1. Tell us about your current role; what does the job entail? As a HR administrator at IPF, I support the HR team by assisting with recruitment, ensuring smooth onboarding for new employees, and collaborating with various departments on HR matters. My role involves maintaining our HR system, updating company policies, generating reports, and staying current with HR legislation. Additionally, I help produce contracts and other company documents, and provide timely responses to employee and management queries. 2. How long have you worked in IPF? I have been with IPF since January 2023. 3. What attracted you to working there? I was particularly attracted to IPF due to the emphasis the company places on employee development and training. The opportunity to grow professionally while being supported by a company that invests in its people was a significant draw for me. 4. Tell us about your average day. An average day in my role is quite dynamic. It typically starts with checking and responding to any urgent queries or emails. I then move on to recruitment tasks, such as screening CVs, reviewing applications, and coordinating interviews. My day also involves updating our HR system with new information, such as new hires, teams, or policy changes. I also coordinate all upcoming employee probation meetings. I handle various employee queries throughout the day, ensuring everyone has the information and support they need. 5. What do you enjoy about your job? I enjoy the variety of my role, as no two days are the same. Helping people and being a resource they can rely on is very fulfilling. I also appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the company’s growth by supporting the HR team in the recruitment process. The people at IPF are great to work with; the collaborative atmosphere makes even the most challenging tasks enjoyable. 6. What are the challenges? One of the primary challenges we face in recruitment is finding candidates who have the necessary skills and align with our company culture. This requires an understanding of both the role and the candidate. Additionally, managing the different stages of the recruitment process—such as coordinating interviews, facilitating communication between candidates and hiring managers, and ensuring a seamless onboarding experience—can be tricky. However, these challenges are also what make the job rewarding. Overcoming them allows us to contribute directly to building a robust and consistent team that drives the company forward, which is incredibly rewarding. 7. Describe the work culture in the company. The work culture at IPF is collaborative and supportive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and open communication. The environment is dynamic, focusing on continuous learning and development, and employees are empowered to take initiative and provided with the resources they need to succeed. IPF also values work-life balance, offering flexible working arrangements that allow employees to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. 8. What advice would you give to somebody interested in working there? My advice would be to take advantage of the opportunities for growth and learning that IPF offers. Be proactive in seeking out ways to develop your skills, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance. The company values initiative and a willingness to learn, so showing that you’re eager to grow with the company will serve you well. 9. Is there something unique or interesting about your company that you’d like to share with potential jobseekers? One unique aspect of IPF is its commitment to employee development. The company offers various training programs and workshops aimed at helping employees advance their careers. Additionally, the company actively engages in various charity events, forwarding a sense of community and giving back, bringing employees together for a greater cause and increasing the overall positive atmosphere, making it a great workplace. 10. Any additional questions or details that you consider relevant to your recent promotion journey? My recent qualification in Human Resources (QQI Level 6) has been a rewarding milestone in my career at IPF. It has come as a result of the continuous support and guidance from my colleagues and management. This experience has supported my belief that IPF is a place where hard work is recognised and rewarded and where there is always room for growth if you’re willing to put in the effort.
