Veterans offer more than where they earn degrees
Johnny C. Taylor Jr., a human-resources expert, is tackling your questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society.
The questions are submitted by readers, and Taylor's answers below have been edited for length and clarity.
Question: I’m retiring from the military after 24 years and very interested in working in human resources. Are bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited for-profit universities viewed unfavorably by employers, and are online universities viewed differently than brick-and-mortar schools? Also, do certificate programs help in HR? – John
Johnny C. Taylor Jr.: I salute you for your service and congratulate you on your retirement from the military.
Veterans are entrepreneurial and resilient and exhibit advanced teambuilding abilities – all of which are crucial to success in the workplace. Twothirds of employers say veterans perform better than their civilian peers, and veterans also tend to stay in jobs longer.
These positive traits and skills transfer well to HR, so your interest in our profession is well-founded, and I think you’ll find yourself well-suited for the role.
Where you earn your degree is not the most important aspect of your qualifications. It’s just one dimension of you as a candidate – and experienced hiring managers understand that.
To illustrate this, many HR professionals say they view online degrees favorably, and most organizations hire candidates with these degrees.
Employers care more about what you studied and how your education and related experiences equip you for a position. You’ll want to work to distinguish yourself in your studies and supplement your education with related work experience and volunteer activities, as well as participate in HR professional organizations.
Certification matters, too. Being certified in HR shows employers that you can put your knowledge to use effectively in the workplace. Keep in mind that certifications differ from certificates because they must be renewed and kept current. Keeping your certification up to date shows employers you are continuing to gain new knowledge.
Q: What information is included in a background check? – Aaron
Taylor: A background check can screen for criminal history; verify identity, education and employment; and gather professional references.
It also can include credit history checks, scrutiny of motor-vehicle records and reviews of social media accounts.
The information collected during a background check varies from employer to employer. Jobs in government, transportation, medical, education and child care, for example, mandate extensive background checks. The finance industry frequently checks credit history, utility companies (gas and electric) commonly review driving records, and most real estate employers conduct criminal background checks.
As for what is covered, a criminal history – the most common type of check – can contain information on arrests and convictions as well as information on unpaid parking tickets and similar infractions. Employment history examines dates of employment, job titles, duties performed and circumstances surrounding the worker’s departure.