you are feeling generous and want to send some love my way, I would be so very grateful for a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts or a recommendation on LinkedIn. And if you haven't yet, don't forget to subscribe to The HR Mentor so you never miss an episode on the following platforms:
Apple Podcast
Spotify
Podbean
And if you are serious about building your HR career and want to support the HR Mentor, consider getting a membership.
The HR Mentor Fan Club is a virtual space where you can get access to special bonus episodes of the podcast, resources, and free downloads, as well as a chance to access special discounts on future programs. 
If you join today, you will get instant access to my decision-making tool to help you say no to activities that aren’t aligned with your values and goals. 

#69: Know Your Strengths and Empower Your Career Journey

A lot of us are uncomfortable with self-promotion. But when you are engaged in a job search or you are seeking opportunities to advance your career, modesty is not your best strategy!
If you want to get noticed as a job candidate and rise to the top during the selection process, being comfortable expressing your value is critical. Knowing your strengths and what you offer a potential employer in a specific role is the key to this.
In this episode, I talk about the value of knowing your strengths and offer you several strategies you can use to help you identify them. I promise that if you take the time to do this, it will make the application and selection process a lot easier and feel less like bragging and more like information sharing.
I also offer you a special bonus at the end of this episode, so make sure you listen to the last seconds!
 
The eight strategies I discussed to help you identify your strengths are:
Reflect on past success
Take note of what comes easy to you
Identify your values
Evaluate job postings
Consider what you get asked to help others with
Assess your personal projects or passions
Ask for feedback
Take a strengths assessment
Helpful Links for this Episode:
Episode 3: How Your Values Impact Your Career and Job Search
Episode 4: Market Yourself for Job Search Success
Episode 41: Prepare for Your HR Job Search
Join The HR Mentor Fan Club and get instant access to my Develop Your Annual Intention Workbook.
Sign up for the Newsletter to get notified of the HRCA Launch and remember your discount code HRMENTORPOD
STRENGTHS-BASED LEADERSHIP BOOK CONTEST:
Would you like to win a copy of “Strengths Based Leadership” from Gallup? I have a hard-copy book to give away that comes with an access code to take the Clifton Strengths Assessment and receive your personalized Strengths Based Leadership Guide.
Here are the steps to enter:
Listen to this episode and note one of the strategies I recommend.
Subscribe and rate this podcast wherever you listen, and take a screenshot.
Post your screenshot photo on Instagram or LinkedIn and tag the HR Mentor.
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-reed-hrmentor/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_hrmentor/ 
Email melanie@thehrmentor.ca with your name, social media handle and one strategy you heard in this episode.
The contest closes on May 10, 2023, and the winner will be selected from a random draw of all entries. 
If you are feeling generous and want to send some love my way, I would be so very grateful for a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts or a recommendation on LinkedIn. And if you haven't yet, don't forget to subscribe to The HR Mentor so you never miss an episode on the following platforms:
Apple Podcast
Spotify
Podbean
And if you are serious about building your HR career and want to support the HR Mentor, consider getting a membership.
The HR Mentor Fan Club is a virtual space where you can access special bonus episodes of the podcast, resources, and free downloads, as well as a chance to access special discounts on future programs. 
If you join today, you will get instant access to my decision-making tool to help you say no to activities that aren’t aligned with your values and goals.

#68: Parting Ways Professionally: Strategies for a Graceful Exit

Most employers and HR professionals don’t want to think about their employees leaving the organization, especially in this labour market. But when you think about it logically, if new employees join, it usually means someone is also going.
The reality is people leave and join organizations all the time. This means we can expect more than a few farewells throughout our careers. What you may not know is that how you exit an organization can impact your future career opportunities. 
In this episode, I discuss how you can avoid common mistakes and plan a graceful and professional exit when you leave your organization for a new opportunity or path. 
The four strategies I discussed to help you part ways professionally are:
Give ample notice
Finish up work projects and transition work in progress
Stay professional about your departure
Say goodbye with grace and keep in touch
Helpful Links for this Episode:
Episode 51: Preparing for Reference Checks
Episode 31: The Art of Reference Checks with Joel Peterson
Join The HR Mentor Fan Club and get instant access to my Develop Your Annual Intention Workbook.
Sign up for the Newsletter to get notified of the HRCA Launch and remember your discount code HRMENTORPOD
If you are feeling generous and want to send some love my way, I would be so very grateful for a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts or a recommendation on LinkedIn. And if you haven't yet, don't forget to subscribe to The HR Mentor so you never miss an episode on the following platforms:
Apple Podcast
Spotify
Podbean
And if you are serious about building your HR career and want to support the HR Mentor, consider getting a membership.
The HR Mentor Fan Club is a virtual space where you can get access to special bonus episodes of the podcast, resources, and free downloads, as well as a chance to access special discounts on future programs. 
If you join today, you will get instant access to my decision-making tool to help you say no to activities that aren’t aligned with your values and goals. 

#67: The Career Benefits of Student Clubs with Jenny Tran and Patricia De Siqueira

If you are a student, studying HR or any other subject, this episode is for you! I had the pleasure of sitting down with two of my students to talk about their involvement with our TRU Human Resource Management Student Club. They shared how they became involved with the club, what has kept them engaged and taking on leadership roles and what the career benefits joining a student club can offer you.
It was an enjoyable conversation. I am so proud of Jenny and Patricia and their team of club executives and volunteers for all the incredible events and activities they have delivered to our students. If you are wondering how to gain experience and develop skills and capabilities while still studying, download this episode now and follow their lead!
A huge thank you to Jenny and Patricia for taking the time to talk with me. One thing I am acutely aware of as a professor is that this is a hectic time of year for students, and yet they were incredibly generous and willing to share with you.
They also said you can reach out to them and connect! 
Connect with Jenny Tran on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennytranhrm/ 
Connect with Patricia De Sequeira on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciamsiqueira/ 
Other Helpful Links for this Episode:
Find the TRU HRM Club here - https://www.instagram.com/tru_hrm_club/ 
Join The HR Mentor Fan Club and get instant access to my Develop Your Annual Intention Workbook.
Sign up for the Newsletter to get notified of the HRCA Launch and remember your discount code HRMENTORPOD
If you feel generous and want to send some love my way, I would be very grateful for a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts or a recommendation on LinkedIn. And if you haven't yet, don't forget to subscribe to The HR Mentor so you never miss an episode on the following platforms:
Apple Podcast
Spotify
Podbean
And if you are serious about building your HR career and want to support the HR Mentor, consider getting a membership.
The HR Mentor Fan Club is a virtual space where you can access special bonus episodes of the podcast, resources, and free downloads, as well as a chance to access special discounts on future programs. 
If you join today, you will get instant access to my decision-making tool to help you say no to activities that aren’t aligned with your values and goals. 

#66: 3 Things Your Resume Might Be Missing

The resume…love it or hate it, when you start a job search, you need one. Often students and new grads ask me to look at theirs and what I usually see is that they have left off some really important information that could help them get an invitation to an interview.
In this episode, I summarize three pieces of information you might leave off your resume and how and where to include them. I also give you some examples of phrases and wording you can use in each section. If you are getting ready for a job search or looking to level up your career you need to listen to this today before you start preparing your resume.
3 Things Your Resume Might Be Missing:
Professional Summary or Summary of Qualifications
Educational Details
Accomplishment and Awards
Helpful Links for this Episode:
Episode 41_Prepare For Your HR Job Search
Join The HR Mentor Fan Club and get instant access to my Develop Your Annual Intention Workbook.
Sign up for the Newsletter to get notified of the HRCA Launch and remember your discount code HRMENTORPOD
Download The HR Interview Question Guide today!
If you are feeling generous and want to send some love my way, I would be so very grateful for a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts or a recommendation on LinkedIn. And if you haven't yet, don't forget to subscribe to The HR Mentor so you never miss an episode on the following platforms:
Apple Podcast
Spotify
Podbean
And if you are serious about building your HR career and want to support the HR Mentor, consider getting a membership.
The HR Mentor Fan Club is a virtual space where you can get access to special bonus episodes of the podcast, resources, and free downloads as well as a chance to access special discounts on future programs. 
If you join today, you will get instant access to my decision-making tool to help you say no to activities that aren’t aligned with your values and goals.
 

#65 #standwithukraine 365

Today marks a very sombre anniversary - 365 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 
In recognition of the lives lost and the continued threat to Ukraine and Ukrainians, we will not have an episode of the HR mentor this week. Instead, I will share some brief thoughts on the last 365 days and encourage you to take some time to reflect and find a way that you can support Ukraine today and in the days to come.
Please see the links below on ways that you can #standwithukraine 
 
Visit United 24 for ways to donate and to learn about some of the most critical initiatives in Ukraine - https://u24.gov.ua/ 
 
Make a Donation:
Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Canada Ukraine Foundation Humanitarian Appeal: https://www.cufoundation.ca/   
Canadian Red Cross - Ukraine Fund - https://donate.redcross.ca/page/100227/donate/1?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%28EN%29+Emergencies+-+Ukraine+Humanitarian+Crisis+Appeal&gclid=CjwKCAiAg6yRBhBNEiwAeVyL0F9vDa214x2Z48QMG420YAvayN7LQYrileYEa8KTOAYY3zIX02cTRxoC0zAQAvD_Bwe 
UN Refugee Agency for Ukrainians fleeing the war: https://give.unhcr.ca/page/100190/donate/1  
The Canadian Association of University Teachers and Education International Solidarity with Ukraine Fund: https://www.caut.ca/latest/2022/03/urgent-appeal-solidarity-ukraine  
Kamloops-Kelowna Ukrainian Foundation https://www.ukrainian-canadian-support.com/  
Razom for Ukraine-- a leading civil society organization engaged in extensive humanitarian, logistics and civic efforts: https://razomforukraine.org/   
Come Back Alive--helps Ukraine's Armed Forces via technical assistance, supplying armour and medical equipment. https://www.comebackalive.in.ua/    
Reliable Media to Follow:
Kyiv Independent - https://kyivindependent.com/ 
Ukrinform - https://www.ukrinform.net/ 
The Telegraph Dispatches - https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/dispatches 
Write a Letter to Your Elected Officials:
UCC Letter Template - https://www.ucc.ca/2022/02/25/write-to-your-mp-ukraine-needs-canadas-help-now/ 
Attend a Rally:
Connect with a Ukrainian Canadian Congress Branch - https://www.ucc.ca/ucc-near-you/ 
Search the hashtag #standwithukraine or #rallyforukraine on social media
Support Ukrainian People & Businesses Directly:
Buy from Ukrainian Sellers on Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/search?q=ukraine%20sellers&ref=auto-1&as_prefix=ukrain 
Rent an Air BnB in Ukraine - https://www.airbnb.ca/s/all?query=ukraine 
Rent a Ukrainian Property through VRBO - https://www.vrbo.com/en-ca/vacation-rentals/ukraine 
Shopify list of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs to support - https://www.shopify.com/blog/shop-ukraine 
Saint Javelin - https://www.saintjavelin.com/ 
Made with Bravery - https://shop.brave.ua/ 
Listen to a Podcast:
Ukraine the Latest from the Telegraph - https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe 
Ukrainecast from BBC - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0bqztzm 
Dr. Timothy Snyder's Yale Lectures on The Making of Modern Ukraine (you can also view these on youtube) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-making-of-modern-ukraine/id1653131950?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email 
Дякую - thank you
слава україні - glory to ukraine
все буде україна - everything will be ukraine

#64: A Powerful Job Search Strategy You Might Be Neglecting

When most people think of job search strategies, they think of preparing a perfect resume and cover letter or prepping for tough interview questions. Both of which are important. But rarely do job seekers wonder if their state of mind is ready to support them in the process ahead.
Job seeking is a process riddled with emotions, hurdles and disappointments. Yes, when you get the role you were after, there is a lot of elation and likely some relief, but before you get there, it can be tough sledding!
In this episode, I share four practical strategies to help you develop a job seekers mindset that will not only help you enjoy the process (yes, that’s possible) but also lead you to the perfect role in less time. 
Here are the Four Strategies to Help Develop a Job Seekers Mindset:
Set Process Related Goals
Practice Good Self-Care
Focus on the Positive by Reframing Limiting Beliefs
Use your Network to Support you
Here are Helpful Links to Resources to Support your Mental Health and Wellbeing:
If you are in crisis and need to talk to someone, please call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4 pm to 12 am ET).
Public Health Canada - lots of links and resources
Province of BC Mental Health Supports
Canadian Mental Health Association of BC
World Health Organization (WHO) Mental Health Supports Page
Checkpoint.org Provides a list of Resources in many countriesOther Helpful Links for this Episode:
Read Atomic Habits by James Clear
Episode 2_3 Steps to Shift Your Limiting Beliefs
Episode 49_Nix Your Networking Fears
Join The HR Mentor Fan Club and get instant access to my Develop Your Annual Intention Workbook.
Sign up for the Newsletter to get notified of the HRCA Launch and remember your discount code HRMENTORPOD
If you are feeling generous and want to send some love my way, I would be so very grateful for a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts or a recommendation on LinkedIn. And if you haven't yet, don't forget to subscribe to The HR Mentor so you never miss an episode on the following platforms:
Apple Podcast
Spotify
Podbean
And if you are serious about building your HR career and want to support the HR Mentor, consider getting a membership.
The HR Mentor Fan Club is a virtual space where you can get access to special bonus episodes of the podcast, resources, and free downloads as well as a chance to access special discounts on future programs. 
If you join today, you will get instant access to my decision-making tool to help you say no to activities that aren’t aligned with your values and goals. 

#63: HR Trends for 2023

What better way to kick off the year (and a new season of the podcast!) than talk about what will be important for HR teams in the year to come?
To be honest, I am not seeing a lot of changes in the 2023 landscape in terms of the focus of the HR function, at least in North America. We seem to be in the endemic mode of the pandemic, and that, of course, has opened up the world for more travel and access, but we are still facing many challenges. There is still a lot putting pressure on our employees and their families. And, of course, we know that when employees are feeling extra pressure, this puts pressure on our workplaces. 
So while it seems like the focus for HR hasn’t changed dramatically, there will be an extra emphasis on a couple of areas that organizations and HR leaders will need to be attended to. In this episode, I explain what they are, why they are important and offer suggestions to address these important priorities.
5 HR Trends for 2023:
Employee Wellbeing
Workplace Flexibility
Employee Development
Automation & HR Tech
Going Further with Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Helpful Links for this Episode:
Episode 60_Workplace Flexibility Without Work From Home
Episode 57_Quiet Quitting What’s All the Fuss?
Episode 42_Interview with Sharon Nyangweso
Join The HR Mentor Fan Club and get instant access to my Develop Your Annual Intention Workbook.
Sign up for the Newsletter to get notified of the HRCA Launch and remember your discount code HRMENTORPOD
If you are feeling generous and want to send some love my way, I would be so very grateful for a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts or a recommendation on LinkedIn. And if you haven't yet, don't forget to subscribe to The HR Mentor, so you never miss an episode on the following platforms:
Apple Podcast
Spotify
Podbean
And if you are serious about building your HR career and you want to support the HR Mentor, consider getting a membership.
The HR Mentor Fan Club is a virtual space where you can get access to special bonus episodes of the podcast, resources, and free downloads as well as a chance to access special discounts on future programs. 
If you join today, you will get instant access to my decision-making tool to help you say no to activities that aren’t aligned with your values and goals.