Bio: Nancy pursued a degree in “Work & Organizational Psychology” at the Lebanese University and a full curriculum of SPHR- Senior Professional Human Resources. She’s been actively engaged in the Lebanese HR field since 2006 and has worked across many industries. In addition to working as “recruitment officer” in one of the biggest Retail companies in Lebanon, Nancy is today an instructor at the University Saint Joseph (USJ) in Beirut- Lebanon, in the Work and Organizational Psychology Program.
Questions: 1.What is the most important thing you look for in new hires?
Attitude: Educational background and professional experience are not the only things to be taken into consideration when interviewing a potential candidate. I very much stress on personality and attitude as well- positive and flexible attitude that enables a candidate to be productive not only individually but also as part of a team. Positive attitude is the key of learning and career success
2.What is the biggest challenge you face in hiring talent?
Detecting the high potential of a candidate with minimum cost and time – any HR professional acknowledges the process of finding the right candidates with the right skill set is not an easy thing done and one has to be very diligent to ensure he’s making the right hiring decisions
3.What is your favorite part of your role?
Training and performance evaluation. The ability to attend to our team’s professional and personal development and being an active contributor of the entire process is definitely my best part of the role
4.What do you read to keep abreast of industry developments?
SHRM (Society of Human Resources Management) offers a plethora of articles in the art of managing human resources and the most updated HR trends and development. I always make sure am regularly reading and trying to put in place recommended practices that we deem efficient
5.What is your advice to someone looking to enter the field of HR?
Three things for you to bear in mind: - Be Curious and stay aware of at least the pillars of the HR field (and their recommendations) - Have an environmental HR scanning in order to evaluate your HR practices. - Aim to work in an environment where HR is not only considered as a “support” department but a main strategic business partner
6.How do you see the Middle East evolve as a place to practice HR?
HR in the Middle East is undoubtedly becoming more acknowledged and appreciated than ever before in the region, especially in large companies where they consider HR as strategic business partner . There is of course much more that can be done in order to get to the same level of the western’s HR professionalism
