| Topic Name: |
Second Interview with HR |
| Message Name: |
Naive, but open... |
| Date Posted: |
04/17/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
Hopefully you'll take this as a constructive criticism but your post hints at your lack of confidence and preparation. As someone who has made it to the second round, you should be more informed about what it is you know and don't know about your prospective employer.
By now, you should know about their business, how they do it, with what resources, and their financial outlook. You should already have a feel for their culture and how you'll fit in. You must already have met your future manager and a few of your teammates. You should already be able to state with 99.5% clarity what is expected of you and what you'll need to do to succeed wildly in the position. By now, you should have already wowed them with your qualifications, your personality, your drive, and your value. Get the picture?
One final thing, as a prospective HR staff member, turn the question around and think what kinds of questions *you* would to hear. Frankly, I think trying to second guess what the other person wants is not the best way to use up your job search energy. Sure, be prepared, but don't get so bogged down in the details that you forget what you are there for: prove that you can solve their problems within the budget they have set while fitting in. Otherwise, you're looking through the wrong end of the scope. |
| Message: |
I very much appreciate your message and admit you are right in your suggestions, which are obviously applicable to any job seeker.
I don't want to be too defensive and to justify my question, but please let me describe the picture more clearly.
The fact is that it is not the lack of preparation that made me ask it, but the contrary. The company I am applying to has got such a comprehensive website, that the usual questions about their business/culture etc. would be absolutely superfluous.
To better understand my experience, let me tell you that in fact I only expressed my interest in pursuing an HR career (starting probably in recruiting/training field), but got no clue in what position they would see me fit. I passed the behavioural screening and wait for the next round not knowing exactly what is "the" thing they are especially looking for. Probably general HR skills, interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work with others etc., which I believe are some of my strenghts.
Under these circumstances, my question was: what could I particularly ask apart from obvious questions about business, career opportunity etc.?
My little experience told me it was time to show empathy and understand better what my recruiter expected within the company's strong culture.
Please let me know your thoughts; they are really helpful for a beginner.
I would also appreciate your comments on the qualities YOU would seek in an individual who aspires to become a good HR specialist.
Thanks again.
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