'I can't imagine not being in HR'

HRD catches up with one of last year's Rising Stars – Jody Wong of Excite Holidays

'I can't imagine not being in HR'

Jody Wong has become the HR go-to person for Excite Holidays’ call centre, a division with a notoriously high turnover rate.

The senior HR coordinator previously only handled recruitment, however Wong has progressed to manage the entire employee lifecycle for the team.

Wong has also been involved in an extensive policy review, which led her to research extensively on legislation and best practice.

Her level of detail and diligence has ensured that the company’s policies are thorough and representative of the employer brand. On that note, Wong also took on the project of revamping the employer brand within the candidate market.

She began by transforming the company’s LinkedIn profile into a candidate-focused platform, giving Excite an outlet to promote the brand for prospective applicants. Excite’s engagement stats have almost doubled since the focus on LinkedIn began.

Wong has continued to provide weekly content that is relevant, fun and informative, to give followers a good peek into how ‘Life at Excite’ can be.

HRD recently caught up with Wong to discuss what she likes most about the job and what she would be doing if she wasn't working in HR.

What attracted you to a career in HR?
 
As cliché as it sounds, I was initially attracted to a career in HR for the people aspect. I thrive in working with others.
 
What is it you like most about your job?
 
As generalist HR, I enjoy the variety of responsibilities my role entails and being able to make a direct impact on the employee experience!
 
How did it feel last year to be selected as one of the 2017 Rising Stars?
 
It came as a huge surprise! My manager and my team had written up my nomination without my knowledge, and when it came time to submit the nomination, they dropped the bombshell on me. I was very flattered that they had believed me and my work worthy of such recognition.
 
If you were not working in HR, what would you be doing?
 
I can't imagine not being in HR. However, if I had to choose, most likely in a people-facing role in Travel, Tourism or Hospitality.
 
Nominations for HRD’s annual Rising Stars report to find the HR industry’s top-performing young professionals must close this week.
 
HRD readers can submit a nomination for either themselves or a colleague by completing the online nomination form before entries close Friday 27 April.

 

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