HR Manager in a manufacturing facility with no college degree or SHRM-CP cert or anything. Just military HR background and some manufacturing experience when I was younger. The small company I work for has never had an HR person or department. If they decide they still do not NEED an HR and I am just "doing what could be done by department heads", how screwed am I to find another job? On a scale of 1-10. Only been here for just under a year and it is my only civilian HR experience.

Has anyone experienced this?: A job interviewer (head of HR) is rude & condescending & tries to usher you out of the building, with we’ve-just-started-interviews-and-will-be-in-touch-do-you-need-to-use-the-restroom-before-you-leave…highly insulting & yes I went on Yelp & gave the company a minus zero review. And my hair is streaked with gray so I do look “mature” but I’m proud of my 4 decades of HR experience…which is why I’m happily consulting now. Anyone else have interview horror stories?

Hello — looking for guidance on a workplace issue. We hired a manager’s son because he was highly qualified and has done a great job. Recently, two employees raised concerns about perceived favoritism. In reality, he’s often taken on difficult tasks others declined, but we can’t share those details. The perception is now affecting morale and team dynamics. Global HR said upper management should handle instead of HR. Seems not right. Any advice on managing the perception and team dynamics?

Is anyone else concerned about job applications asking for your Social Security number upfront before an interview or offer? With identity theft and fraud being so common, it feels like this information should only be requested during hiring paperwork after an offer is made. Curious how others handle this.

Just received another rejection because my previous salary was “higher than the advertised range.” So let me get this straight: Companies don’t want to pay experienced professionals what they’re worth in this economy, yet when we apply for roles below our previous pay grade to stay employed, our past salary is suddenly used against us. Experience, education, and adaptability should not become barriers to employment. The hiring system truly needs to evolve.