Monthly Archives: August 2016

Human Resources

HR to Launch New Recruitment Platform in September

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Woman at computerSMU Human Resources is excited to announce the introduction of a new recruitment platform scheduled to go live in mid-September.

The Oracle cloud-based software, Taleo, was chosen to improve the recruiting process for all users – the hiring manager, applicant, and HR Business Partner.  SMU HR, in partnership with OIT, has been working to configure the new system which is expected to eliminate many paper forms and streamline processes.

Features and Updates for Hiring Managers

The Taleo system introduces many new tools and improvements for hiring managers recruiting for staff positions.

  • The ability to initiate the recruitment process, seek the appropriate approvals, and monitor progress of the recruitment via the online system and a manager dashboard.
  • Taleo will be integrated with four major job boards (CareerBuilder, LinkedIn, HigherEdJobs, and Monster) for faster advertising of posted positions.
  • The ability for the candidate to upload a cover letter or sample of work for your review.
  • A robust screening tool that will help hiring managers identify applicants who not only meet the minimum requirements but also preferred qualifications by using ACE (pre-screen) questions that every applicant will complete.
  • An evaluation tool that will enable hiring managers to capture feedback from interview committee members electronically. The tool will allow managers to view a summary and comments from interviewers within the system, and best of all – no forms to collect.
  • The Taleo system has been integrated with our new background check service, HireRight, to collect background check releases via a secure online portal versus using a paper form.
  • Human Resources will be building a library of messages that hiring managers can use to quickly communicate with an applicant about their status within the recruiting process.
Training for Hiring Managers

HR and OIT are working on training materials to help hiring managers learn the new platform. HR Business Partners will also work one-on-one with hiring managers to learn the new system as they have a recruitment need. More information about training resources will be made available in September.

Implementation Information

HR and OIT are targeting mid-September for implementation. HR may need to temporarily hold any new job postings for several days as the new system comes online. In most cases, hiring managers with jobs posted in our current e-Recruit system will complete their recruiting process in e-Recruit, however your HR Business Partner will be your best source of information as implementation approaches.

At this time, Taleo will only be used to manage the recruiting process for benefits-eligible staff.  Faculty should continue using their current processes for hiring faculty and adjunct professors.

Human Resources

Important Information for Managers Regarding Hiring Student Workers and Temporary Employees

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As a manager, it is important to understand new and current processes in place so that you may communicate with you team and ensure you and  they are appropriately utilizing the resources available to them.

beautiful business woman and her team in an officeTwo recent posts by  HR provide updates on the hiring process for temporary employees and student workers as well as the use of the new ePAF process for these employee types.

Please review these posts and then ensure your team understands the new processes and is utilizing the appropriate forms.

Questions about the hiring packets may be directed to the HR Talent Management Team at RecruitU@smu.edu.

Questions about the new ePAF should be directed to Payroll at payroll@smu.edu.

Human Resources, OIT, Risk Mgmt

Professional Development as a Tool to Connect With and Retain Your Employees

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Professional development, when properly utilized, helps organizations attract and retain top talent, increase employee engagement and satisfaction, and boost innovation within the team.  When a manager supports and encourages professional development, employees are more likely to translate their knowledge into team success.

What can you do to ensure your employees are growing in the ways that support your team’s goals?

1. Make professional development part of your regular conversations

manageManagers should include professional development as part of their regular goal setting conversations to ensure any gaps in hard (the “what” they do) or soft skills (“how” they do it) are identified and managed before they become an issue.   Asking the employee to look for ways to close the gap (through workshops, readings, job shadowing, cross functional teams, etc..) encourages employee ownership of the learning.  Additionally assessing a team’s needs and having the team identify ways to fill the gap encourages employees supporting each other toward success.

2. Create opportunities for your employees to share and learn from others

team5People enjoy learning from others. Finding ways to allow those with expertise share their knowledge or skill with others fosters collaborative environments and strong connections. This can be as simple as bringing the team together to hear what a team member learned in a workshop or conference session or to discuss a book they just read.

3. Share your own experiences about your professional growth

team4Help your team understand how you got to your current role and where you hope to be in the future. Your team will learn that you value growth and development and, if you are candid, will be more likely to discuss their own concerns and take advantage of opportunities to get better.

Regular conversations about personal goals and professional development shows your employees that you care, that you support them, and that you encourage their personal success.

Professional Development resources available at SMU:

HR Professional Development Workshops: open to all employees, free of charge

HR Manager Lunch and Learn Series:  pop up sessions on topics that matter in the moment

SMU Manager Orientation Program:  open to all newly hired, current, and aspiring managers; also free of charge

Total Orientation Process for New Employees:  supporting new employees during their probationary period of employment

Tuition Benefits Program: available for regular benefits-eligible employees, their spouse, and dependents

IT Training:  open to all employees, free of charge

Lynda.com:  online learning offered via SMU OIT and available for all employees

SMU Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE):  offering an SMU employee discount.  Call or email for specifics.

SMU Cox Executive Education Professional Development: Friends and Family Discount of 50% off all Programs for Individuals, including  the Summer Business Institute.

Human Resources

Kelly @ SMU – Hiring Manager Information Sessions for Temporary Staff Positions

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Kelly@SMU

Woman at computerSMU previously announced the selection of Kelly Services as our preferred provider for temporary staffing services and solutions.

 

Since 1946, the world’s most respected institutions have turned to Kelly for strategic and innovative staffing solutions. Their portfolio enables them to meet staffing needs across all departments, from office to IT, service to healthcare, and many more!

In this strategic supplier capacity, Kelly will serve as our “one call” solution for the SMU’s temporary staffing needs.

Successful Transition 

Kelly@SMUhas been working since May to transition the current in-house temporary employee pool and is available to assist in filling new temporary positions, as needed, going forward.

Hiring Manager Informational Session

You may have attended a session earlier this summer and if so, you do not need to repeat the session unless you would like to refresh on the process.

If not, Kelly@SMU would like to invite you and other SMU staff on your team involved with hiring temporary employees to a Hiring Manager Informational Session.

These sessions provide an overview of the new relationship and the processes for placing requests for temporary staff, and answer any questions and/or concerns you may have. It is extremely important that you make every effort to attend one of these meetings.

Sessions are scheduled on the following dates and times:

Wednesday August 31 4:00-5:00 pm HTSC Portico BCD
(3rd level)
Wednesday Sept 7 3:00–4:00 pm HTSC Forum
(1st level)

No RSVP is requested.

Questions may be directed to Leigh Wilson, SMU’s on-site Kelly representative located in the HR Office at leighw@smu.edu  or 8-3166 or you may contact HR’s Talent Management Team at RecruitU@smu.edu.