Starting Out in Human Resources
Human resources can prove to be a difficult field when starting out, especially when working for a small business. There is a considerable amount of information to learn, and each company’s hiring process will vary. Big and small corporations each have different processes, and you will have different tools at your disposal, depending on where you work. It is important to know what you’re getting into, so you can do the best job possible. Luckily, there are some affordable databases out there that can help you screen employees more efficiently.
Small Companies vs. Big Companies
The biggest difference between working in human resources for a small company versus a large company is the amount of resources available to you. When working for a company with many employees, you may receive proper training, a support system in the staff, and the budget for subscriptions to databases for thorough background screening. A small company has to navigate the same waters with less money, so making the most efficient use of your time and given resources becomes essential to succeed.
Fact Checking on the Internet
Computers have made staffing far easier for modern businesses in many ways. The Internet is an invaluable tool in verifying the accuracy of information provided by prospective employees. Whether you are exploring the existence of a prior employer or filling in the blanks with fields left empty on the application, a human-resource coordinator’s best friend can be found right in their web browser’s bookmarks. Time spent online can reduce greatly the amount of time spent on the phone and in meetings, trying to attain the necessary information for a candidate’s employment.
Specific Factors
The background screening process remains largely the same from company to company, consisting of inquiries about a person’s criminal record, finances, and references. Beyond that, the qualities for the right new hire will range far and wide from one employer to the next. Human resources must investigate the applicant’s specific skills, connections, and education before an employer considers conducting an interview.
Larger companies may have a whole department devoted to this area. Depending on the size and budget of the establishment, there may be a team of lawyers, private investigator, or team of human-resource workers finding all this information in a day or two. With a small company, it may rest on one person to find all this. Thankfully, there are affordable databases online that can save time and effort screening employees for you. Take the time to explore them, as they will save you time, money, and effort in the long run.
Patrick Whalen is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow him @2patwhalen.