July Post 2

July is winding down and August is almost here. When the summer is done it will mark the end of my first work term!

More and more responsibility trickles down at a steady pace. I have become more involved with the certification process. When give someone a conditional offer, I now help them through the process, and make sure all of the paper work and tests are done on time.

I like it, as I interact more with the potential new hires. However, it is also frustrating sometimes, especially when people do not realize how important that these activities are done on time.

Being a new hire myself, I feel that I am able to connect with our candidates, as I have gone through the process recently. Just this week a candidate called me and was very nervous about moving to Red Deer.

I was able to give him support, as well as give him information about housing and the overall city. It felt great to reassure him, as I remember the stresses of moving to an unfamiliar city.

Scheduling interviews is the same as before, but more challenging this month, as everyone is going on vacation. The office is very quiet right now. Usually the halls are filled with the sound high-pitched laughing, or when Jude was there, singing.

I really like my new office, even if it is a little far from the rest of the HR staff. One thing that drives me crazy though, is that I sit with my back to the door. I am going to put a mirror in front of me, so I can see when people walk in.

Seriously, if I had a heart condition I probably would have had seven strokes by now. The cleaning lady came in one morning and I almost fell out of my chair I was so startled. Now she knocks at the entrance every time she comes in.

I am very excited about the fall recruiting season. It will involve interaction with students, and I feel that will connect with them very well, as I am still technically a student myself.

I should have another blog post up early to mid August. In the meantime, leave some comments! I love feedback =)

  

July Part 1

Well the beginning of July was pretty intense. I will be starting some of my new responsibilities, which includes the preparation of exit interviews for co-op students, and the certification process of new employees. Right now I still feel very slow on excel, but I become more comfortable as time goes on.

I am still heavily involved in setting up interviews, but my efficiency is improving greatly. I found that I am able to multitask much better then before, and I am more confident when talking with candidates on the phone.

I find I do not have to say “I’ll get back to you with that information” to candidates as much as before, which is a good sign, I guess it means that I am learning.

Today Steve Craig came to visit me on site. It was kind of funny, because I have never actually met him before. The visit was more of a check up to make sure my supervisors were not flogging me. It was great to talk with him and tell him about all the things I have been working on. He also gave me some good advice!

There are two former U of L co-op students in HR, which is great because they can really relate to what I am going through right now.

I ordered lunch for both of us, and we ate with the rest of the HR staff. Steve had to take off after wards to meet some other co-op students in Red Deer.

I look forward to his next visit in October!