HRGuru

1. Why do you want to work in this industry? Bad answer: “I love to shop. Even as a kid, I spent hours flipping through catalogues.” Don’t just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story. Good answer: “I've always loved shopping, but my ...

As HR professionals, we’ve all heard the usual complaints about human resources. We’re also aware that most employees would rather undergo a root canal than deal with us. Why the animosity? Is it possible that some of the accusations, though harsh, may have merit? In the spirit of honest self-reflection, HRGuru examines the most commonly voiced complaints about HR and our ...

You may look good on paper or in your suit, but if you're looking to nail your big interview, looks aren't everything. How you sound is often more important. But many job seekers let careless speech habits sink their chances of landing that plum job. [widget:297] Here are six common language mistakes and how to keep them from sabotaging your interview: ...

When massive layoffs rocked the tech sector last year, non-dot-commers looked on with sympathy, then thanked goodness, heavens and their lucky stars they hadn't migrated to a start-up. This year things are different. The sinking economy has just about everyone — new-economy workers and old — looking over their shoulder for that dreaded pink slip. [widget:quiz_how_do_you_look_on_paper] There is no sure-fire way ...

HRGuru has partnered with VistaPrint to provide free business cards to all of our members. You can pick from a library of templates or design your own card, choose the contact information you want to include and have your business cards in just a few days! Invite your friends and colleagues to join the site so they can get their free ...

You know the feeling. You spend hours, or even days, creating a resume. You pore over every word of your cover letter and agonize over what to say in your email. Then you hit 'send' and wait. And wait. And wait. No one calls. No one writes. You don't know if anyone even saw your resume. When this happens, it's easy ...

We hate to admit it, because we personally feel that clothes shouldn't matter. In a perfect world, a person would be judged at their workplace based solely on the caliber of their work. Unfortunately, that's not how the world works. How you choose to dress each morning *reflects how you feel about your job* – that you take your position seriously, ...

While motivating employees is a key factor in an economic recovery, many companies are failing to keep their workers fully engaged in their jobs because they share some common myths and beliefs, according to Suzanne Bates, author of "Motivate Like a CEO: Communicate Your Strategic Vision and Inspire People to Act!" (McGraw-Hill 2009). Employers must re-examine their beliefs about employee engagement ...

#1: You’ve forced it to fit onto one page. You’ve reduced your font size to eight, eliminated margins altogether and left out key information about yourself, all to conform to that age-old “one page résumé” rule. Big mistake. After all, would a recent college grad really need the same amount of résumé real estate as someone who’s been in the ...

A parable about HR and organisations which teaches a lesson about employee engagement that no HR professional should forget, ...One day while walking down the street a highly successful Human Resources Manager was tragically hit by a bus and she died. Her soul arrived up in heaven where she was met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter himself. "Welcome to ...

We have all heard this warning: 'You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.' In fact, psychologists caution that we only have from seven to seventeen seconds of interacting with strangers before they form an opinion of us. With this widely acknowledged pressure to 'make our case' instantly, here are seven tips for making your first impression ...

Some cities are known for their unique characteristics. If you are searching for the best place to find some down-home BBQ, take a drive to Kansas City. If you want to hear fantastic live jazz, head down to New Orleans. And if you are looking for the best city for an HR professional, then look no further than this list. Here ...

HR Generalists are in high demand because they know so much about everything HR. You know you are smart, but how “HR smart” are you? Take this test to find out. Have you taken the ultimate HR IQ Quiz yet? If not, click here. Developed by a leading educator and generalist practitioner in the HR field, this test will challenge ...

The lawyers at boutique law firm Littler Mendelson have always liked their carbs. For years the firm's sumptuous San Francisco headquarters overflowed with endless trays of Krispy Kremes, gooey sweet rolls and gigantic muffins. Then one day the attorneys showed up for a firm breakfast and found hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, mini-quiches, cottage cheese and fresh fruit. "Where's the doughnuts?" ranted the ...

Everyone wants as much money as an employer is willing to shell out. Yet when it comes to job interviewing, salary questions make most people squirm. One reason is that such questions pressure you to tip your hand during the negotiating game. Winning the salary you want requires some evasive action on your part. Choose your words carefully, and don't be ...

Networking, networking, networking. We've all heard about it and we're sure you're all doing it — but are you doing it right? Trying to develop job leads and new business contacts the wrong way can be just as damaging as not trying at all, if not worse. You want to (net)work smart, not hard, so make sure you’re making all ...

You've probably read plenty of job-hunting articles. And they're all the same. A so-called expert will advise you to develop a plan, broaden your skills, and network. On résumés, they will counsel you to customize, use keywords, and quantify your accomplishments. If you land an interview, they will remind you to mind your body language, ask good questions, and convey confidence ...

Along with paychecks, deadlines, and overtime, bosses are one of the things you just can’t avoid in the workplace. But how to identify these strange characters and deal with them? Don’t go it alone — it’s a jungle out there. We show you how! [page] The Robot Distinguishing characteristics: An empty desk, no family pictures. What they do: All business, all ...

All interviews were not created equal. Depending on the role, the industry and the ruthlessness of your potential employer, you may encounter one – or a combination – of the common interview types. Each one is unique, and demands a tailored approach to its preparation. Lucky for you, we've identified the five most common interview methods. We'll give you the ...

Don't just sit there, basking in your continued employment... Phew. You survived the culling. Or maybe your company has managed to avoid a mass layoff. Either way, you're one of the lucky ones. Unlike so many of your friends and family, you won’t have to deal with the unemployment office or cancel your cable -- yet. But instead of sitting ...