Creating a World-Class HR Department: Focus on Industry (Nonprofits/Associations, Corporations, Government Contractors)

In a competitive market where many organizations aspire to be an 'employer of choice,' how can you as an HR practitioner help to distinguish yourself as a leader among your peers? How does your organization's industry play a role in defining your position?

In this engaging half-day conference, spend some time focusing on your niche in the world! Alongside two inspiring breakfast and lunch keynote speakers, we will have 3 cutting-edge breakout sessions where you can hone your skills.

This is a full day of interactive learning using proven techniques to improve your test scores and help you pass. "My approach is to learn by doing. I want to give participants ample opportunity to learn, practice and evaluate their own skills at preparing for and successfully taking the HRCI exam." -- Paul Shibelski

What you will learn:

• Review the current "Body of Knowledge" approved by HRCI.
• Effective strategies to prepare for the exam.
• Proven test-taking tips.
• How to evaluate your own skill level and improve it.
• How to be successful on the HRCI exam.

Recruiting Success Stories: The Secret Formula.

Recruiting top performers is never easy, but there are many proven strategies that will give you an immediate and significant competitive advantage. Bring your toughest recruiting challenges to our panel of experts who work on the front lines of recruiting. Ask your questions, get some answers, and start improving your recruiting results right away.

A Request for Proposal has been issued for our communications functions for the 2008-09 program year. We are searching for proposals for our basic communications functions including website updates, e-newsletter and event reminder production as well as possible advancements to our website. Proposals are to be submitted no later than April 30, 2008 and a final decision will be made by the board by June 5, 2008.

Thursday, May 8th 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Sponsor one or more 11th or 12th grade students from Bell HS for a half-day job shadowing event.

For more information on how your organization can participate, or to volunteer to be on the coordinating committee, please call Cindy Gurne, 703-647-7452 or email cbgurne@careercentralonline.com, HRA-NCA Workforce Readiness Committee.

HRA-NCA is kicking off its Workforce Readiness Core Leadership committee in 2008 with a series of Job Shadowing (See article above) events in partnership with Bell High School in the District. If you and your organization are interested in joining our committee to identify initiatives that support the community in preparing students for the world of work, please email cbgurne@aristotlecentral.com.

Workforce Readiness is a great concern of employers as they look at talent/skill needs in the 21st Century. The human resource community has the potential of providing leadership to schools, parents, and students in communicating the skills (personal, technical, and interpersonal) that employers will be seeking; and supporting the student in developing these skills.

Speaker: Tom Morris, Morris Associates, Inc.

This session will cover:

• The two ways resumes are read ― and what that means for your resume.
• The problem with most resumes and how to avoid it.
• Typeface and size type to use in a resume.
• When to use a "personal" section.
• How to list education and training.
• Preferred length and format to use.
• Three ways to quantify accomplishments.
• The biggest mistake HR professionals make in writing a resume.
• Cover letters: yes and no and what to say in them.

Participants will get a chance to have their resume reviewed (with pre-registration ONLY). This is a free event. Dinner will be served.

Please contact Stephanie Simpson at 202- 220-0767 or via email at
ssimpson@f mi.org if you would like to attend.

The SHRM Foundation has a 40-year tradition of awarding grants to fund rigorous, original research with practical implications for management practice. The SHRM Foundation has a new 12-page brochure that presents the results of four recent SHRM Foundation- funded projects in an actionable way, so HR professionals like you can apply this knowledge in your organization. Topics in the "Connecting Research to HR Practice" brochure are: Making Virtual Teams More Effective; Increasing the Success Rate of New Executives; and Enhancing the Effectiveness of HR Practices and Stock Options. To download a copy of the brochure free from the SHRM Foundation website, go to: Research Highlights Brochure.

The Human Resource Leadership Awards of Greater Washington is now accepting applications for its 2008 Scholarship Program. Three $4,000 awards will be given to area students pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree in Human Resources Management.

Complete guidelines and eligibility requirements can be obtained online at www.hrlea dership.org. Download the application here.

In 2008, the SHRM Foundation will once again sponsor the Masters Series at the SHRM Annual Conference. This series of in-depth learning sessions features internationally known experts in the field of management science. The 2008 Masters Series will feature Linda Hill, Denise Rousseau and Oren Harari. The Masters Series focuses on timely and provocative issues that affect your career and industry. Open to all attendees, these senior- level programs offer insight into the HR profession from thought-leaders and top academicians. Summaries of the 2007 and 2006 Masters Series are available on the SHRM Foundation website. For more information on Foundation sponsored educational programs, visit SHRM Foundation.

You may look up these and other members' information in the HRA-NCA online membership directory, using various search categories. Log in through the "Member Login" on the HRA-NCA website home page. Keep your membership record up-to-date so we don't lose touch!

HRA-NCA Welcomes These New Members

HRA-NCA invites organizations to sponsor our newsletter - or any of the following: monthly speaker presentations, our website, special events, etc. Interested? Contact Chris Cramer, HRA-NCA's PR & Sponsorship Chair, or access our information on the website. For this issue, sincere thanks to the following sponsor.

What Did You Want To Be When You Grew Up?

The Dream Job Auction offers a unique opportunity for bidders to live out their childhood dreams by bidding on some of the region's most exciting, powerful, and influential jobs.

The Dream Job Auction, comprised of both live and silent auctions, hosts a wealth of bidding options, including shadowing DC Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee, becoming a Kennedy Center stage star, training as a fighter pilot, managing the Washington Nationals, and many more.

All Dream Job Auction proceeds will go toward fulfilling WORC's mission - providing the chance for thousands of people in the Greater Washington region to have access to jobs, ultimately allowing them to create a better life for themselves and their families.

For more information, contact David Remick at 703-769-3712 or
remick @worconline.org.