Meet Emily: HR Assistant at Streem

What does being a HR Assistant at Streem involve?

Emily: My role is diverse, which I love. It’s a generalist role that covers everything to do with HR, from headhunting candidates, all the way to offboarding someone at the end of their cycle here, and everything in between. Every day is different at Streem, and I get to talk to many different people. 

It’s interesting because when I was younger, I didn’t really love talking to people so much, but now I do. A lot of my time is spent on calls with people, and seeing if they’re a good fit for the company. In doing that I learn a lot about people and how to talk to people from all walks of life. 

Did you study before you became a HR Assistant?

Emily: I didn’t study HR. It’s quite funny because no one that I’ve met in my HR career so far has studied HR. I’m currently finishing up my degree, a Bachelor of Business at UTS majoring in Management, with a sub-major in HR Management. I had done one subject in HR Management and just wanted to do more so I took it up as a sub-major.

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 do you think is the most transferable skill that allowed you to land a role in HR?

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.

Reflecting on your early career so far, what has been your biggest learning experience?

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 roles?

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.

Wrapping up

What an insight into Emily’s awesome career story so far! Learn more about Life at Streem and the roles they’re hiring for. 

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