Rock Your HR Career: 7 Rules for Re-inventing Your Career in Human Resources
by Jeff Carroll
The phrase “reinventing yourself” seems to be popping up all over lately.
In fact, Fortune magazine just did a big cover story about it in their July, 2011 edition.
As the economy struggles to recover, there is one thing we can all agree on: job security no longer exists. In fact, job creation is at its lowest point since 1980, and jobs continue to disappear at an alarming rate. This is true of all professions, including HR.
In fact, just a few days ago, I was doing executive coaching session with a senior HR executive, who lost her job and is now “in transition.” Tired of the corporate grind and constantly looking over her shoulder for the ax to fall, she asked me how she could “reinvent herself” without starting completely over. Her concern was, “How do I pursue a new career direction in HR without sacrificing all the skills and experience I’ve worked so hard to achieve?” Interestingly, her real underlying question was “Is this even possible?” She was confused and wasn’t sure whether she should do.
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6 Ways To Fall Back in Love With HR All Over Again…
by Alan Collins
Ever get to a point in your HR job where you’re just…dog tired and worn out?
Here’s what I mean…
You need a forklift to pull yourself out of bed every morning.
Your clients are bugging the living crap out of you.
That HR assignment that you went after like a killer whale…now feels like a chore.
Those tedious little admin tasks that are a part of every single HR job ever invented, are now getting on your last nerve.
You don’t want to quit, but you need to get some of your old mojo back.
What happened to the way things were when you first started out?
Well, HR jobs are just like marriages. Sometimes you’ve got to put in a little extra effort to keep that ol’ spark alive.
The same techniques that can rekindle the spark with your significant other can be used to keep the candle lit at work too.
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HR Job Search – The Most Brilliant Job Finding Method I’ve Ever Seen…
by Alan Collins
Sometimes in your HR job search you have to think out-of-the-box to land your dream job.
And, the other day I stumbled across an unbelievable story of a guy who did just that.
Basically what this guy did was to buy some Google Ad “keywords.” The keywords he bought were the names of people who make hiring decisions at companies he was interested in working for.
His assumption was that everyone Googles themselves at some point.
He was right! And for the cost of a whopping $6, he landed 4 interviews and ended up getting 2 job offers.
Now, the job he landed was not in HR. But that’s not the point. The point is that…
His approach and his “think-of-the-box” mindset is applicable to
HR job seekers everywhere …especially when you come across
seemingly insurmountable roadblocks to landing that ideal HR job!
Anyway, here’s the youtube video he made about it…
Brilliant? Definitely. Question: What’s the most crazy-good, innovative job search approach you’ve heard about, read about or done yourself? Post your comments HERE.
About the author: Alan Collins was Vice President – Hu
man Resources at PepsiCo where he led HR initiatives for their Quaker Oats, Gatorade and Tropicana businesses. He is now President of Success in HR, Inc. and the author of the HR best seller, UNWRITTEN HR RULES . His new book, BEST KEPT HR SECRETS is now available on Amazon.
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HR Competencies – The 15 Most Powerful Skills For Success in Human Resources
by Alan Collins
When you have 90 seconds, check out the video below (be sure to turn up the volume!). It lays out my very jaded perspective on 15 key competencies needed for HR success. However, I’d love to get your feedback. What do you think is the ONE single most important skill or competency for success in HR? Yes, I know HR success is a mix of a lot of factors. But what’s your opinion – is there ONE key skill that is more important than all others? Post your answer HERE with your rationale. See if others agree. C’mon join in the fun!
About the author: Alan Collins was Vice President – Human Resources at PepsiCo where he led HR initiatives for their Quaker Oats, Gatorade and Tropicana businesses. He is now President of Success in HR, Inc. and the author of the HR best sellers, UNWRITTEN HR RULES and BEST KEPT HR SECRETS. His new book YOUR HR GOLDMINE is now available on Amazon.
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3-Minute Video Reveals 4 Quick Tips For Managing Your “Dotted Line” Boss in Human Resources…
by Alan Collins
When you have 3 quick minutes, check out the video below (be sure to turn up the volume!). This video provides four tips for surviving the dilemma that just about every HR leader in a large organization faces…how to manage the relationship with your “dotted-line” boss. I’d love to know what works for you so check out this video and let me know any additional suggestions or best practices you’ve found helpful — post ‘em HERE. Enjoy!
About the author: Alan Collins was Vice President – Human Resources at PepsiCo where he led HR initiatives for their Quaker Oats, Gatorade and Tropicana businesses. He is now President of Success in HR, Inc. and the author of the HR best seller, UNWRITTEN HR RULES . His new book, BEST KEPT HR SECRETS is now available on Amazon.
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7 People You Absolutely Must Have In Your HR Network — Check Out This Video!
by Alan Collins
Need to build your career network? Don’t count on your boss to tell you what to do. Instead, let this video give you some guidance and save you some time. Discover the seven people you absolutely MUST HAVE in your HR network if you want to advance your HR career. Only 2 1/2 minutes long. Turn up the volume on your computer first. Play. Sit back. Enjoy! Then, share your comments HERE.
Do you have these folks in your network? Are there other people who weren’t covered in this video? Post your comments HERE.
About the author: Alan Collins was Vice President – Human Resources at PepsiCo where he led HR initiatives for their Quaker Oats, Gatorade and Tropicana businesses. He is now President of Success in HR, Inc. and the author of the HR best seller, UNWRITTEN HR RULES . His most recent book, BEST KEPT HR SECRETS now is available on Amazon.
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10 Things Super-Busy HR People Do…To Free Up Time To Accomplish Awesome Stuff! (Part 2 of 4)
By Alan Collins
(Note: You can find Part 1 of this article HERE, Below is Part 2)
What Super-Busy HR People Do:
Strategy #5…They SWEAT!
Physical exercise…of any kind, whatsover…followed by relaxation, will clear your mind and dramatically improve your personal productivity in HR.
Jogging. Working out. Lifting weights. Treadmilling. Doing pilates. Showering.
That’s the ticket!
Now for most of us, this is a blinding flash of the obvious.
Unfortunately, for others of us in HR, we treat exercise like it’s a choice. And that’s a problem.
It reminds me of when e-mail first became widely used. I worked for a high-powered HR guy who thought doing e-mail was optional. He, like a lot of lofty executives at the time, liked to walk around bragging and saying: “Call my secretary. I don’t have email.” It was like a badge of honor. I remember thinking that my boss did not understand reality. Times had changed. His career was going to end if he couldn’t manage to take a look in his e-mail box at least once a day.
Sure enough, that’s what happened.
He thought he had a choice. So, he refused to embrace this change (and many others as well) and he quickly became a dinosaur. And, like all prehistoric creatures, he became extinct. And expendable.
Today, I believe the same is true about exercise…it is no longer optional.
It is now an essential part of building a successful career in HR.
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HR Management – Well-Known Professor Weighs In On The First Step For Career Success in Human Resources…
by Alan Collins
Between lectures on campus, I’ve asked Professor Puppet to stop by and share a quick piece of career advice. He gives you his take on the first step someone should take if their goal is to achieve success in HR management. Here’s what he had to say.
I’ll be asking the good professor to stop back by periodically to share his words of wisdom with our HR community. Feel free to provide the professor with your comments, questions, and yes, even your rebuttals… HERE:
About the author: Alan Collins was Vice President – Human Resources at PepsiCo where he led HR initiatives for their Quaker Oats, Gatorade and Tropicana businesses. He is now President of Success in HR, Inc. and the author of the HR best seller, UNWRITTEN HR RULES . His new book, BEST KEPT HR SECRETS is now available on Amazon.
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25 Things I’ve Learned in HR — The Video!
by Alan Collins
I’m sharing out some learnings I’ve shared before…this time video-style! 25 lessons based on 25 years in HR. These are truths I’ve gained from lots of personal screw-ups. A few successes. Three companies. Sixteen HR jobs and other HR folks I’ve worked with who either guide me or inspire me. Only 3 minutes long. Turn up the volume on your computer first. Play. Sit back. Enjoy!
If you have comments, insights or push-backs, please post them HERE.
About the author: Alan Collins was Vice President – Human Resources at PepsiCo where he led HR initiatives for their Quaker Oats, Gatorade and Tropicana businesses. He is now President of Success in HR, Inc. and the author of the HR best seller, UNWRITTEN HR RULES . His new book, BEST KEPT HR SECRETS is now available on Amazon.
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10 Things Super-Busy HR People Do…To Free Up Time To Accomplish Awesome Stuff! (Part 1 of 4)
By Alan Collins
Like many HR folks, I’ve discovered that the most precious job asset I have is my TIME. I always seem to be “running out of it.”
There never seems to be enough of it to allow me to think, plan, create, network, solve problems or to capitalize on awesome HR opportunities.
There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t push something aside, and say to myself: “Boy, if I were able to squeeze in an extra hour to work on this, it would make a huge difference.”
Not to make excuses, but there are many enemies stand in my way. I call them TIME VAMPIRES.
What are time vampires?
They are selfish, needy, and vicious creatures who want to suck up all my attention, energy and productivity.
They’re absolutely everywhere. They’re always on the attack. And, they’re ruthless.
I confess that I’m not always 100% successful in dealing with them and it’s a never ending battle. I’ve learned painfully that I can’t give up, so I persist. However, I’ve discovered that the #1 key to protecting myself from these blood-sucking creatures is being able to spot them and deal with them when they first appear.
So, if you’re a super-busy HR pro, juggling a thousand different priorities, and want to figure out what to do so you can accomplish those things that really matter…then, tune in.
There are all kinds of time vampires you should be aware of. We’ll cover strategies for dealing with 10 of them in this three-part series. Below are the first four in this series…
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Grow Your HR Network Like It’s On Steroids — In Just 5 Ridiculously Simple Steps!
by Alan Collins
Having a great network of contacts is absolutely essential for building an awesome career in HR.
To get ahead, you and I both know you need to regularly polish up and grow your relationships, your contacts, your admirers…and those advocates who can speak up favorably about you and your HR career.
But this takes time.
And like everyone else in HR, you’re buried in your day job.
You don’t have time to waste…er, I mean..to devote to chatting people up over dinner or coffee. Or to dress up to attend fancy networking meetings (like the one pictured above). Or to attend boring-as-hell outside events to meet new people. Or to do the 500 other face-to-face things you know you ought to do to help your career down the road. You’re just too busy.
Relax, help is here.
Here are 5 simple things you CAN do.
Spend just 10 minutes a day on them and you’re golden.
You’ll keep your current relationships fresh and you’ll create an avalanche of new ones. It’s like exercising and using illegal steroids to build your body. Doing a little bit every day will give you tremendous results — except unlike steroids you have none of the harmful, life-threatening risks.
So, here it is, your 10 minute a day game plan in five simple steps. Do it over lunch or when you have a break in your schedule.
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“I Want A Promotion, Not a Lateral Move!” 8 Things To Consider Before You Decide To Move Sideways in HR…
By Alan Collins
You’ve been asked to interview for a new job. If you accept it, it would be a lateral, “developmental” move.
That means you’d have an equivalent title, same salary grade, but work in a different HR function in the same company you now work in.
But you’re not sure about it.
You’ve busted your butt. Your last performance review was off-the-charts awesome. You’ve been getting great vibes from your current boss. Your clients are raving about you.
But you’re looking for a promotion, not a freakin’ lateral move!
However, you love the company. But business results are in the toilet. The stock is under water. You’ve heard rumors about a possible HR re-organization and layoffs.
You talk to your boss about interviewing for this new job. She is sympathetic and would hate to lose you. But, given the rumors, she can’t honestly guarantee you’ll get promoted soon, even though she thinks you’re ready now. She will support whatever decision you make.
Should you look into this lateral move? Here are the 8 key questions (and some advice) you really need to ask first…or you’ll hate yourself later…
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8 Ways To Get People To Give A Damn About You, Your Ideas and Your HR Career
By Alan Collins
You’ve tried to get their attention.
You’ve read the right HR books.
You’ve taken advice from your mentors.
You’ve updated your profile on LinkedIn.
You’ve attended the most popular HR seminars to stay up to date.
And, you’ve even freshened up your appearance.
But it ain’t working.
You aren’t being taken seriously by your boss. Or your colleagues. Or by your organization. They aren’t giving you the time of day. They’re ignoring your contributions. They drag their feet returning your texts, e-mails and voice mails. Your ideas are being rebuffed.
Frankly, they’re just not that into you, your ideas or your career.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s your fault not theirs. Fortunately, help is here. Here are 8 ways to turn this situation around.
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How I Used Social Media to Reinvent My Career in HR – And How You Can Too!
by Alan Collins
Are you frustrated with the progress you’ve been making in your HR career?
Is it time to “reinvent” your career to maximize your impact, income and success in HR?
If so, you’ll be interested in a seminar I’ll be participating in on February 24 in Chicago.
This all-day seminar is entitled “Using Digital Tools and Social Networks To Recruit Talent and Build Your Brand.” This event is sponsored by Toby Nathan and the RecruitAStar organization along with unGeeked Elite.
If you’re involved in the recruiting and talent acquisition side of HR, and want to leverage the explosive growth of social media and digital tools to help your recruiting effectiveness, then you’ll definitely NOT want to miss this seminar.
Bill Boorman, Tom Steele, Mike Temkin, and Carl Kutsmode are all experts have cracked the code on social media and will help you become a hero (or heroine) in your organization by enabling you to take your talent acquisition efforts to the next level.
As for me, I’ll be focusing my presentation on a different aspect of social media.
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4 “Unconventional” HR Job Hunting Secrets…From The Homeless Man with the Golden Voice
by Kevin Donlin
Hi, I’m Kevin Donlin and an executive job search consultant.
Alan Collins asked me to stop by and provide you with some of my “unconventional” strategies for landing your next HR gig.
So I’m going to provide you with four quick tips.
And they start with Ted Williams (pictured left).
Maybe you’ve heard of him and his “golden voice.” If you’ve been hiding in a cave for the last week, then check his video below:
Ted is the formerly homeless, formerly unemployed man who was hired — literally off the street — by the Cleveland Cavaliers for his dream job as an announcer. Other job offers are still pouring in from around the country.
If you’re unemployed in HR, you can learn a lot from Ted Williams’ job search.
Here’s why…
No HR manager, headhunter or hiring manager would ever say to a homeless person, “You know what you need to do? Go stand in traffic with a sign and talk like a radio DJ to every person you meet.”
Ted could have followed every single piece of conventional job search advice — gone to his local library, waited to use the free computers, and applied online for advertised jobs. And he would still be unemployed.
Luckily, Ted Williams is a natural born Guerrilla Job Hunter.
He did four simple things, which you can do, too …
1. Ted got out of the house and met people
If there’s one advantage to being homeless in a job search, it’s this: You can’t avoid meeting people.
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