The HR Mentor

#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. 

#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
Join the HR Career Accelerator and get step-by-step guidance to land your first HR role and all the free resources previously offered in the HR Mentor Fan Club, including 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.