In the current job market, there has been a huge focus on the role of HR within the corporate structure. The department serves many functions within a company. But due to legal constraints, there are many things the Human Resources department can’t or won’t tell you. It can be incredibly frustrating to those looking for employment. However, that doesn’t mean that HR doesn’t want you to know them. Rather than having to guess or learn them the hard way, here are 7 things jobseekers should know about HR.
The Role of HR
The Human Resources department plays several different roles in the company, not all of which are immediately obvious. Your first exposure to HR is when they are interviewing and hiring new employees. However, the department is also responsible for managing benefits, compensation, and employee development. Some of the less pleasant aspects of their involvement also include monitoring and mediating relationships between employees. For small businesses looking to streamline these HR processes, opting for a suitable hris for small business can greatly enhance operational efficiency and ensure smooth personnel management.
Due to the sensitive information they handle concerning employees, there is a certain level of secrecy that comes with the job. Therefore, HR can’t legally disclose data without proper authorization. Otherwise, the company could face serious repercussions.
7 Things Jobseekers Should Know About HR
If you are currently in the job market, then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the interview process and HR policies. Here are 7 things all jobseekers should know about HR.
1. Not all things are confidential.
Although you probably assume everything in their files is top secret, this isn’t always the case. While many things should remain private, there are instances when HR has to break anonymity.
For example, if a crime has been committed or there is a complaint of sexual harassment, HR is legally obligated to launch an investigation and/or report it to authorities. So keep in mind that there are legal limitations to what they can share, but most things remain on a need-to-know basis rather than strictly confidential.
2. They are allowed to mislead staff.
While lying may be a strong word, there are situations where HR may intentionally mislead people or omit information to protect the company. This often happens when promotions and layoffs are happening and the higher-ups don’t want to cause panic. HR will often redirect questions or withhold information until the paperwork is finalized and a formal announcement is made. It is also a common practice when there are complaints or interpersonal issues between employees. In these cases, it is safer to err on the side of caution.
3. Your online presence may affect your employment.
In today’s world, people document many personal details of their lives on social media. An online search can reveal intimate details about your life, opinions, and relationships. But keep in mind that if the information is publically available, then there is a strong possibility that HR will be monitoring what you post, especially when you are applying for jobs.
Therefore, be cautious about what you share online. I personally know several people who have lost their jobs or been denied an interview for this very reason. Even if your profile is set to private, the information is still out there. So, try to prevent your personal life from negatively impacting your professional opportunities by presenting yourself in the best possible light.
4. Avoid causing drama in the workplace.
It can be hard to maintain boundaries between your personal and professional life when you become friends with your coworkers. Although having friends in the workplace can make your job more satisfying, you need to be careful about how much you disclose to people. You never know who may hear something damaging and report you to HR.
The best policy is to always maintain a certain level of professionalism when you are attending company events outside of office hours. Don’t assume that something you share in confidence will remain secret. Likewise, you should also check your personal drama at the front doors and keep it out of the workplace. But if things at home are affecting your performance at work, you may want to alert your employer to the situation so they don’t lose trust in your ability to do your job.
5. They may require information about your health.
In most cases, you don’t have to inform your employer about any health conditions if it doesn’t impede your ability to perform the essential functions of your job. This means that you don’t have to provide details of an illness if you are using sick days or PTO.
However, if you require certain accommodations, then you may have to disclose this information to the HR department. For example, they may require documentation to establish your disability within the definitions of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and determine what you need in the workplace. Or if you are requesting medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you will need to provide a medical certificate verifying your condition. Although you are not obligated to do so, it may also be a good idea to discuss any other physical or mental health conditions that could interfere with your job before it becomes an issue.
6. They can discuss details of termination with new employers.
Other things jobseekers should know when they apply is that the company will often ask for references or permission to contact their previous employers. Although the company won’t always check into these, you should think carefully about your response.
If they decide to call your former employers, HR can discuss your performance and reasons for leaving, including the events leading to termination. Generally speaking, they don’t usually like to disclose a lot of information about previous employees due to legal restrictions. But, you should be aware of this when you are sending out resumes in case there are things from your past that you prefer staying there.
7. HR cannot deny you access to your benefits or professional development.
Many companies offer financial and educational benefits to their employees. These can include sick days, PTO, 401(k) contribution matching, health insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid certifications, travel expenses for conferences, and attendance at professional seminars, just to name a few.
If you have access to any of these, it can provide immediate relief in the case of illness, alleviate the financial burden of higher education, and help you get closer to your retirement goals. While most HR departments expect employees to utilize these benefits, they will not go out of their way to ensure that you are taking advantage of them. So if you have any questions about eligibility, reach out to someone in HR and learn how you can take advantage of your benefits.
Final Thoughts
Although many people are intimidated by HR and avoid communication, it can be a great resource for employees. They are especially helpful to new hires who have questions as they learn how things work. Among the things that jobseekers should know about HR is that their primary goal is to protect the company and its employees. Even when they provide information, they cannot always be as open as they would like. So always choose your words wisely and act with professionalism anytime you are dealing with the Human Resources department.
Read More
- 10 Signs That It Is Time to Renegotiate Your Salary
- How Full-Time Benefits Impact the Job-Seeking Market
- 5 Benefits to Look For This National Employee Benefits Day
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.
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