Meet Emily: HR Assistant at Streem

My other sub-major is Sustainable Enterprise because I’m interested in sustainable companies. I want to make sure that the business I’m working in is making a positive impact in the world.

I did a second degree as well, a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation, which I finished last year. I’m grateful for that one because it got me my first internship which then gave me great experience to come into this role.

What is the key transferable skill needed in your role?

Emily: I think it’s a balance of empathy and work ethic. Having these transferable skills was an advantage in getting the job. I’ve always been a hard worker, and a high achiever, which translates into wanting to do things well. On the other hand, I worked in retail before joining the corporate world, and in that, you need to have people skills. 

So for my current HR role, I think what helped me is the balance between procedural thinking and empathy. For example, having to follow rules fairly, but also understand people’s unique experiences, and having to balance things like that is what I believe helped me.

What has been your biggest learning experience in your career so far?

Emily: My biggest learning curve has probably been entering the workforce and realising that I’m the little fish. At uni, when you’re close to graduating, you feel like you’re at the top and you get comfortable with that idea. But then you enter the workforce, and you realise you have so much to learn from the people around you.

It’s not just about the actual work, but there are people around who have so much more life experience. I think that’s the most important thing I’ve learned, especially as someone who is quite high achieving to a fault. Being able to just sit back, listen and learn.

That would be my advice as well, have a really open mind. I know it’s cliché but it’s true. Enter the workforce like a sponge, and be ready to absorb everything that you have yet to learn.

As a recruiter, and a Hatch user, do you have advice for others applying for jobs?

Emily: Do the videos! I can speak to this from a recruitment perspective, as well as a jobseeker perspective. I understand it’s nerve-wracking. I was so glad that I got multiple attempts to film the video, and I was up to my second last attempt trying not to stumble over my words, but it was worth it. Just try and do the videos because from a recruitment standpoint, seeing how someone presents is super helpful. Everyone can put words on a resume, but to be able to see someone is entirely a new experience. So, my advice would be to use the Hatch software to its full capacity.

Another tip relates to what I’ve said before, recognise that you’re new. Emphasising that you’re willing to learn and grow is an advantage along with your skills. When you haven’t had corporate experience yet, there are other ways to show your skills and strengths. If you’ve worked in retail or hospitality, then I know you’re good under pressure. Make sure to highlight those transferable skills.

Learn more about life at Streem

What an insight into Emily’s awesome career story so far! Learn more about life at Streem and explore their live roles on Hatch.