A head hunter's journey over into the realm of HR

Multitasking Does NOT Make You a Super Hero!

2010-08-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

After reading about the sad news of a famous plastic surgeon's death resulting from a car crash while he was tweeting/texting, I've been noticing a lot of folks around here doing it as well while they are driving. Being able to effectively multitask is a desired trait when you are in a stationary working environment, the scenario may not hold true while you are driving a vehicle. Please don't text, twitter, or Facebook while you are driving; just resist the urge and focus your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel. If you are one of those who cannot walk while chewing gum, then don't bother driving and talking on the phone too! Your ability to multitask in these areas will not help divert you from danger and your attention is hugely needed in preventing an accident. You do not have super powers, and thus, you are not all knowing. If you are lucky enough not to cause an accident, you may not be lucky enough to prevent an accident- especially if you do not see it coming.

Case in point, this morning, while I was leaving the Wal-Mart parking lot and was almost hit head on by a female driver (YES, LADY IN THE WHITE CHEVY SEDAN, I'M TALKING ABOUT YOU!) who was too busy messaging on her phone to even realize that she was driving against the flow of traffic, straight towards me. Whether she was lucky that I was paying attention and honked my horn or she finally came to grasp with common sense (maybe both), she veered quickly out of the way and an accident was averted; this time. Then yesterday, while I was parked at the Exxon gas station filling up, another lady (this time a blue sedan), was talking on her phone as she was backing up. She backed right into the side of a large, white hummer. The force was great enough to rock that white behemoth back and forth. What they say about Hummers being invincible seem to hold true, because lucky for her, not even a dent or tiny scratch was made! Plus, the ballsy lady jetted away from the scene without even a second glance or even pausing off of her phone! Since there wasn't any damage to the Hummer and the blue sedan left with a dented rear bumper, I didn't make a huge stink about the incident.

So people, please, don't text, tweet, Facebook or occupy yourself on the phone while driving. Pay attention to the function at hand and drive safely; so those who we love, will arrive safely home.

Whohub - Social Network for Creative Professionals - My Interview

2010-08-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

Read my interview on Whohub
Ask my opinion about something:

A recruiter's take to job interviewing - Winning that next date!

2010-07-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

As a recruiter conducting dozens of interviews every day, to having my own fair share of interview mishaps as a candidate, I've collected some tidbits of wisdom as it relates to job interviewing.

Haven't you ever noticed that interviewing for jobs is a lot like speed dating? You walk into a room full of strangers who are quick to scrutinize every word and action you make. You're nervous and excited, wanting to make a good first impression. Then, after a round of quick introductions, you're allowed only a limited amount of time to impress your date, find out as much information on your date as possible, only to hope that you've impressed them enough to be asked on another date.

So, too, going from one company to the next interviewing, hoping you've impressed the hiring manager enough to be invited back to a second interview; or better yet, receiving a job offer itself! But sometimes, admit it, you don't land that next date.

We've all been there. So after some practice, and some rejections, we become better and more poised with our dating skills. See if these common dating tips will help you win in your next job interview.

1) Prepare - It's normal to be nervous, but preparing yourself mentally ahead of time will help with some of the jitters. Make sure you have the right address, directions and names of all the people you will be meeting with. Take some time to research the company and jot down some questions to ask at your interview. Make special notes on any interesting topics in which you can relate back to the hiring manager. Perhaps map out mentally how your interview will be like. Then, be sure to get there in enough time to relax and get familiar with your bearings.

2) Dress to impress - You want to make a good first impression. There's no better place to start than with how you look. Make sure your appearance is neat and presentable, dressing appropriately. It's ok to ask about the company's dress code policy. Be mindful of good hygiene. Brush your hair and make sure that you don't have any left over spinach wedged between your teeth. Also, it's good to be weary of bad breath, but please, don't chew away on your gum during the entire interview. Discreetly dispose of the gum before you head into your interview.

3) Project positivity - Bring forth your happy face. Think positive thoughts and remember to smile. There isn't a more obvious form of positive body language than a smile. Humans are naturally drawn to people who smile. Smiling makes you appear more confident, makes you appear more youthful or vibrant and is so contagious. Wouldn't you want to be around a happy person; or would you rather be around some one who frowns, scowls or grimaces all day?

4) Build rapport - Having good listening skills and good eye contact is great, but really you're aiming to do more than just get to the next date. You'll need to put in a little bit of effort and engage yourself in the conversation. Try to connect with the person you're interviewing with by asking lots of open-ended questions relevant to them or things that interest them. Questions beginning with WHAT, WHY, WHO or TELL ME ABOUT...? Let the person know what you can do for them.

5) Show interest - Sometimes even with your best efforts put forth, your date still wants to hear that you are indeed interested in them. There is nothing wrong with showing interest. Of course hiring managers know you have some level of interest in the position or you wouldn't be there interviewing, however, they like to hear, and to know, from you that you are interested in the job. So don't be afraid to tell them you are. They like to see enthusiasm. This is not the time to be shy. Go ahead, ask for the next date!

Good Luck and good dating!

Social Media - How candidates can use this to enhance their job search.

2010-07-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

As a recruiter, I thought I'd offer my two cents in the job searching arena. If submitting your resume to the various job boards is not producing the number of responses you'd like, there are ways you can directly market yourself to the recruiters and/or employers of choice. With the advances in technological gadgets and the ease in accessibility to the Internet, social media is taking a strong hold in today's society as a popular means for social interaction, networking and communication. As such, several social media websites have seemingly become household names over night; Twitter, Linkedin, and Facebook - to list a few. By utilizing each of the website's strengths, you can create/promote your own branding, increase your visibility, search for jobs, source for professional contacts and directly market yourself into your next dream job.

Many recruiters use social media as an avenue to market themselves, or their respective companies, as well as source for candidates. They also use it to share ideas and network with their peers and colleagues. By making a social branding of yourself, you'll be able to network with, or possibly gain direct access to those who are managing the various job openings at your companies of interest.

1) Linkedin.com is a business-oriented social networking website. Through Linkedin you can search and find inside connections to different companies of interest. If you haven't already done so, register for an account and begin to professionally brand yourself by creating your profile. Account registration is free. You can create a profile which lists your job history, accomplishments and/or highlight your unique skill sets. Provide key words that can be searchable to recruiters or hiring managers. Also, having colleagues recommend you will provide recruiters and hiring managers a quick reference on you. (Note: Unless you upgrade, you may not be able to directly contact a person unless he/she is within your connection.) You can also further your networking connections by joining professional groups and participating in discussions within Linkedin relating to similar interest, occupation, or industry. Conduct an advance search on title, company and/or location to help you identify a name or contact. Then message, or ask connections for an introduction, to help get your foot in the door. Being courteous and following up with a thank you email will help improve your number of correspondence, or referral, from the recruiter/hiring manager.

2) Facebook.com is a social networking website that allows users to connect to others as friends, send messages, and update their personal profiles which then notifies their friends (network) of the information. Users can create or join networks relating to their school, college, or work place. Several companies/businesses create a Facebook Fan Page. Users can can "like" a page and become part of that page's updates and advertisements. By writing on an organization's wall, you can increase your visibility to that organization. You can also view organization's friends list for networking opportunities.

3) Twitter.com is a social networking and microblogging site that allows users to send and read each others messages called tweets. The tweets are text based messages with up to 140 characters in length. Users are able to subscribe, or follow, other user's tweets. By searching Twitter for names, key words, or lists, and then selecting to follow users or tweets with similar interest, or those who are related to companies/industry of interests, you begin to create a valuable network. By tweeting on related issues, retweeting information, or replying to a tweet, you become more visible; other users will begin following you. This will help you in creating your own professional branding.

(Here's a helpful tip. Search "#socialrecruiting" and/or "#jobhuntchat" within Twitter. You can identify, network, and follow recruiters who may be able to aid you in your job search.)

Being highly visible on the Internet could be risky, but, by taking control in creating a good professional digital profile, which both reflects your personality and skill set, social media can be used to enhance your reach and visibility to your employer of choice. You'll find immense value in being able to connect to important contacts who would have been unapproachable before hand.

Good hunting and good day!

Another day, another adventure!

2010-06-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

In the last 2 weeks I've tried to shift my job search approach to be more direct and more specific to the ideal position I'd like to invest myself in next. Along with completing the basic profile registration and posting of my updated resume on careerbuilder.com and monster.com, I am also broadening my exposure, availability, and visibility to other recruiting entities. In addition to sending my introduction letter and resume directly to the companies and firms of interest, I began to express my new job search directive via my social networking on twitter, facebook, and linkedin. I've reached out to my colleagues to inform them of my job search and asked them for their assistance and/or advice. In addition to that, I've also been selective in contacting a few interesting HR job posts on craigslist as well. With the recent flood of phone interviews and email requests for interviews, the effort is paying off. I'm thrilled that it's been crazy with all the recent phone interviews! Now I need to land the next step in the process and then win that job offer! In the enthusiasm of Buzz Lightyear, "To Infinity and Beyond!" :)

Chapter 3: Creating a Life Plan

2010-04-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a month since I was laid off. So with 4 weeks worth of researching different companies, filling out applications, revising and sending out resumes and cover letters and making follow up calls, I've received 1 phone interview and 13 "thanks but no thanks" emails or phone calls. I've applied to more than 40 companies, and counting, so hopefully I'll attract better interest at one of the other companies. Needless to say, being rejected is no fun. SOOO, for the weary and light of heart, if you can't work, then VOLUNTEER!! :)

So this past week, I've been catching up on some of my volunteering projects. One great benefit of volunteering is that it's great for the soul! Being able to help some one, some how, makes you feel awesome. So, my fellow unemployed friends, lift up another's spirit while lifting your own, go volunteer! And, in volunteering, you can also pick up some valuable experience or good references to add onto your resume as well. It's a win-win!

And so, I am working on creating a life plan... Onto the questions!

1. I believe it is realistic to expect a job to provide more than a paycheck. If work takes up the majority of your time, why not have it be able to pay your bills and be fun at the same time?

2. My sense of calling is to serve. Whatever capacity that is in, I was put on this earth to be of some type of service to help people, whether it be family, friends, colleagues or even strangers. It gives me a sense of purpose and that makes me happy.

3. God calls every one, whether they hear it or not, it's up to them to listen and act upon it.

4. It is reasonable to expect your work to be a part of the fulfillment of your calling. Knowing that will allow you to excel in the position your in. You're not just performing that function but you're glorifying your maker in that function. Attitude determines altitude.

5. Although I am currently non-employed, I was in Human Resources with specialty in Recruitment. Not to be boastful, but because I enjoy the work, I am quite good at it.

6. This year, success would mean a full-time HR Generalist position within a dynamic and growing company, relatively close to my home.

7. I was where I had imagined myself up until the point I got laid off. But, onward and upward.

8. A job is not the only defining purpose in my life. Being a good mother and wife also gives me a great sense of meaning, purpose and accomplishment every day.

9. Finding another job will allow our household a chance of accomplishing our financial goal - living debt free.

Chapter 2 : The Challenge of Change -- React, Respond, or Get Trampled

2010-04-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

Affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. - Romans 5:3-4

This is one of the two verses introducing Dan Miller's 2nd chapter. This chapter was difficult for me to complete, not because of the distractions that I have going around the household, but more because of some of the content, one of which is "Dealing with Obstacles in Our Path". On one end, I am very certain I'd like to continue to pursue a career in HR, yet on the other, I've just launched a side business to foster my creative side, designing and making whimsical toddler totes. Although it does not make enough to gain me financial security, it is very fun to do. However, it does take time and focus away from doing Dan's 48 days and finding that ideal job that would provide financial security. Dilemmas, dilemmas. Another issue, as Dan addresses handling change, is knowing what is changeless in ourselves, "knowing what God has uniquely gifted you and what you value...Finding a job is a meaningless process until you develop a clear focus that is suited to you."

Dear Lord, please give me the wisdom of discernment. Amen.

"What is work?"

2010-04-06T17:36:00.000-07:00

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." -Confucius

So I am just finishing up the first chapter in Dan Miller's book, 48 Days to the Work You Love. This is actually my second time reading through this book. The first time, I actually skimmed through the majority of the book and only delved into the parts that I thought pertained most intimately to me. This time, in hopes of finding that perfect job, I'm going to be better committed to his entire process and start by completing each of the questions at the end of the chapter, "Countdown to Work I Love".

The following are my answers to the questions asked:

1. Yang's Chinese Restaurant was my first place of employment. As a sophomore in high school, I was working each weekend as their take-out bagger and being paid $4.25/hr.

2. Although my positions have been from different industries; from food service, to optical/medical, to IT, to pharmaceutical, to finance, to sales, then automotive, they were all linked by the following traits, very people-oriented, with focus on customer/client service. Of the different positions, my last position, corporate/field recruiter, held the most value or worth to me. I was given the ownership of all recruiting responsibilities for my division, covering training to relationship building with each of the business units and hiring managers.

3. If my job changes, my sense of purpose does not change. I know in all that I do, I do for a greater purpose. There is a purpose in everything. And I have a strong sense of pride in doing a good job, no matter what it is.

4. My current job had been terminated by the company. Company has been known to bring similar positions back, whether it will be there five years from now, time can only tell.

5.Key characteristics of an ideal job/career for me would have to be people-oriented, dynamic, strategic focused, visible, with some level of management/mentoring responsibilities. I enjoy mentoring/training people and seeing levels of growth, whether it be professional or personal, is a great reward. I am seeking a job within a company that fosters my continued growth, professionally and personally, which is really important to me as well. To be in a company that recognizes/rewards it's people for "going the extra mile". Forward thinkers.

6. When I day dream, I see myself taking over the world. On a smaller scale, making a valuable and positive impact on my surroundings, whether it be family or work related. Most importantly, being a positive role model for my children; I must lead by example.

7. The most happiest, most fulfilling moment in my life was when I welcomed my first born into the world and become a mom.

8. If nothing changed in my life within the next 5 years, it would not be ok. I need to find financial security for my family.

Distractions...

2010-03-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Although I had every intention to keep diligent on the "Dan Miller Project" and find my dream HR job, my side business, Tot Totes by Tam, has launched off to a surprisingly good start. With more than a handful of, or two, totes to design, complete and deliver within 5 days, by no means am I complaining or making an excuse not to follow through. As those who know me well, I am one of those who's eager to start things and then, for lack of a better word, distract myself out of completing projects. So, here I am, promising myself, "I will pick up the "Dan Miller Project" next week!" And to be sure, let's give it a target start date of Wednesday, April 1st!

Until then...I'm off to finish up all of the totes! Happy SEWING! :)

The "Dan Miller" Project

2010-03-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

Following Dan Miller's book 48 Days to the Job You Love, I will attempt to chronicle his process and my journey to finding and winning THE JOB that I'll love, as it is laid out by the career and life coach guru, Dan Miller... Starting with today, Monday March 22nd and to be completed on May 7th, 48 days from now. Good reading and good luck!

Applications, Resumes and Interviews...Oh My!

2009-08-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

With my recruiting projects negatively impacted by the downturn of the financial industry, budget cuts and hiring freezes, I was forced to take action and aggressively position myself in the last 2 months to transition over to another means of recruiting work...

And there I left it, unfinished, the beginning of a blog almost 6 months ago. Fast forward to March 15th, 2010. In the last 6 months, I had interviewed, was offered and then accepted a position as a corporate recruiter for one of the largest automotive aftermarket supplier in the world. An exciting role within a dynamic company, positioned at the top of their game. Unfortunately, six months later, due to the lagging economy and lowered sales, that same position was cut. Although I consider myself a chronic optimist, to say I was a little bit disheartened, would be gracious.

We, my hubby and I, had already planned a weekend trip up to CT to visit my parents, so off we went. Little did I know that on that trip, I would find my inspiration. Typical of all family weekend visits are the movies Mom and Dad would rent for us to sit down and watch. One of the movies selected was Julie & Julia.

Julie & Julia is a great "feel good" movie. A movie based on two true stories, it's about a culinary legend, Julia Child, who provides and inspires a frustrated office worker, Julie Powell, with a new recipe for life. A mission, rather, to whip up 524 recipes in 365 days. Along the way, Julie finds herself and her joy.

Like Julie, "I can write a book. I have thoughts!... I can write a blog..." So here I am typing away...why not?

So I'll be creating a blog on what I am passionate about, my toddler and my tot, my Cornelius! Or rather, what inspires me to inspire him. If things succeed, I'll be able to launch a successful internet business and head off towards world domination, or if things steer the other direction, at least I will have a fun project to keep me blogging, networked with other moms and busy.

So in the words of Julia Child, "Bon Appetit!" Or rather, Good Reading! :)

Officially PHR certified!

2009-08-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

I officially received my PHR certificate and PHR pin back on July 13th and should have updated my blog; but things have been crazy hectic here. With summer winding down and some of my other projects coming towards a close, I finally have the time to check in. So much to do, and still...so little time. I'm creating a new blog on my career transition activities, volunteer projects and networking campaigns. Please feel free to tune in! :)

3 more days in counting...

2009-06-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

After months of studying and preparing for the PHR certification test, I am just 3 days away from my exam. Feedback from the PHR virtual study group already has 3 members with success stories! Hopefully, I will also have a happy story to tell by Friday afternoon. :)

So far I've read over Anne's book several times with special focus to the Workforce Planning and Development and Employee Labor Relations. With the sharing of resources from the study group, I've also went over the SHRM modules 1-6 and their associated eFlashcards. I've also had useful feedback from some of the people who have taken the test in regards to good test taking tips. I will be sure to utilize all this information well during the upcoming exam. My next strategy is to take as many of the practice PHR exams as I can get my hands on. Right now, I am averaging an 88% from all the practice exams. As long as I score 501 or above, I will be extremely happy!

Back to more PHR practice exams...

Power in diversity!

2009-04-07T17:53:00.001-07:00

The study group is a success! Well, not because of me, but for the fact that we are able to better diversify our resources and study materials. Also, being able to connect with people at different levels of HR experience and skills will definitely be a benefit as well. I am so excited!

This week will be extremely hectic and nerve wrecking for me. Aside from trying to remain focused in the PHR studies, I am also participating in some federal training. In addition to that, I am working in closing a long recruit assignment. Neck deep in the offer stage, I feel like I am on pins and needles. After almost 6 months of dedication on this assignment, I am ready for a well earned "success story"! Relationship management at its best is like a beautiful waltz. Such a long day - don't even know if that phrase made any sense. LOL!

April 6th - Study Outline

2009-04-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a brief overview of what to expect for Monday's study session. Since it is the first meeting, it will be an introduction of sorts. As always, I am open for suggestions and topic discussions.

PHR Study Session – April 6th –

Discussion Topic - Core Knowledge Required by HR Professionals - Part 1

Session outline:

1) Introductions - who you are, what materials you are using, where you are in your studying, your exam date, brief bio.
2) Exam Essentials for Core Knowledge Required by HR Prof. (See Below)
3) Questions & Answer
4) Key Terms

Exam Essentails:
Describe how HR programs interact.

Describe needs assessment and analysis process.

Understand the uses of a third-party contract.

Describe communication strategies.

Understand basic concepts associated with andragogy (adult learning theory)

Recognize and describe various motivation theories.

Understand uses for qualitative and quantitative analysis methods.

HRCI Test Specs
69 Needs assessment and analysis.

70 Third-party contract negotiation and management, including development of requests for proposals (RFPs).

71 Communication skills and strategies (for example, presentation, collaboration, influencing, diplomacy, sensitivity).

72 Organizational documentation requirements to meet federal and state requirements.

73 Adult learning processes.

74 Motivation concepts and applications

PHR Virtual Study Group - officially formed!

2009-04-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

We now have about 15 participants for the virtual PHR Study group for the May/June 2009 exam sitting. (gotomeeting caps attendees to 15.) And we are meeting every Mondays and Thursdays starting April 6th until end of June. The following is the timeline for test materials covered:

April 6,9 -- Core Knowledge Requirements for HR Professionals
April 13,16 --Strategic Management
April 20,23,27,30May 4 --Workforce Planning and Employment
May 7,11 --Human Resources Development
May 14,18 --Total Rewards
May 21,25,28,Jun1,4 --Employee and Labor Relations
June 8,11 --Risk Management
June 15,18,22,25 --Review
June 26 MY TEST DATE
June 29 --Test overview

To help save some time on Monday, here is my brief bio, study prep materials of choice, and limitations : ).

I am an executive recruiter with GRN. For the last 30(+) months I have been focused and leading in full life cycle recruiting projects in the finance and insurance sector. Please feel free to check out my linkedin.com profile. I have over 10 years professional experience in which I've been in management, customer service and sales. I am hoping to show my dedication to the HR practice by obtaining the PHR certification and also be more marketable should I decide to transition into a direct company. My study materials of choice at this time are:

Anne Bogardus' book PHR/SPHR Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide 3rd Edition
Gary Dessler's Human Resources Management
Max Messmer's Human Resources Kit for Dummies (who doesn't love cliff notes??)

If you would like to post your email to share/exchange info with one another, please let me know and I will include you all in the mailing list (Plus, it'll help me save some time when sending email : ).) Otherwise, I can keep it confidential.

Finally, my very own PHR study group!

2009-04-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to gotomeeting.com I am able to connect with 8 other PHR testers. We will have our first study session on April 6th. I am quite excited because the participants come from very diverse professional backgrounds. So cool. There should be some good synergy. My work schedule will be a lot more hectic starting April 6th and going forward, as I am involved in several new recruiting assignments as well as external projects for my husband's business and home. Between now and Monday's session I have to put together a quick study outline of sorts in order to make best use of the time for all attendees.

Off to some studying.

The Go Getter...

2009-03-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

Trying to join an already established study group would cost me some cash to participate because I either had to register into the SHRM study program at the local college in order to network or be a member of the local SHRM chapter. Since I am trying to conserve as much money as I can, I am going with creating my own study group. I began with posting adds in the local paper and and craigslist.com, but it is not stirring up any nearby attention. I need to do the study group and do it now. The exam is creeping closer and closer. Then...light bulb! Why not host my own virtual study group? Especially since I am lucky enough to have all the resources available to me. All I need is a computer, internet, and VoIP. Check, check and check! Plus, I also have access to an online meeting place via gotomeeting.com! And, who doesn't like the benefit of conducting a study group out of the comfort of one's own home? Now I can connect with any one who is interested and I'm not bound by distance! I've posted a discussion on the HR focus groups in linkedin.com. I've noticed that there had been much comments on PHR study groups in the past and just recently. Hopefully I will be able to form a group that will be interested and consistent in meeting Mondays and/or Thursdays at 8 pm EST. It would be great to have others to share and diversify your study materials and bounce off ideas and questions. Also, more than anything for me...some one else to help me focus and be accountable. Life happens and then you get tired and want to go to sleep. Especially since I was up at 4:45 am this morning to get ready and prep for a networking meeting I had to attend about an hour's time away. One awesome benefit, the sun rising over the valley as I drove up and over the mountains! What a beautiful and invigorating sight!

(Side note, does any one have any contacts at Mercer who you could introduce to me? Preferably within the T&A team? I would love to be referred into Mercer. I have many top notch actuarial candidates but no way in as of yet. Well, that is another hurdle and many phone calls I will have to face tomorrow.)

Well, here is to tonight's study time 10-12. I am still attempting to conquer Strategic Management.

Trying to focus, focus, focus...then life gets in the way...

2009-03-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

So hard to manage life, work and family some days. I try to tell myself that I am the world's best multi-tasker and by the end of the day, so many things still yet to do... But, then, look at all that I have accomplished!

I am still working as an insurance and finance recruiter and at this moment involved in 3 full life cycle recruiting projects: 1 moving into into its final decision stage, another deep in the interviewing phase and one still in the sourcing phase. Trying to juggle each of the relationships, manage the entire process and setting expectations to ensure the smoothest flow possible can be a daunting task. (I need to do a whole other blog for that one.) On the phones, on the phones. Calling and sourcing candidates. Yes, even with the turmoil in the financial industry companies are hiring and I have a service to provide. Albeit that business is a bit slower compared to what I had last year (running 8-12 assignments), I am not complaining. The extra time provides a luxury I would not have had last year and I will try to take advantage of the time to study to the fullest!

Along with that, I am also helping my husband grow his business -- doing PR and marketing work for him whenever my time allows. So let me shamelessly plug www.greatervalleytech.com! Making technology make sense for you! Mac service, support and training! YAY!

Then there is my pride and joy - my family and motherhood! Doing all the fun and dedicated things an adoring mother would do for her quirky 3 year old to make him happy, healthy and thriving... And making sure that family is first. Which includes sit down family meals, date nights, heart-to-heart and all those good things.

So to throw into this mix -- my pursuit to study and sit for the PHR exam, officially makes me crazy. : ) So another benefit of blogging, my own personal counseling session!

Any way, I need to be more focus...and that focus now is looking like 10-12 am. My goal this week is to conquer Chapter 3: Strategic Management. Off to studying!

Networking to studying success!

2009-03-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

As an active member of linkedin.com, I've joined a few HR focused networking groups to link with experienced HR professionals. I feel a lot more confident in knowing that I have access to these pros within several strokes of the keys.

As of today, I have exactly 3 months until the PHR exam.

Still tackling Chapter 2...

2009-03-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

Trying to get a good grasp around the core requirements and not yet able to totally digest it. Already so many terms I am now just learning. I hope this isn't the trend of things to come. After reading the entire chapter, I went back and made a bunch of flash cards with vocab terms. Game face on. I was told that classical music will help set the right frame of mind to capture and retain information, so I downloaded my son's Baby Einstein CD onto my iPod. I'll try listening to it tonight while studying and see if there is any improvement in my retention. If nothing else, at least I'll feel at peace and fall into a deep slumber. Great.

Setting the pace...

2009-03-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

I spent several hours going over all of the materials and there is a lot to cover. Overwhelming! I started to worry that I bit off more than I could chew. Would 3 months be enough to adequately prepare? I don't have the time to psyche myself out so early into the studying but must focus and devise a workable game plan. From the HRCI website, the current PHR test specifications break down to the following:

1 Strategic Management 12%

2 Workforce Planning and Employment 26%

3 Human Resource Development 17%

4 Total Rewards 16%

5 Employee and Labor Relations 22%

6 Risk Management 7%

Also, from the HRCI website, the pass rate for the May-June 2008 PHR exam was 60%! Since I am not naturally a great test taker I will also need to pay some attention to preparing myself for that as well.

(Special note that a lot of feedback from recent PHR testers that there was an ample amount of questions related to Strategic Management -- I will pay some additional attention to that area just in case.)

From a helpful twitter follower, PHRSPHR, I'm receiving daily useful words/terms/phrases for flash cards. I think it will be a good supplement to my study materials. I carry them around and pull them out whenever I have a spare moment.

Tonight's event - From Bogardus' book, tackling the Core Knowledge Requirements for HR Professionals!

Materials, materials! So much out there and so little time!!

2009-03-23T12:16:00.001-07:00

My first obstacle was choosing what type of study materials to use in preparation for the PHR/SPHR exam. Being a head hunter, all of my HR related training was minimal at best. A two-week intensive boot camp and then off to the races! Through research, day-to-day activities, interviews and interactions with HR personnel over the last 2 years, I've gained some useful insight into the practice but no where near where I would confidently feel in a position to sit and successfully pass the exam. With the local college's and SHRM's certification study program so costly, I am also going to tempt fate with my own ability to prepare for the exam --Since I am financing my own certification process I have to empower myself with the best possible resources I can find to ensure success -- so the quandary, what study materials?

My weapons of choice:

PHR/SPHR - Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide, Third Edition by Anne M. Bogardus, SPHR (Read a lot of positive reviews for this.)

Human Resource Management, Eleventh Edition by Gary Dessler (A good up-to-date HR text book for looking up more detailed information in HR areas.)

and, last but not least - a cliff notes of sorts,

Human Resources Kit for Dummies by Max Messmer.

Here's to fruitful studying!

I've also visited the local community college where the SHRM prep course was offered to speak with the head person there and see if I can freely participate with any of their outside study groups. (If you cannot find a study group I highly recommend you start up one. Sharing of knowledge, ideas and also pep talks will help motivate you when the going gets tough.) While there I was enlightened to join the local SHRM chapter to network amongst the certified HR professionals and potentially explore career opportunities. With annual membership at $90, it may not be a bad idea at all.

Any way, back to hitting the books! I am going to skim through all the materials tonight to see exactly what I got myself into...

Bit the bullet and registered for the PHR/SPHR certification exam...

2009-03-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

First stop, www.hrci.org. So after debating and debating whether or not to take the PHR/SPHR exam this year, I finally bit the bullet and registered to take the exam this June. Being just a head hunter, this exam is not a professional requirement, however, if I wanted to be a more serious strategic HR professional and consulting partner, I think it will certainly help. Also, since my ultimate goal is to transition into a more traditional HR space, it will definitely make me more marketable.

So being one who happily wears many hats, hopefully, by keeping a daily blog of my journey towards getting my PHR certification, it will help keep me focused, motivated and maybe even help others out there who is on the same path...

Welcome and enjoy the ride!