Humans or resources?
THE human resource (HR) department is essentially the heart of any company, pumping blood to every department so they can function at their fullest potential. Like parents seeing their child for the first time, we in HR are the first people one meets at the beginning of what could be a long and fulfilling journey.
It is our job to ensure that the talents we bring in are nurtured and given the space to grow. The harshest reality of being in this field is possessing this unwavering optimism that makes everybody a viable candidate for the role. Applying for a job will always be a two-way street. It’s neither human or resource but humans being resourceful and knowing how to humanize the resource.
The job hunt can be treated like a strategic game. We play to acquire growth and stability, we choose the right combination of moves to avoid stagnation and misery. But what’s the cheat code? Obviously, there’s no one way to go through the process. It’s a matter of great timing and patience.
Two things, however, will always hold true: seeing opportunities for what they are and finding a job that brings purpose and slight discomfort. It’s truly inspiring to witness individuals who are actively exploring all their possibilities because they exude this energy that screams “I know what I want and I will do what it takes to get it.” People who bring this energy to interviews attract it back to themselves and more often than not it works out in their favor.
A slight discomfort, meanwhile, is a vital component because it means doing something new. Pushing one’s self out of a comfort zone, trying different things and acquiring skills that can make them more rounded individuals. It takes a special kind of person to see hardships or even minor inconveniences as making the mundane exciting — challenges that make one better equipped to live a fulfilled life.
A humbling aspect of working in human resources is the privilege to hear other people’s stories, learning about what they’ve been through and what led them there. It’s both an honor and a reminder that more than being assets to the company, they are people also trying to figure things out.
Once they’re hired, it’s our job to ensure that they have everything they need to write the company as one of the greatest chapters in their tales. It’s often overlooked but the biggest impact we can make in an organization can result from the simplest action of showing people we truly care. This job isn’t hard to do or love because each day is all about understanding the humans behind the resources.
Nikki Favila is a people associate at First Circle. Her line of work is primarily centered on recruiting promising individuals for the firm. Outside of the office, she enjoys drinking good coffee, spending time with people she loves and telling great jokes. Most days it’s all three at the same time.