The HR Mentor

#62: Season 3 Finale Q and A

Well my friends, we are here. Pop the champagne!!
The end of Season 3 of The HR Mentor!! So on this season finale I have 5 wonderful new questions from listeners that I am going to answer in this special annual Q & A episode. There is a great mix of guidance for students, new grads and those of you who are early in your career, but with some experience.
I am excited for you to hear them.
Here are the five listener questions I answer in this episode:
How do you gain specific HR skills as a student?
As a student which areas of HR should I focus on for my career?
What kind of certifications can we obtain to go further in an HR career or get a great job after graduation?
If you have experienced moving from a job with high responsibility to one with lower responsibility, how do you deal with the feelings associated with that, like feeling you are of lesser value (even though that’s not true)?
How can you grow in an organization where your manager does not support opportunities for growth and development?
Helpful Links for this Episode:
Episode 46: Stand with Ukraine
Episode 52: Why Job Targets Matter and How to Identify them
CPHR Competency Framework (Canada)
SHRM Competency Framework (U.S.)
Quake Lab Learning
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
Get The HR Interview Question Guide Instantly!
Join The HR Mentor Fan Club and get instant access to my The HR Interview Question Guide
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 and much more. 
Now you will also get instant access to The HR Interview Question Guide. Before your next HR Interview make sure you get your copy!
See you in 2023!

#61: The Art of the Follow Up

If you’ve been listening to me for a while, you know I like to dispel myths and simplify the path to your ideal HR role. And today’s episode is no exception. A lot of early career job seekers and students are hesitant to reach out to potential employers because they fear they will be seen as annoying or pushy. But nothing could be further than the truth. In fact, what you may not realize is that following up with a potential employer is one of the most powerful actions a job seeker can take as long as it's done the right way and at the right time. And today, I am going to teach why follow-ups are so powerful and how you can follow up with a potential employer in a way that will have you entertaining a job offer in no time.
Here are three points in the process perfect for follow-up:
Before you apply (not a typo!)
After you apply
After the interview
Helpful Links for this Episode:
Episode 60: Workplace Flexibility Without Work from Home
Episode 8: The Importance of Making Connections
Episode 41: Prepare for your HR Job Search
Get The HR Interview Question Guide Instantly!
Join The HR Mentor Fan Club and get instant access to my The HR Interview Question Guide
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 and much more. 
Now you will also get instant access to The HR Interview Question Guide. Before your next HR Interview make sure you get your copy!
 

#60 Workplace Flexibility Without Work From Home

Today, I want to talk to you about a trend or scenario that is causing concern for both employers and job seekers and share some thoughts on what I think you can do about it.
This trend is workplace flexibility. 
Everyone wants it and employers are scrambling to figure out how to offer it and still run their business or organization. In this episode I am going to offer a few suggestions for both sides of the employment relationship; employees or potential employees and employers. Because when it comes to this item in the negotiation I believe there are some win-win options even without working from home. 
Here are five options that I believe job seekers and employers can negotiate to address the flexibility desired by employees without working from home:
Flexible start and end times
Banked over-time for extra leave
Compressed workweeks
Expanded and flexible leave plans
Other creative ways (pets, clothes, longer lunches, nap rooms)
Helpful Links for this Episode:
City of Merritt 4-Day Work Week Pilot 
Microsoft Japan 4-Day Work Week
Episode 56: Where are all the Workers
Episode 57: Quiet Quitting - What’s all the Fuss?
Get The HR Interview Question Guide Instantly!
Join The HR Mentor Fan Club and get instant access to my The HR Interview Question Guide
Sign up for the Newsletter to get notified of the HRCA Launch and remember your discount code HRMENTORPOD
And if you want to share your positive emotions about The HR Mentor I would love to hear from you!
Please leave a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts, Podbean or Spotify 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 and much more. 
Now you will also get instant access to The HR Interview Question Guide. Before your next HR Interview make sure you get your copy!

#59 Recruiting 5 Star Employees with Heenle Turner

In this episode of The HR Mentor we have a fantastic guest!
Heenle Turner is the Vice President of Content and Consulting at the ALL IN Company, and a certified HR Professional passionate about finding creative solutions to help businesses succeed. She has provided consulting services to more than 200 businesses of varying sizes and industries. This extensive experience in sales, customer service, and people management uniquely positions her to collaborate with entrepreneurs when it comes to recruiting, hiring, and retaining 5-Star Employees: committed candidates who share the company’s values and go above and beyond to achieve results.
During our conversation, Heenle shared her career journey, tips for hiring 5-Star Employee, insight on how to retain those fabulous employees and a whole lot more!
We also talk about the hit-show Severance, quiet-quitting and how Steve Jobs life and design philosophy might help you.
Heenle also offers a free gift to anyone who listens.
You can find that and more in the helpful links below:
Here's the link to the litmus test: https://www.5staremployees.com/hireright
Connect with Heenle via email or on LinkedIN
Listen to Episode 57 - Quiet Quitting - What's All the Fuss?
Read Steve Jobs: A Biography by Walter Isaacson
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
And if you are enjoying The HR Mentor podcast I would love to hear from you!
Please leave a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts, Podbean or Spotify 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 and much more. 
You will also be eligible for an exclusive discount on the HR Career Accelerator program!
As always, thank you so much for listening!

#58: The Value of Emotions at Work

Has anyone ever told you to calm down, told you that you were overreacting or being too emotional? Have you ever felt like you had to hide how you were feeling at work, with friends or family?
I’m pretty sure everyone has experienced this at some point. And as an HR professional have you ever had a Manager or colleague tell you, they can’t stand it when people bring their feelings or emotions to work?
That’s a big yes for me. There are countless memes and jokes in HR circles about employees and their emotions and I admit I have shared a few stories in my day about what I have categorized as “extreme over-reactions” and emotional displays to small organizational changes such as moving a piece of furniture.
And while these situations make for entertaining social media posts and fodder for post-week HR social hours, they are also very important. Emotions have important value both at work and for us personally. 
In today’s episode, I am going to share why I think emotions are important, why they shouldn’t necessarily be checked at the door to the office and how you can value and manage your own emotions so that you can comfortably bring them to work with you. 
I hope this episode helps you reframe emotions at work and makes you feel empowered to embrace this very normal human experience!
 
Helpful Links for this Episode:
Truth and Reconciliation Committee calls to Action 
Latest Statistics on Indigenous people in Canada 
Episode 18: Three Strategies to help you Tackle Difficult Conversations
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
And if you want to share your positive emotions about The HR Mentor I would love to hear from you!
Please leave a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts, Podbean or Spotify 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 and much more. 
You will also get instant access to my Courageous Conversations Audio Lesson to help you express your emotions at work!
As always, thank you so much for listening!

#57: Quiet Quitting - What’s all the fuss?

There is no more perfect day than Labour Day to talk about what seems to be on every employer’s mind - quiet quitting.
In this episode I am going to share my perspective on this latest buzzword and offer you a few ideas on what to do, or not to do about it as an HR professional. 
If you have thoughts or ideas on this topic after listening,  I would love to hear from you. Drop a message on LinkedIn or send me an email at melanie@unicorngroup.ca. 
Helpful Links for this Episode:
CNBC Article & Video - How ‘quiet quitting’ became the next phase of the great resignation by Anuz Thapa
Harvard Business Review Article - Quiet Quitting is about Bad Bosses not Bad Employees by Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman
Employee Engagement A Literature Review by Kular, S. et al.
CBC Article, Quiet quitting isn't really quitting, but it is forcing employers to adapt. by Jenna Benchetrit
Episode 16: How to Build Trust in Your HR Role
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 and much more. 
You will also be eligible for an exclusive discount on the HR Career Accelerator program launching soon!

#56: Where Are All The Workers?

Has anyone asked you lately, "Where are all the workers?"
I’m guessing if you are in an HR role you have probably heard this question multiple times. I know I have!
And while you may have some ideas as to what is happening in the labour market right now, you may not feel totally certain. Don't worry, this episode will help you answer this question next time you get asked!
In episode 56 of The HR Mentor, I am answering this question with some facts about the labour market and what I believe is happening. And don’t worry, I am backing it up with information and ideas from people who make it their living to know this stuff!
I will also share some thoughts about what you in an HR role and your HR department can do to help address the very real challenges employers are facing in the labour market right now!
 
Helpful Links for this Episode:
Learn more about David Foot and check out his publications and the book, Boom, Bust & Echo, How to Profit from the Coming Demographic Shift.
July Labour Market Statistics
Zimonjic, P. (2022, April 28). Canada’s working-age population is older than ever, StatsCan says. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-working-age-poupulation-census-1.6432398 
Read Josh Bersin’s latest research on the labour market and where organizations should focus their attention. 
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 and much more. 
You will also be eligible for an exclusive discount on the HR Career Accelerator program launching soon!

#55: The Big Problem - A Sneak Peek into the HRCA Program

In today’s episode, I have a special treat for you. Today what you will hear on the podcast is a sneak peek into my HR Career Accelerator program. 
This program is a six-module online course designed to take you from an HR job seeker to an HR job offer, which is a journey I know so many of you are already on. The good news is registration is opening soon (July 2022)!
Today I am sharing an audio version of one of the video lessons from the beginning of the program called The “Big” Problem. In this lesson of the course, I share what I believe are the biggest challenges to landing that first HR role. 
Summary of this episode:
The big problem with finding your first HR role can be broken down into four smaller problems.
Problem 1 - There are no HR departments that look exactly alike
Problem 2 - Most HR roles require some level of experience
Problem 3 - The profession lacks an articling, internship or ‘common’ career path
Problem 4 - HR is a broad profession with lots of possible career paths
If you want to move from an HR job seeker to an HR job offer, sign up for The HR Career Accelerator Program. If you are signed up for the newsletter you’ll be the first to know when registration opens.
And if the program is not right for you, use this information to help you tailor your job search and create your own personal internship or experience career path.
And if you want to get a discount on the program when you register make sure you have this discount code on hand: HRMENTORPOD
Here are some helpful links related to this episode:
Episode 54: The Inside Scoop on Job Boards and Entry-Level Recruitment with Steven Rothberg
Episode 41: Prepare for your HR Job Search
Episode 3: How Your Values Impact Your Career and Job Search
Episode 8: The Importance of Making Connections
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 and much more. 
You will also be eligible for an exclusive discount on the HR Career Accelerator program when registration opens.

#54: The Inside Scoop on Job Boards & Entry-level Recruitment with Steven Rothberg

Today on the show, my guest is Steven Rothberg.
Steven is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of College Recruiter job search site. At College Recruiter, they believe that every student and recent graduate deserves a great career. Over the course of a year, College Recruiter helps seven million students and recent graduates find part-time, seasonal, internship, coop, apprenticeship, and other entry-level jobs. At any given time, there are several million jobs advertised on College Recruiter globally.
If you are a University of College student or a recent graduate, this conversation is for you! I recommend you take some notes and check out College Recruiter today. Steven and his team also have an awesome blog with lots of advice for employers and recent graduates.
In this episode, Steven and I discuss how University and College students can maximize their success in the job market and stand out as applicants. We also discuss when and how candidates should reveal if they belong to an equity-seeking group and some recent trends in diversity recruitment that job applicants should be prepared for. Finally, Steven shares what he is working on at the College recruiter and offers some sage advice through my speed questions. I think you will get a lot out of this conversation.
 
Summary of key points in this episode:
Nothing is forever (except the Toronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup draught!)  Pick a career path that is aligned with your values and strengths at the time, pursue it with passion, and expect accidents and pivots along the way. 
Students who want to secure professional roles after graduation should pursue part-time related work, internships or co-ops while they are still pursuing their studies at University.
It is a common mistake for students to wait until graduation to begin pursuing professional roles - be the exception!
The school you attended and your GPA are less important for employers than you believe them to be. What employers really care about is how low-risk you are as a potential employee.
If a co-op or internship through your college or university is out of reach for whatever reason, don’t let it stop you! Create your own and be open to checking out other locations.
Proposing remote work is also an option to consider. However, the best time to do this is before you start the process with the employer. Set up an informational interview and see if it’s an option. Most employers are set up for remote work these days and if you make a compelling case will agree to your proposal.
An informational interview can help reduce the risk to the employer of hiring you.
Steven recommends looking for affinities with a potential employer and the people who will be on your hiring panel. Finding a personal connection with them can help you stand out as an applicant.
I asked Steven about how applicants can stand out when they do apply. His advice - pay attention to keywords! If the employer says “HR” in the job ad, you should say “HR” in your application; not Human Resources. 
Answer your phone if you are applying for jobs! Most employers use phone screenings as the first point of contact. And make sure your outgoing message is professional for the times when you can’t answer the phone.
When you do get the call, make sure you listen to what the employer is asking you. 
Be prepared for possible text screening interviews. More and more organizations are incorporating “blind” screening methods to prevent bias and discrimination early in the process. Be professional and take your cues on communication from the person interviewing you through text.
I asked Steven about his advice for candidates on when they should reveal their diversity status to an employer, specifically in a situation where they are not giving preference to candidates that represent an equity-seeking group, but rather when employers say they value and embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. His advice is to balance out the risk and the upside to determine what to say and when.
In the labour market of today, you may be willing to assume more risk because you will want to know where the employer stands and if they don’t truly value diversity, you may want to pass on working for them. 
I loved how Steven answered my first speed question where I ask him which organization in the world he would work for. He shared three things he would look for that you may want to consider when you are preparing for your job search. Listen to the end of the episode to learn what he said!
Yummy…Mackintosh Toffee - It was always my favourite candy bar growing up!
 
Helpful links from this episode:
Visit the College Recruiter website today - https://www.collegerecruiter.com/
Check-out Steven’s podcast - The Job Board Geek
Connect with Steven on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenrothberg/ 
Read “Traction: Get a Grip On Your Business” by Gino Wickman
Learn about how to set up an Information Interview in Episode 8: The Importance of Making Connections
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 and much more. 
You will also be eligible for an exclusive discount on the HR Career Accelerator program launching in July 2022.

#53: Speak With Ease

Many of us are uncomfortable talking about ourselves, especially at events and during networking opportunities. As a shy extrovert, I used to find engaging with people I didn't know and talking about what I do and what I am passionate about very uncomfortable. But I also learned over the years, that being able to do this is critical to career success.
This episode is for those of you that have the same experience. 
Because to be honest, connecting with other professionals, potential employers and mentors is one of the best ways to find that first HR role or level up your career to a new opportunity. So it is imperative that you get better at speaking with ease. Building your personal and professional network is a critical component of a successful HR career so embracing the skills and tools that make it easier earlier in your career will help you get better over time and help boost your confidence.
In this episode, I am sharing some tips to help you get over the awkward moments and learn to promote yourself and speak with ease.
Key points in this episode:
There are two aspects to speaking with ease. First, there is what you say, second, there is how you say it.
Developing an elevator pitch that highlights the value proposition you offer and the employer as well as where you are and where you are headed helps you prepare in advance of an event or networking opportunity.
The elevator pitch can be used for networking, answering the Tell Me About Yourself interview question, or when you are setting up informational interviews.
Preparation is half the battle. Prepare your elevator pitch and some possible questions to ask the people you are talking to. You should also prepare answers to questions you might be asked.
How you show up physically also matters.
Demonstrate confidence through your appearance, eye contact, smiling, and physical demeanor.
Practice makes perfect!
Conclude with a thank you that is short, sweet, personal and polite. :)
Helpful links in this episode:
Episode 5: Be Prepared and Ace the Interview
Episode 41: Prepare for your HR Job Search
Episode 4: Market Yourself for Job Search Success
Episode 8: The Importance of Making Connections
Episode 52: Why Job Targets Matter and How to Identify Them
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 and much more. 
You will also be eligible for an exclusive discount on the HR Career Accelerator program launching July 2022.