HR Professionals: Conflicting Views - Assignment Example

Reflection Prom 8.0. Appendices Appendix Reflective prompt from seminar about online presence Details about Session The online presence in a professional manner and its importance will be described in this session. Main aims/ Outline for the session Complete profile on a social network (LinkedIn) Significance of LinkedIn site How recruiters are using social networking websites to complete the recruitment process? How to create own brand? What have you learned? In order to apply for graduate job, it is necessary that a person must know how to present itself in a professional way to a social network. The reason behind this is that graduate recruiters are utilizing these sites for the recruitment process. LinkedIn can be used as an online CV, thus, the CV should be written to sell the skills with no spelling errors. The LinkedIn CV should base on truth there should not be any lies. With the help of LinkedIn, it was easy to understand the significance of this site. The good thing is that this site contains different groups; it provides information about job roles. To attract the employers it is an effective technique to join relevant professional groups. What action do you need to take? I think I should update my LinkedIn profile and resemble it with an updated CV. I need to fill my profile with the professional skills and qualities to rank it higher. It is important to join the International Development Agency networking group and relevant professional body. Moreover, I should remain sensible while using or posting anything on any social media website as I have realised that whatever we post on any site remains there forever. Thus, these points should be engraved in mind. Appendix 2 – LinkedIn profile Following is the updated LinkedIn profile: Appendix 3 – Conversation for arranging a time to talk Appendix 4 – Skills Audit Skills Required for Human resource manager to work within international development agencies Personal Rating None – Basic – Competent - Proficient Evidence How to improve To be completed by Ability to fulfil all duties according to job description. Basic Worked in two different organizations during studies. Achieve a 2:1 so I can prove that I am able to do this positively, August2014 Ability to communicate in an appropriate manner with a diverse community. Basic My first job has provided me experience to communicate with different range of people. Request the supervisor about working in different domains of the IDA to relate and get involved with more people and increase my working experience. September 2014 Innovative Basic Being a part timer at social media consultancy has enhanced my innovative ability, which is very useful as I am supposed to come up with brand new ideas daily Request supervisor about getting more involved in daily basic routine office work so that I can present context specific experience as well. March 2014 Flexible Basic I have also achieved some level of spirit through taking part in gymnastic competitions. When has enabled me to stay tight and move on after any set back. With the help of working in a tough working environment I have to improve by level of resilience. I should get better with staying positive in different situations and improve my overall flexibility by setting my (Mind Tools, 2014). September 2014 Self-motivated and a team worker and manger to work under pressure Basic I am a part time home worker that requires a lot of self-motivation and confidence. I should also prepare myself for pressure situations by offering myself as part of a big project at my part time job during summers. This should enable me to prepare myself for pressure handling. August 2014 Ability to use of scarce resources and provide considerable outputs Basic With the previous experience of working at a international development agency, I realized the level of effort needed to work in difficult conditions I have learned about sustainable working specially. To get better in this I could also request my supervisor for a volunteer role in various parts of IDA where, I could apply self to understand how departments utilize and accumulate their resources and learn how can I utilize this learning in my future HR management related job. June 2014 Better decision making ability None As described already I can voluntarily take part in some big project in summer during my part time job so that I can learn to handle pressure and making tough decisions during difficult times. August 2014 Better communication skills with staff and employers Competent By engaging myself in two part time jobs I am able to have an exposure to a large variety of people with whom I can communicate and learn. With the debates and other activities at university I improved my writing skills and listening skills as well. I should learn how to utilize my skills and improve on writing from business perspective rather than for educational purpose. I can achieve this by being a part timer insurance broker and taking part in admin related duties. June 2014 Ability to handle large amount of data regarding candidates’ information and interviews. Basic I handle my own expenditure very well and I focus on setting my saving targets along the year. I have approximately saved around £12,000 in the span of three years. Carry on to get better with numbers by practicing GCSE level mathematics, because this was one of the tougher things, which made me sweat more than others. August 2014 Teamwork Competent During university time I have finished several group assignments and I acquired 2:1 or more in most of those. I have also worked as a HR manager in IDA, which indicates I am a good recruiter and can handle roles and deliver being an active part of a organization. To get better with the teamwork ability I could be a part of a team and increase my communication skills and ability to work within a team in a different environment. September 2014 Appendix 5 – Personal SWOT STRENGTHS Confident Good at communicating Ambitious with drive to succeed Already working within the NHS Initiative Team player Self motivated Hard worker proved by part time jobs and degree WEAKNESSES Maths Lack experience of having a lot of responsibility Can be too trusting OPPORTUNITIES I can utilise my current job for making contacts with people who can be a good source for getting me another job on the basis of my job experience. LinkedIn can be used a tool because it provides opportunities for networking. THREATS Getting job through NHS Graduate Scheme is very difficult because of its popularity, so, I should look for more options. My weak accounting and finance skills can be a threat if it is not improved. In order to complete my skills audit and PDP, I had to use an effective tool to analyse my strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Appendix 6 – Career Development Plan The mission statement for career- my aim is to achieve a role in the human resources management by December 2015 The first major and prior goal for career is- classify the position that I want or any department where I would like or prefer to move into by next December 2016: Goal What will I have to do to achieve this What resources do I need Success Criteria Target Date Potential graduate job search Look at the International development agency Graduate Scheme, The internet, management at the organization Different jobs to apply after graduating October 2013 Effective CV to be crated For this purpose, experienced and professional people will be approached for help. Defined job description will be required. A deemed CV with fill academic support October 2013 Numeracy skill improvement for psychometric tests preparation Practice for the improvement in numeracy skills with the help of numeracy tests. The websites provide samples for practice tests, which explain basic numeracy skills. Attaining good marks for more confidence and improved knowledge October 2013 Linked In update Update the profile with latest information about the work experience and achievements. Up to date personal information without any errors and mistakes. Profile should be updated professionally October 2013 Must be Graduate with a 2:1 or above In order to achieve the good grades within 3 years will work hard. Library A 2:1 or first result July 2014 Network with international development agencies IDA employees Used LinkedIn as a useful sources for arranging meetings and A professional updated LinkedIn account. Get the advice from professionals for my career. July 2014 Details on skills and improvements. Achieve 2:1 or a first, to gain work experience, set solid targets for future, refresh GCSE maths and accounts courses. Stayed with supportive staff who helped for development with strong plans by defining clear goals, got GCSE maths and accounts revision guide My all skill has competent ratings. September 2014 Updated CV LinkedIn profile All information about qualifications and work experience will be added. Work experience letter and complete degree will be needed. Require a updated and effective CV October 2014 Attend appropriate training to gain more useful skills I will Volunteer myself to grab the opportunities for work. Have the ability to adopt positive attitude at work. Keep myself updated about any possible training session in my job role. July 2015 Remain happy and satisfied about job role. After evaluating my position, I will have good relations with the management to discuss my position. To be at a good working environment is my target I really like my job because it makes me feel I am utilizing my studies and work experience. December 2015 Learn new things after attending trainings and relevant skills. For this purpose I will try to get every opportunity for training. Have the ability to adopt positive attitude at work. Keep myself updated about any possible training session in my job role. July 2016 Appendix 7 - Reflective prompt from seminar about CV’s Session Details CVs were reviewed during this session Outline of the main aims / ideas of the session or experience We had a session with a professional in the employability office who guided us on how to write a CV, he summed up key points on writing a well-finished article. What have you learned? I got good knowledge about CVs that one should have a skills CV and it is necessary that CV is altered properly for every employer we go to. One should also have a basic CV, which is effective for the job role you are seeking. One should present proof of what skills his CV includes as its very important. What action do you need to take? I would like to rewrite my CV in a generic way and then send it over to the centre of employability so some professional can review, make necessary changes and give me useful suggestions. Appendix 12 - Reflective prompt from seminar about competency Session Details Strength based interviews and competence interviewing is covered in this session. Outline of the main aims / ideas of the session or experience Possible employer generic questions and their best possible answers were analysed. We also reviewed what possible Skill related questions can be asked and how can I best defend against them. What have you learned? During this particular session it was described how random questions might be asked for example how do you fit an elephant in an oven. These kinds of questions require unorthodox thinking and initiative skill to come up with a good answer. I was also guided that we should be able to explain and prove the skills we have in an effective way. A technique called STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for effective answering of questions was also taught. What action do you need to take? I need to apply STAR technique and practise it by preparing myself on how can I defend and present my skills to the interviewers. Competency based interview questions sheet can be used for this action. Appendix 13 – Competency based interview questions Picture to be edited Appendix 14 – Difficult NHS interview questions Picture to be edited Appendix 15 – Application to NHS Graduate Scheme Picture to be edited Appendix 16 – Email to boss discussing future work experience in the NHS REMOVED TO PROTECT IDENTITY MA Appendix 17 – Human Resource Management Roles (Picture to be edited) Appendix 18 – Reflective prompt from seminar about psychometric testing Session Details During this phase we reviewed how a method called psychometric testing is applied in graduate recruitment. Outline of the main aims / ideas of the session or experience To analyse the trends in graduate recruitment regarding psychometric testing. Learning what is psychometric testing. Getting ready for some psychometric testing. What have you learned? The number of employers which use psychometric testing is increasing and its almost 67% today There are four fundamental categories which include Ability testing e.g. IQ level, Amplitude testing, Job related test and the personality It is necessary that one should not lie about it and answer will instinct and not fake any answer to make it more suitable for the employers because test might be an online one but test are usually evaluated at some assessment centre. What action do you need to take? Review and analyse on choices I have of graduate roles and then prepare for the tests for those roles using the practise material available on the website of graduate scheme. I will also read for any advice on my choice form careers page on the website. I went through that and found myself a good source to practice test related to IDA graduate scheme. I will practice on the daily to improve and prepare myself. Evans, S. (2013) How is graduate recruitment faring in 2013? Discovery Graduates, 14th August. [blog] Available at: http://www.discovery-graduates.com/our-blog/posts/2013/how-is-graduate-recruitment-faring-in-2013.aspx [Accessed 9th January 2014]. Appendix 19 – Practice psychometric testing (Picture to be edited) Kenexa. (2007) Online practice tests. [online] Available at: http://www.psl.com/practice/ [Accessed 9th January 2014]. Appendix 20 – Help sheet on psychometric testing from careers Starting Points 14. Psychometric Testing To get a job in a graduate scheme there might be multi stage recruitment in front where one needs to first go through some psychometric test procedures these test are basically designed for the employer to get a good idea of your personality in brief time via aptitude and ability related questions. These are commonly in the form of an online test that is a pre filtering selection process. One needs to clear this test in order to proceed further to the next levels of selection. Aptitude/ability tests These tests include the basic testing related to your ability of reasoning and answering appropriate choices. For this purpose these test include four types of fundamental test types which Verbal tests–it involves analysis on the basis of verbal reasoning, and word sort. Numerical tests–the sequential tests and analysis on proven reasons. Diagrammatic and spatial reasoning–tests to check logics, thinking, senses and skills. Specific tests–such as mechanics, syntax for computer programming, and data checking. Personality questionnaires They are not really described as test they are rather a representation of personality type you have and have key points which can highlight your personality type. They have limited time which no options of correct or incorrect answer. They are designed to define your personality and interest to the employer.   Prospects website for further information and advice, visit: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/psychometric_tests.htm Some useful links are given bellow for test practices. Some may incur a small charge to use: Practice Aptitude Tests www.kent.ac.uk/careers/psychotests.htm www.shldirect.com/ http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/psychometric-tests www.psychometric-success.com www.graduatesfirst.com www.practiceaptitudetests.com www.talentlens.co.uk/practice-aptitude Practice Personality Test sites include: www.keirsey.com/sorter/instruments2.aspx?partid=0 www.teamtechnology.co.uk/myersbriggs.html www.findingpotential.com/ www.peoplemaps.com/ Appendix 21 – Practising numeracy skills tests (Picture to be edited) Reference: Education.gov.uk. (2014)assessment engine. [online] Available at: http://www.education.gov.uk/QTS/Numeracy/assessment_engine.html [Accessed 7th January 2014]. Appendix 22 – Help sheet for careers on assessment centres Starting Points 13. Assessment Centres Assessment centres are the guidance units established by many graduate employers as a stage of their recruitment process which they establish their final decision on a candidate’s personality and ability. Usually applicants are called up in groups or numbers for their assessment. Evaluation of your scores in numerous work related tests and different situations is done by many people who assess your final score by using pre-defined techniques in order to decide your suitability for that particular job role. Most of the employers use the technique called competency-based selection that requires you not only to be a good capable individual but also an efficient team player. There are numerous test stages, which you can go through: different activities within a group Deep discussions with candidates on a specified topic Different exercises Interviews Presentations Recommendations Psychometric tests All of these stages and the overall process may seem very tough but with proper understanding and guidance one can prepare for it. Top tips for success For each exercise it is required that one should be pay attention carefully by keeping some time for discussion. Some regard should be there for other team members by rearranging the seating it will make other group members more comfortable for the discussions. Sensible points should be highlighted; silence or inactive behaviours will not be appreciated. Try not to argue while presenting different point of view and remain tactful and polite. By being sensitive for other’s feelings and contributions, each one should be praised and supported. How do I see a Careers and Employability Adviser? At Pre-booked and drop-in-duty session, support is available at the centres. There is short 15 minutes information and advice session organized for employability zones. (Park- Rockingham Library. Avenue- MY111) Pre-book appointments at both centres can be taken. (Park- Rockingham Library. Avenue- MY111) Email: ucee_careers@northampton.ac.uk or telephone 01604 892727. See website www.northampton.ac.uk/employability for timings and availability. Reference material (Books and DVDs) Books and DVDs are available at Career Information Centres. However, stock may vary in different campuses. Regular updates about stock are available on call and web browser. Websites http://www.prospects.ac.uk/links/Assessmentcntrs http://www.assessmentday.co.uk/in-tray-exercise.htm http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/careers/using-careers-service/cvs-apps-interviews/assess/types-exercise/overview www.open.ac.uk/careers/assessment-centres.php http://www.assessmentcentrehq.com For more websites related to psychometric testing please see the Starting Points No 14 Psychometric Testing. Related Starting Points 11 - Succeeding at Interviews 14 -Psychometric Testing Appendix 24 – Employability skills table (Picture to be edited) List of References Curran, M.J., Draus, P., Schrager, M. & Zappala, S., 2014. College students and HR professionals: conflicting views on information available on Facebook. Human Resource Management Journal, 24(4), pp.442-58. Read More