Brook Kiecksee’s Post

Meet Laura Bleakney, Director of Swanlund HR at Illinois Human Resources! Learn more about Laura in the Q&A below. #RealizingHRProfessionals 1. What brings you the most fulfillment as an HR professional? Honestly, it’s the thrill of reading yet another creative way to say "good at multitasking" on a résumé. Just kidding, it’s all about seeing people succeed and love what they do. We have the pleasure of supporting a large variety of departments and colleges. Working with others can be incredibly fulfilling, especially when you get to collaborate with diverse individuals, share ideas, and build strong relationships. It brings opportunities to learn from different perspectives, foster teamwork, and create a positive, inclusive work environment. Helping people grow, solving challenges together, and celebrating collective achievements can make working with others both enjoyable and rewarding. 2. Why do you choose to work at Illinois? It’s the people, the endless cornfields, and the fact that you can experience all four seasons in one day. 3. Do you prefer coffee or tea? Hot chocolate, please and thank you! 4. Are you a night person or a morning person? Night person. 5. What’s something unique about YOU that you would share with your HR colleagues? I have a strong sense of direction. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gW-Y3Eg8

Attention #jobseekers #jobopportunities Available Now! If you think the job market has slowed due to Q4, think again. Are you #opentowork? Were you part of a recent #layoff, part of a #reductioninworkforce, #laidoff? Check out this new #jobposting with City of Providence! I can help you navigate your search with my 20 years of experience in the industry and as a #resumewriter. I can prepare a strong ATS friendly resume to get you results and get you back to work QUICKLY! There is a lot more competition with the recent #layoffs, so it’s even more important you stand out from the competition, and you have a proven job search strategy. How I can help you: • Customized resume preparation- taking the time to thoroughly understand your expertise, not just providing a basic questionnaire or mass-produced “cookie-cutter” resume template. • LinkedIn profile preparation/optimization. • Job search coaching to walk you step-by-step through the process so you aren’t aimlessly applying to jobs and not getting responses. • Freelance Recruiter with a vast network of hiring manager/recruiter contacts to connect you to. 90 of my clients have accepted offers in 2024, 106 accepted offers for new jobs in 2023, 124 in 2021 and 112 in 2022! One obtained a $70K increase in her previous salary, one DOUBLED his salary, THREE a $50K increase, one a $55K increase and another a $35K increase! Visit my 120+ LinkedIn recommendations of success stories. Two recent client’s success stories: “I went from constant rejection to averaging 6 interviews a week almost overnight.” “I wanted to thank you for all of your help and assistance in this process. I am going on to start my dream job thanks to you and your guidance. I wouldn't have gotten my foot in the door without your reach and connections. Again thank you so much for everything you have done for me and for others. I am blessed to have come across you in this vast network of people." Please take advantage of my FREE RESUME REVIEW offer on my website. https://lnkd.in/g-4bcFV “Remember you only get one chance to make a first impression, make it a Professional Impression!!” Benefits of hiring a Professional Resume Writer https://lnkd.in/gWpHBdBR   #careercoach #resumewriter #ono #nowhiring #gethired

Why Choose The Orchard Place to work? In today's professional landscape, the sole pursuit of financial compensation is no longer the primary motivator for individuals seeking employment. At The Orchard Place we are offering more than just a job. We're not just building structures; we're building careers and communities. Here's why we stand out: Supportive Work Culture: We foster a culture of collaboration and support. We're not just colleagues; we are a TEAM! Our open-door policy ensures that everyone's voice is heard and valued. Training and Growth Opportunities: We believe in investing in our employees' development. From on-the-job training to personalized growth plans, we're committed to helping you reach your full potential. Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in all its forms. We believe that different perspectives lead to better outcomes, which is why we're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and respected. Recognition and Appreciation: We recognize and appreciate the contributions of every team member. Whether it's a big win or a small success, your efforts never go unnoticed. Approachable Culture: Need help or have an idea? Our approachable culture means that everyone, is accessible and willing to lend a hand. Join us at The Orchard Place and be part of something extraordinary! #TeamWork #CareerGrowth #InclusiveCulture #JoinUs #Hiring #RealEstate #traininganddevelopment #

Were you or someone in your network intrigued by my recent I'm #hiring post? Want to learn more about my department at Dallas College and what we are prioritizing? Watch this video! https://lnkd.in/gD_an6GD Our work is intentional, action-forward, and high priority. We have made the following impacts: 1. Design & mandated Search Committee Effectiveness training 2. Best Place to Work strategy 3. Expanded Total Rewards strategy (3 additional holidays + 1 volunteerism day) 4. Employee Awards, Recognition, & Celebration (ARC) strategy + oversight 5.Faculty Recruitment strategy 6. Workforce Recruitment (staff, administrators, & faculty) strategy 7. Employee Wellness strategy 8. Employee Volunteerism strategy, guidelines + oversight We are also responsible for: - All Employee Resource Groups (cultural engagement) - Data collection (surveys, focus groups, interviews, etc.), analysis, reporting - Strategy design - Action planning - Execution oversight - Serving as internal consultants and thought partners to the C-Suite - Curriculum design & recommendations - We support organizational refinement & continuous improvement Consider joining us by applying today! #OrganizationalBehavior #OrganizationalDevelopment #Research #Praxis #Impact

⚽ 🔴 ⚪ 🔵 LETS GO USA 🔴 ⚪ 🔵 ⚽ What the Olympics Teach Us About Recruitment As the world tunes in to the Olympics, I'm inspired by the incredible dedication, teamwork, and strategic planning on display. Here’s how the lessons from the Olympics can be applied to recruitment: Talent Identification: Just as scouts look for unique skills in athletes, we must seek out exceptional talent with the right mix of skills, experience, and potential. Team Dynamics: Successful teams are built on diverse strengths and effective collaboration. In recruitment, understanding how candidates will fit into and enhance the existing team is crucial. Continuous Improvement: Athletes train tirelessly to refine their skills. Similarly, we should continuously refine our recruitment strategies to better meet the needs of both candidates and employers. Resilience and Adaptability: The road to the podium is often filled with challenges. Being resilient and adaptable in recruitment helps us overcome obstacles and find the best fit for every role. CURRENT ROLES: 2 Staff Accountant Roles- NJ Senior internal Auditor- NJ Payroll Accountant- NJ (new hire stock grant) Payroll Manager- NJ Director Internal Audit- NJ Manager Internal Audit- NJ Financial analyst- NJ CFO- NJ #Olympics #Recruitment #TalentAcquisition #Teamwork #ContinuousImprovement #Resilience

HR is not your enemy

Why your best employees leave?! It’s not necessarily about salary or perks. Lack of Fulfillment: When their roles don’t align with their passions, they feel unfulfilled and disengaged. Feeling Undervalued: If they don’t feel appreciated, they’ll seek validation elsewhere. Lack of Growth: Without opportunities to learn and advance, they’ll move on to where they can. Poor Management: A bad boss can drive away even the most dedicated employee. To keep your best talent, create an environment where they can thrive, grow, and feel valued. It’s that simple.

Meet Sue Key, Executive Director of Portfolio HR, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation! Learn more about Sue in the Q&A below. #RealizingHRProfessionals Could you share what brings you the most fulfillment as an HR professional? 💼 After nearly 40 years of work in HR (private sector manufacturing, state government, and academia) – it’s the people. Helping people, collaborating with people, solving problems with people and for people, talking through situations with people. It’s the people. Hearing their stories and their points of view. Striving to see things from another person’s perspective. You will always learn something from each person you interact with. Why do you choose to work at Illinois? 🔸🔹 I came here not knowing much at all about academia or the work and research done here. The prestige of the University drew me in, the people and the passion they have for their work kept me here. The OVCRI leadership team are the best people I have worked with (and I’ve worked a long time!). Do you prefer coffee or tea? ☕ Hands down, I am an iced tea person – lots of ice and fresh brewed! Are you a night person or a morning person? 🌞 I am not a crack of dawn person, but I’m also not a night owl. I would say I’m more of a ‘reasonable hour’ person! What’s something unique about YOU that you would share with your HR colleagues? 🚗🌼 I love vintage/antiques, plants (I’m a wanna-be flower farmer), and road tripping with the best hubby ever (2 hours? 20 hours? We’re driving!). Love talking about travel and traveling and making plans to travel. Want to see as much of the US as possible. Have two of the best kids ever (23y and 21y) and three doggos (Hazel, Lyza, and Mabel) – two Bernese Mountain dogs and one Heinz 57. Live in Chesterville (between Arcola and Arthur) on the Kaskaskia River and it’s heaven. If I wasn’t doing HR, I’d work with data (I’m a spreadsheet geek), and when I was younger, I would have tried my hand at being a DJ (I enjoy seeing people having fun)! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gysmxVgt

Wondering why employees stay with their company? Here are the Top 10 Reasons I've heard candidates say over the last year: 1. Competitive compensation. 2. Continuous career growth and development opportunities. 3. Meaningful and challenging work. 4. Reasonable and flexible work-life balance. 5. Supportive leadership and colleagues. 6. Trust in the company and belief in its mission. 7. Comprehensive medical benefits and additional perks. 8. Strong company values and culture. 9. Job security. 10. Emotional investment to the work and company. Are there any points you'd add? #AccountingJobs #STLjobs #PEGstaff #workwithPEG #EmployeeRetention #TopReasons #WorkplaceCulture #JobSatisfaction

Workplace Relations can feel a lot like the nerdy younger brother your mum forced you to invite to your birthday party.   You're trying desperately to hang out with L&D and OD but he's always tugging on your shirt drawing your attention away.    I'm sorry to say, friends may come and go, but you're with your brother for life. One day he may even be your best friend.    In Australia, we’ve got a workplace landscape like no other, from Fair Work laws to enterprise agreements and everything in between. So, if you’re eyeing that next step up the HR ladder, knowing your ER/IR isn’t just a “nice-to-have”- it’s your secret weapon to stand out to hiring managers! 🔍 Why Should You Care? Australia’s got a seriously strong legal framework for work conditions, wages, and employee rights. And navigating it requires some next-level knowledge of: • Award interpretations • Enterprise agreements • Fair Work legislation • Dispute resolution (because workplace dramas happen!)   Let’s be real, it can be tricky to get this experience when you're just starting out and it’s not in your job description yet. If you’re in this boat, don’t stress! Start learning the ropes now, and future-you will thank you big time.   No one expects you to master Australia’s complex labour landscape overnight. But by showing you’re eager to learn and putting in some research, you’ll be setting yourself up as best you can 🌱   Links in the comments for some to help you along the way!