Yahoo Finance has an interesting article on HR departments and how they affect employees and job seekers. Some of the 10 points listed in the article are employee-friendly. Others are not. Here’s an important point to remember: HR workers for companies, not workers. In some cases like training and talent development, a good HR department can help employees develop skills and earn promotions. In others, such as complaints against managers, its mission is to protect the company’s interests.
The article notes several key points that affect job seekers. First, HR departments have shrunk during the recession. With fewer people, they will have less time to do things like review resumes. It is vital to show that you fit what the company is looking for in job postings. Another key point is that HR department will test employees and candidates for everything from personality and skills to drug use, criminal background checks, and credit reports. HR’s job is to screen out candidates who will be problem employees.
Always keep this point in mind, every company has a different structure for its HR department. How can you learn more about a company’s policies? Ask the right questions. When you interview with an HR manager, ask how the department operates and what it does to help employees reach their professional goals.
Is HR an ally, neutral, or hostile? It will be different at every company. Evaluate HR during your interviews, and use whatever resources you can to get the job offer or grow your career.
Follow this link to read the article.
