Claire Henser

About my job

What does your department do?

We cover several topics in the HR department which mainly involve around our employees. We handle all aspects of recruitment for the entire company, organise training for employees for all departments, keeping all records up to date on our SelectHR system, carry out annual PDR’s and salary reviews and bonuses at the end of the year, overseeing staff benefits and making sure that they are renewed on time, some fleet administration.

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

As an administrative position, my role is quite busy. Recruitment is a big part of my job and is always on going whether it is advertising and recruiting, or overseeing new joiners and completing paperwork for their files. I also provide support to the HR Assistant and Group HR Manager so I am always on hand to create reports or letters/correspondence and arrange meetings as and when needed. I am the main point of contact for the department, so I ensure all phone calls are answered and I meet and greet visitors to the department in reception.

What do you like about what you do?

I really enjoy my job as I care about the development of employees of the company. It’s good to work for a company who really values their employees as this makes it extra rewarding and I like resourcing and recruiting the best employees to work for such a rewarding company and its even better that the company really values its employees. I enjoy having and building good working relationships with people across the business.

Why did you choose this career?

I have been working in administration for 7 years, working within a couple of different industries in which I have touched on HR areas but not fully. It was last year that I decided that I wanted to take my experience and make a career in HR. I find HR very interesting and enjoy all aspects of the industry. I was even luckier to find a career in HR working for a property development company in which I hold an interest in. So having the chance to expand my knowledge and experience in HR and learn about the property industry is a real bonus for me.

What qualifications did you need to get this job?

I did not need any qualifications to get the job, it was based more on my experience and how I would develop into the role.

Is there any particular advice you would give to someone looking for a career in your area of work?

In my experience of working in a HR Team, you need to have good interpersonal skills as you are dealing with people every day. The ability to make a good judgement of people is always good and this is essential in recruiting, ensuring that the best people are hired for the company. You must be able to work well in a team and be flexible to adapt to different things or projects that arise. IT skills are also essential as it is a lot of computer based work.

If you have a degree or have any specific CIPD qualifications then this is also good.

Questions & Answers

What hobbies or interests do you have?

I enjoy cooking, spending time with my family and friends and attending Zumba classes.

What’s your favourite type of music?

I love dance and RnB music. I find music very relaxing and an instant mood lifter.

What’s your favourite film / film genre?

I cannot pick a favourite film as I have so many but my favourite genre is comedy. I also enjoy rom-coms and crime dramas.

Where’s your favourite place to go on holiday?

My favourite place to go on holiday is the Maldives. I recently went there on my honeymoon and it is idyllic. Total relaxation in paradise!