Articles : HR Feature: Leah Penrose, ACC, CPHR Candidate, People Operations Manager

The TorontoJobs.ca Initiative:
We understand that businesses and services may be impacted by COVID-19 and we want to leverage our online community and support those that have supported our events over the years. We will be featuring leaders and professionals in the HR and recruiting industry throughout the pandemic and we hope that you will support them as well!
 
About Leah
Leah Penrose is a passionate, empathetic and, resilient People & Culture Leader. She has found her niche in creating and growing People/HR departments at fast growing start-ups. As a value driven leader, she uses her coaching and change management experience to advocate for a people-centric culture that not only meets the needs of workers where they are today, but where we will be tomorrow. Committed to life-long learning, authentic leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion and removing the stigma around mental health so that all employees feel safe and valued at work!
 
About Spring Activator Inc.
Spring Activator is a B Corp Certified global incubator, accelerator, and advisory firm that helps impact entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem-builders build thriving communities. We provide tools, resources and community support for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to drive growth and revenue. Spring is an advisory and project support services for for accelerators, universities, foundations, governments and more to develop investment and ecosystem support services. Spring works with emerging to established investors curious about impact investing and purpose-driven entrepreneurs seeking to raise impact capital.
 
What advice would you give job seekers searching for a job during this tough time?
Try to stay positive, especially during the interview, I know it is hard and discouraging, yet believe that what you have to offer is still great - you just need to find the right spot! Timing is everything, and the more focused you are with your search, skills, abilities, values the easier the hunt will be.
 
What would you say are the most important things candidates should include on their resume?
Data/Metrics - I want to know what you actually contributed, not just what you did. Also - how will what you have done apply to us? Be clear - we don't want to assume!
 
What are the key characteristics you look for when hiring someone in your organization?
The skills we can teach you - but we want to know that our values and passions are aligned. That you have the entrepreneurial spirit that can thrive in a start-up!
 
Can you provide us with some tips on how a job seeker can present themselves online professionally?
Be authentic! Focus on what makes you, you - your strengths and values and how that translates into the workplace.

Fill out as much as possible (10 years max though) the more information you can fill in, the better! Participate! Comment on others posts in a professional and meaningful way; Post information (5 gives to 1 ask); send personalized messages if you are going to connect, don't just ask for things right away!

Leah's LinkedIn | Spring Activator's LinkedIn | Spring Activator's Website