Use workers to their — and your — advantage

Human resources have changed through the years along with how job seekers are recruited. Technology offers advantages if specialists know how to use it.

Meghan M. Biro, a Forbes analyst, brand strategist and TalentCulture chief executive officer, talked with experts from EverLearn Associates — which “develops customized training based on the specific challenges and issues our clients face” — and EverLearn CEO Codi Shewan about the best of HR.

Among the top recruiting tips, use resumes and applications as a start. Yet, put the greatest emphasis on the whole person and the fit for corporate culture. Evaluate not so much on current skills as much as potential for growth.

“Brand your company as it really is, not what you think it should be,” Biro said. “Leverage your employees to maximize employee referrals.

“Create a competitive compensation package that also reflects your culture,” she said. “Don’t limit your search to candidates with similar work histories.”

EverLearn Associates emphasized that soft skills can be just as important as technical skills. Hire individuals open to learning and growing with the company.

“Ask your team members for referrals,” Shewan said. “They know the company’s culture and what it takes to get the job done. They just might know the perfect individual for the job.”

More than words and stats

In the past, human resources might have viewed recruits as akin to plug-and-play — looking at words and stats more than at the people themselves.

With workers less inclined to spend careers at one company, HR has more incentive to get picks right the first time.

“New technologies now automate a lot of the work traditionally done by HR professionals,” Biro said. “We have programs that automate payroll and streamline the onboarding process, as well as platforms that simplify the recruiting process and talent-management systems.

“Rather than focusing on managing personnel and administrative tasks, today’s HR departments are spending more time and energies managing employee engagement and strengthening culture,” she said.

Human resources leaders also have more prestige.

“Today, the HR sits at the executive table and makes recommendations toward processes, business solutions and approaches likely to improve the ability of the employees to perform better,” Biro said.

The EverLearn Associates pros said technology has changed the way companies recruit.

“Resources such as LinkedIn, Indeed and Facebook allow us to know more about a candidate before the interview,” the experts said. “This comes with advantages and challenges.”

Shewan agreed that HR plays “a much larger role in organizations. Over the past few years, there has been a greater emphasis on the importance of creating a strong corporate culture.”

Real life matters

New managers and human resources leaders shouldn’t think they know everything because they are certified and read case studies. There’s theory, and then there’s real life.

Get to know your people and culture before jumping to conclusions and decisions.

“To retain top talent, you must value your team members and provide them with opportunities to grow,” Shewan said. “Create an environment that encourages collaboration, productive changes and gives everyone a voice.”

Incentives will reward workers and the company alike.

“If you want to keep the best employees around, it’s imperative that you offer them the ability to acquire new skills and learn new things,” Biro said. “Don’t take them for granted and expect them to stay.”

She said HR must make communication and delegating top priorities.

“Learn to delegate effectively,” Biro said. “Delegating is not about abdicating responsibility but giving a task to the right person and managing the process.

“Have a vision, but be flexible,” she said. “Know what you want to accomplish and why, but also be curious enough to discover what you don’t know.”

About The Author

Jim Katzaman is a manager at Largo Financial Services and worked in public affairs for the Air Force and federal government. You can connect with him on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.