Interview with a Human Resources Professional
Jan Dittemore, human resources professional at PlattForm Advertising, talks about her experience in the HR industry and gives advice to those interested in entering the profession.
Question: Why did you enter HR?
Jan's Answer: I really enjoy working with people. I'm a people person much more than a numbers person. I dabbled in HR during my career at Sprint. As time went on, I got involved with benefits and payroll, which eventually brought me to PlattForm. At PlattForm, I enjoy assisting folks in disputing medical claims, going to bat for them and problem solving.
Question: What are your main duties?
Jan's Answer: Benefits – open enrollment every fall where employees can change what medical, dental and life insurance they signed up for and disputing insurance claims. I'm also in charge of new hire orientation, the associate handbook and new employee paperwork – 14 pages of it! I do payroll every other week; there are 26 pay periods this year. I also assist in conflict resolution between employees and between employees and supervisors. Planning company events like the company picnic and holiday party is another part of my position.
Question: What's a day in the life like for you?
Jan's Answer: No day is the same – a lot of variety, which I really, really like. Yesterday, payroll took all of my day; we have three companies we do payroll for. I start my day by coming in and checking email and voicemail and responding to questions. Questions can be anything from, “How do I sign in for PTO (paid time off)?†to “I'm having trouble with my insurance – can you help?â€
I also help with interviews, keep up on paperwork and make sure our system is updated with names changing because of marriage, and raises. Sometimes, folks will come in and just need someone to listen – sometimes it can get emotional.
Question: What's your favorite part of being an HR professional?
Jan's Answer: (Jan points to a bulletin board at the front of her office with pictures of employees' kids) PlattForm kids! Keeping track of the kids helps build community – people feel like they belong, and loved ones feel welcomed.
Question: What advice do you have for people interested in HR?
Jan's Answer: While still in college, try to find an internship or side job for experience. Also, having a PHR (Professional Human Resources) certificate looks nice on your resume.
Question: Why did you enter HR?
Jan's Answer: I really enjoy working with people. I'm a people person much more than a numbers person. I dabbled in HR during my career at Sprint. As time went on, I got involved with benefits and payroll, which eventually brought me to PlattForm. At PlattForm, I enjoy assisting folks in disputing medical claims, going to bat for them and problem solving.
Question: What are your main duties?
Jan's Answer: Benefits – open enrollment every fall where employees can change what medical, dental and life insurance they signed up for and disputing insurance claims. I'm also in charge of new hire orientation, the associate handbook and new employee paperwork – 14 pages of it! I do payroll every other week; there are 26 pay periods this year. I also assist in conflict resolution between employees and between employees and supervisors. Planning company events like the company picnic and holiday party is another part of my position.
Question: What's a day in the life like for you?
Jan's Answer: No day is the same – a lot of variety, which I really, really like. Yesterday, payroll took all of my day; we have three companies we do payroll for. I start my day by coming in and checking email and voicemail and responding to questions. Questions can be anything from, “How do I sign in for PTO (paid time off)?†to “I'm having trouble with my insurance – can you help?â€
I also help with interviews, keep up on paperwork and make sure our system is updated with names changing because of marriage, and raises. Sometimes, folks will come in and just need someone to listen – sometimes it can get emotional.
Question: What's your favorite part of being an HR professional?
Jan's Answer: (Jan points to a bulletin board at the front of her office with pictures of employees' kids) PlattForm kids! Keeping track of the kids helps build community – people feel like they belong, and loved ones feel welcomed.
Question: What advice do you have for people interested in HR?
Jan's Answer: While still in college, try to find an internship or side job for experience. Also, having a PHR (Professional Human Resources) certificate looks nice on your resume.
