The HR Mentor

#39: The Art of Reference Checks with Joel Peterson

I am thrilled to have my good friend and colleague, Joel Peterson back on the show this week. Joel is the Founder and Lead Consultant of Arbutus Search Group, a boutique search firm in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. Joel and I spoke last year about all things recruiting and during our conversation, we agreed that an episode on Reference Checks was in our future.
 
Unfortunately, a lot of employers and HR professionals see the reference check process as a box to tick rather than the huge opportunity it is. When they are done right, references can provide you with valuable insight into your potential candidates that would be impossible to glean from other sources of selection information. In this episode, Joel and I talk about how to approach this important step in the selection process, how to engage your hiring managers, what types of information you should be looking for from referees, and a few stories from our own recruiting trenches.
 
I also learn a few things about Joel that I did not know before this conversation; things I am never going to forget!
 
It was a really fun conversation and I hope you enjoy it; as well as learn a few tips and tools to help you in your recruitment efforts.
 
Here are helpful links to help you connect with Joel, listen to relevant episodes, and a link to sign up for my weekly newsletter!
Episode 14: Interview with Joel Peterson Part 1
Episode 15: Interview with Joel Peterson Part 2
Connect with Joel on LinkedIn
Watch Ace Ventura Pet Detective on Netflix - "alllrighty then!"
Get on the Waitlist for the HR Career Academy
Sign up for my weekly newsletter!
To see a summary of this episode and all previous episodes of the HR Mentor you can visit my www.unicorngroup.ca/episode-39. 
 
If you are feeling extra 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 Podcasts
Spotify
Podbean

#38: Is It Time To Go?

If you’ve listened to this podcast for a while or know anything about my background, you know that I have changed roles and employer’s a few times over the course of my twenty-plus years in HR. And when I tell people that until I became a professor, I had never worked five years or longer at any one place they often raise an eyebrow with a “there must be something wrong with you” kind of look. But I know that each time I have made a move it was for a good reason and in the best interest of my career or my family or both.
Now I also have a personality that makes me more comfortable with change and I am a bit of a risk-taker so for other people the thought of changing roles or organizations is terrifying. Perhaps that comes from a fear of rejection and maybe it is just a self-fulfilling prophecy. Either way, their fear of the new or the value they placed on security overrides any desire to take action. And so they stay.
And sometimes staying is the right and best decision for all those concerned.
But there are situations where making a move is exactly what that person needs both for their career and their overall health and satisfaction. In this episode, I explore some of the signs that it might be time for you to make a career move.
Honestly, we only get so many trips around the sun and we spend far too much time at work for it to not be an amazing, fulfilling, and satisfying experience!
To access resources to support you if you are having challenges at work that affect your health and wellbeing make sure you check out the show notes and links on my website at www.unicorngroup.ca/episode-38. 
Here are some other helpful links and episodes to explore:
Other Helpful Links and Episodes to Explore:
Episode 32: Your Wellbeing Matters with David Trawin
Episode 23: Is An HR Career Right For You?
Get on the Waitlist for the HR Career Accelerator
Sign up for my weekly newsletter!
If you are feeling extra 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 Podcasts
Spotify
Podbean

#37: Communicate Your HR Brand

You have probably heard the term branding as it relates to marketing a product or service. You have probably also heard of branding a company or an organization. You might even have a friend or two that pursued marketing and branding as a career path.
 
What might be less known to you is the term personal branding. Personal branding is how you present yourself and how you are viewed by the world. It is based on what makes you unique; your skills, experiences, attributes and personality. Some say it is the sum of how people describe you or talk about you when you are not around.
 
So what does that have to do with your HR Career?
 
Actually, quite a lot. You, as an emerging HR professional who may be looking for a job or building your career also have a personal brand that tells people what to expect of you if they meet you.
If your brand is communicated in the right way and through the right avenues it can help you stand out, help you make more great connections and ultimately create more career opportunities for yourself both within your organization and outside of it.
 
In this episode, I talk about some of the best places and ways to communicate your personal brand and share a couple of things you can do today to be more intentional about how you show up online and in person so that the perception you leave people with is the one you want to portray. Being intentional about your brand will not only make you feel more confident, but it will also help you attract the right people to you so that you can realize a satisfying and fulfilling HR career.
 
Find a summary of this episode with helpful links on my website at www.unicorngroup.ca/episode-37. 
 
If you are feeling extra 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 Podcasts
Spotify
Podbean

#36: The Challenge of Being an HR Professional

I talk a lot on this podcast about the positive aspects of my profession and how to get the most out of an HR career. Mostly, because I really do love my profession and what I do, but also because I believe a lot of emerging HR practitioners would have more positive experiences in their organization and more career satisfaction if they receive some guidance, coaching, and mentoring on how to navigate some of the things they will face.
 
That said, this profession is not without some major pain points!
 
So, in the interest of having a healthy mix of optimism and realism, I want to flip the script a little and talk about some of the biggest challenges of being an HR professional. I know, every profession has its challenges, but I believe there are some that are unique to an HR role. I also believe that if you anticipate that these are on the horizon or if you are in the middle of some of this discomfort it might help you see your way through.
 
Regardless of where you are in your HR journey, there are five major challenges that I see in our profession. None of these are insurmountable, but being aware of them is the first step to overcoming them.
 
If you want to go deeper in your learning and development as an HR professional I also recommend you get on the waitlist for my HR Career Academy program. It is launching in the fall and there will be a special bonus for anyone who is on the waitlist when it goes live. This program is delivered virtually and it is designed to help you set yourself up for an incredible career in HR.
You can find the link to sign up in the show notes of this episode. Which can be found on my website at www.unicorngroup.ca/episode-36.
If you loved this episode or any others, I would love it if you left me a five-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts. And if you haven’t already, make sure you subscribe to The HR Mentor podcast on Apple, Spoitfy or Podbean. 

#35: Level-up Your Career Alignment

Do you ever get that feeling that the role or organization you are in is just not quite a fit? It may be painful or uncomfortable or perhaps you just feel some apathy or a general lack of satisfaction. Maybe you love the organization and the industry, but you feel you have accomplished all you can in your current role and you’re ready for more?
 
This is a normal occurrence on many career journeys. I have been there a couple of times myself over the last twenty-plus years. First of all, I want to assure you this doesn’t mean you picked the wrong career or that you have to even leave your organization, but what it might mean is it is time to level up your career alignment.
 
Whatever the reason, if you aren’t feeling a level of joy, excitement, or “let’s get this done” attitude you could be ready for a new challenge, a new opportunity, or a new path for your career. Ultimately, maybe its time to level-up your career alignment!
 
To help you navigate this, I have a mashed-up process you can follow. It's a combination of gap analysis, self-awareness, and positive visualization. Yes, I like to use all my tools to tackle big challenges!
 
Here are the five steps I recommend:
Know what’s important to you (really important)
Imagine how changes in your professional life could create greater alignment to what is important for you?
Consider what’s not working for you right now - what are you accepting that you shouldn’t and that’s holding you back from what you want?
Brainstorm all the ways you can bridge the gap.
Make a plan with deadlines and slay it!
 
You can find the show notes for this episode and helpful links at www.unicorngroup.ca/episode-35 
 
Thanks for listening!

#34: 6 Common Mistakes HR Job Seekers Make

As an HR educator I am often approached by new graduates or soon to graduate students for advice. And one of the most frequent questions I get asked is, "can you tell me what I am doing wrong with my job search?"
 
This usually comes after they tell me that they have been applying on HR jobs for months, they have tried literally everything and they are getting nowhere. And worse, they are now feeling depressed, frustrated and overwhelmed and they are doubting whether or not they have chosen the right career path.
 
Sound familiar?
 
If it does, then this episode is for you.
 
In this episode I share 6 common mistakes that HR Job Seekers make, especially when they are just starting out. Speaking from personal experience and countless conversations with HR grads, I know that you are putting in the effort, but I also know that all that effort focused on the wrong actions will only lead to more frustration rather than what you really want, you first HR job!
 
You can find some helpful links and a summary of this episode at www.unicorngroup.ca/episode-34
 
SPECIAL OFFER:
 
If you are looking for your first HR role and you would like some help with the process you may want to check out my brand new HR Career Accelerator program. It is a rare opportunity to attend a LIVE Virtual Workshop with me with a ton of support to help you find that first HR role. 
 
You can learn more and register as well as receive a complimentary three-part video lesson called 4 Essential Strategies for an HR Job Search using this link. 
https://unicorngroup.kartra.com/page/hrcaform
 
I hope to see you there!
 

#33: Building Successful Relationships

If you are a regular listener or you follow me on social media, you know that one of my strong beliefs is that building solid relationships is absolutely essential to a successful and fulfilling HR Career. When I look back over my twenty-plus years as an HR professional, I can honestly say that 99.9% of my success and happiness with my career has come from building strong, positive relationships.
 
My knowledge, my technical skills, and my ability to problem solve, write, present, etc. are all important, but when it comes to success and fulfillment, all the credit goes to relationships.
 
Yes, it is important to do good work. But, in order to really be successful in this profession, we also have to be human. Sometimes I think that is lacking in many organizations and sadly HR departments. What’s worse is that it's often the HR professionals who lack this human perspective that wonder why people won’t work with them or hate HR.
 
Showing interest and genuine care for other people goes a long way, but being interested in others in a sincere way and really caring is what is needed. I don’t just build relationships to get ahead in my career, but I do it because it feels good and I generally like people. Plus I know that in order to my job well, I need to get to know what the real issues are, and that means getting to know people, the humans doing the work. Without that understanding how can I possibly come up with real solutions?
 
In this episode I share five things you can do today, regardless of where you are in the org chart, to help you become a better relationship builder. Let's face it, work is way more fun if you work with people you like and respect, and the only way to like and respect people is to build relationships with them.
 
Here are the five actions you can take to build better relationships today:
Become more self-aware
Be interested rather than interesting
Look for ways to collaborate
Take initiative
Be a positive force
Learn more, find the show notes and check out some helpful links on my websites at www.unicorngroup.ca/episode-33

#32: Your Wellbeing Matters with David Trawin

Did you know that 1 in 2 Canadians have or will have a mental illness by age 40 and that a lack of mental wellbeing is the leading cause of workplace disability keeping some 500,000 employed Canadians from attending work each week? I think that’s a staggering statistic. And it’s not just in Canada. The estimate worldwide is that 450 million people are currently struggling with their mental wellbeing.
 
And while many people feel comfortable talking about their mental health, one group of people who are more likely to suffer in silence are men. Men often avoid talking about their mental wellbeing because they feel a strong need to demonstrate emotional stability and not show weakness. This is especially true for leaders who are expect to keep it together regardless of the pressure or personal challenges they may face.
 
My guest in this episode of the HR Mentor lived through these stigmas. David Trawin is the Chief Administrative Officer at the City of Kamloops. He is an Urban Planner by profession and before taking over the top job at the City, David was the Director of Development Services at the City of Kamloops. David holds a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida Atlantic University where he attended on an NCAA Scholarship.
 
David is a father to two adult boys, an avid fisher, an artist, a wine connoisseur, and a really generous and kind human being.
 
I worked with David for almost four years in my role as an HR Advisor with the City and he has always been someone I admire and enjoyed working with. In this episode, David and I talk about some significant health issues he experienced over the last year, what he has learned about himself and how this has affected him as a leader. We also talk about the role of HR in supporting employees and how HR professionals can build trusting relationships with leaders.
 
Regardless of where you are in your career, I think you will get a lot out of our conversation; I know I did.
 
Here are a few links to connect with David and check out the books we discussed in this episode:
Connect with David on LinkedIn
Learn about the City of Kamloops
Read The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
Read Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emilie Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
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 countries
If you are feeling extra 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 Podcasts
Spotify
Podbean
If you love this episode (or any of the others) feel free to leave a like, comment or rating where you are listening. Chances are, I will read your comment on a future show!

In Solidarity

As most, if not all of you listening to this are aware, on May 27, 2021, Chief Rosanne Casimir of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc announced the discovery of the remains of 215 children buried on the grounds of the former Kamloops Residential School.
 
As an uninvited guest who lives, works and plays on the traditional, unceded territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc people, I extend my deepest condolences, regrets and respect for all the people, families and communities directly, indirectly and inter-generationally affected by this discovery and the loss of these children. These acts of genocide against Indigenous people and communities are reprehensible.
 
In an effort to amplify Indigenous voices rather than my own, I am going to use any space that would have been Episode 31 of The HR Mentor to share resources on how you can educate yourself on Canada’s treatment of Indigenous People, how you can support Indigenous People in their healing and protection of their land, how you can amplify Indigenous voices through art and how you can implement employment practices that help create truly equitable employment opportunities.
 
This list of resources and suggestions is in no way complete or all-encompassing. I have compiled it on my own based on my own research. I encourage you to take this as a starting place and to engage in your own discovery, learning and unlearning.
 
I am not an expert in any of this. I am merely a fellow learner on a journey to do better.
 
Today I invite you to join me.
 
www.unicorngroup.ca/in-solidarity
 
The discovery of these children's remains is very upsetting and traumatizing. If you need support with grief or processing this information please reach out:
 
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.
 
Support is also available for anyone affected by the lingering effects of residential schools, and those who are triggered by the latest reports. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-721-0066
 

#30: Your Career is a Journey with Donna Hall

If you’ve listened to this podcast before or follow me on social, you will have heard me refer to a career as a journey. And if you know me or have attended any of my HR career workshops, you also know that my career has been a windy road of ups and downs. And I think this is the case for many professionals, yet this is not the expectation of a lot of people just starting out in their career. They want a clear path, with set milestones and they want to know that what they decide to do out of University is what they will always do. Unfortunately, the problem with that is that it leaves so much space for disappointment when your career doesn’t progress in that upward trajectory and it doesn’t allow for you to accept the changes and growth that ultimately come over time and with experience and greater knowledge.
My guest in this episode knows all about windy paths and is an expert in helping other people navigate their own career journey.
Donna Hall is a career coach based on the unceded territory of the Squamish and Sechelt Nations, known today as BC’s Sunshine Coast. Donna has had a diverse career and brings the lenses of a Chartered Professional in Human Resources, Certified Executive Coach and career development practitioner to her coaching practice. With a focus on supporting early to mid-career professionals with career challenges and changes, Donna is on a mission to empower others to take control of their career journeys.  
In our conversation, we talk about Donna’s career path and how she made decisions and she shares some fantastic advice about how you can best determine which career path to start your journey on as well as how a career coach can help you along the way. Donna is an extremely positive, generous, and engaging person to talk to. I think by the end of this episode not only will you have more clarity on how to navigate your career, but you will also want to go kayaking and then curl up on the couch to watch Elf!
For the show notes and helpful links please visit www.unicorngroup.ca/episode-30.