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I don't know how popular it is, but I've always enjoyed Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Take it with a grain of salt, it was written a long time ago - a lot of the lessons are valuable. I enjoy the read. Has some really good stuff you can use in HR. I love the chapter on the "Power of the Name"
I'd also recommend The Fred Factor
Its definitely geared towards customer service - but its all relevant. They're good reads, that you can apply some of the lessons in real life. Do they work? Hard to say, but I garnered a lot of respect in my roles just knowing people's name, and giving them the time of day.
EDIT Proofreading is also a good skill. Holy shit this was worded terribly.

Thank you for the information. I'm going to look through all of it. Also, please remember this is just an interview, not a job offer. I'll know in a week. For those who care, here's a great TED talk about prepping yourself for a nervous situation (like an interview)..

Also, here are the books I am currently waiting to have delivered from Amazon:

• How to Hire A-Players: Finding the Top People for Your Team- Even If You Don't Have a Recruiting Department
  
• Successful Onboarding: Strategies to Unlock Hidden Value Within Your Organization
  
• The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded (I'm intending to reverse engineer this book, to develop a strategy for onboarding)
  
• Onboarding: How to Get Your New Employees Up to Speed in Half the Time
  
• Hiring for Attitude: A Revolutionary Approach to Recruiting and Selecting People with Both Tremendous Skills and Superb Attitude

Ah so sorry to hear :( I felt like I was unprepared when I entered the exam room as well but I might've overstudied! I thought the audiobook was helpful even though it's from 2012. You should definitely look into getting that and it's not that expensive! Try this book https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0071840915/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for scenario questions. You should also purchase 2 exams from HRCI website.. they are retired test questions and closest to what you'll see on the exam. It is kind of pricey though ($80) but it's worth it. Good luck!

I took the exam last spring and used three different books.

PHR/SPHR for Dummies - I did not use this as much as I used the books listed below.

PHR/SPHR Exam Study Guide 2016 - This was more of a summary of the areas covered. I got some good information out of it and it was a quick read.

PHR/SPHR Professional in Human Resources Certification Deluxe Study Guide - This was the most thorough of the books I purchased and I'm confident I can use it for PHR exam too, without having to worry about buying additional study materials.

I don't remember too much about the exam, but I wish you the best of luck!

*Note: I made flashcards off of information from the books and used those to study, once I finished reading the books.

Kudos to you for tackling the big issues! I would give "Work Rules" a read. I recommend it to all HR professionals. It'll get you even more motivated to make work better for the folks in your office!

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As for HR management software, I'd give Workday a call. I know they've been working hard to tailor their stuff for small to medium sized businesses.

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+1 to speaking with the owner and getting them aligned to your goals. The worst thing that could happen is you do all this work and the owner shoots it down. I would present a 1-3 year road map on what you plan to do, how you plan to do it, the cost of doing it, and the outcome of doing it. Get them excited about it, too!

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Good luck to you and don't let the negative comments get in your head! You can do it!

Depending on your available time and budget, you might look into the Performance Management class available through this program (offered online 2x per year): https://extension.ucsd.edu/courses-and-programs/human-resource-management
You can take the online courses no matter where you are located in the US.



Not a training, but some other resources that may be helpful to read over:

ANSI Performance Management Standard: https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/how-to-guides/documents/12-0794%20performance%20mngmt%20standard_interior_viewonlyfnl_rvsd10-4-13.pdf


Deloitte - Redesigning performance reviews: https://www2.deloitte.com/insights/us/en/focus/human-capital-trends/2017/redesigning-performance-management.html


McKinsey - Ahead of the curve: The future of performance management
https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/ahead-of-the-curve-the-future-of-performance-management


Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy Called "Don't Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A" - This is based on a performance management program implemented at WD-40. It highlights the shift in performance management from backward looking reviews to forward looking and timely, relevant feedback. https://www.amazon.com/Helping-People-Win-Work-Philosophy/dp/0137011717/

Congrats! I passed the test myself this month and had a similar experience. The testing center I visited was pretty small, and I had to laugh about the biometric palm reader. I scanned both hands at one desk, walked about five steps to another desk and had to scan both hands again - I guess to confirm that an imposter hadn't somehow taken my place in those 10 feet.

I had a similar study plan - I exhausted Pocket Prep (paid version) and used these two books. The Dummies book comes with online tests, which I used extensively - great value for the money I think. I did spend $85 for one set of the HRCI questions and sort of regret it. They didn't really teach me too much I hadn't learned by that point. Maybe they just gave me a measure of confidence about the format.

The only other practical advice I can add is just to breathe, take your time and don't get shaken. I found the process of navigating 175 questions on the computer to be mentally and physically taxing. After about 100 questions I started taking mini breaks at my chair (didn't want to ask the proctor to get up). I would look up at the ceiling, breathe deeply for a minute or two and refocus. I did this a lot towards the end and it worked.

This is a great book -- PHR book by Ann Bogardus. I used it to study for the SHRM-CP and PHR, and didn't fail me!! There's an updated version for 2019. Good luck!


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119068134/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm in the process of studying, primarily using the Anne Bogardus book, which came highly recommended. It's $30.32 with Amazon Prime, and it includes access to online versions of the opening assessment test, the end-of-chapter quizzes and a practice exam, and it also has flashcards. I purchased David Siler's audiobook last night, $20. I'm also using the free version of the PocketPrep app, and I may upgrade for $35 at some point. I also plan to seek out more test exams and test questions for further practice, hopefully at low cost. :)

Depending on where you live, there may be some resources within your local library and/or its larger network. If you have a SHRM chapter nearby, try to connect with someone about materials and studying. I know my chapter is supposed to start a fall study group at some point, and I'd be willing to bet lots of folks have books you can borrow.

My advice may not be as helpful since I'm still studying, but I hope it gives you some direction!

edited for clarity, words

It was about 8 or 10 questions on each of maybe 10(?) general topics in HR. All the questions were multiple choice. You have to take it on a computer in a testing center. You'll need to have basic math/graph reading skills, know legislative pieces such as COBRA and other Acronyms/Executive Orders, know basic psychology principles.. its all pretty basic. I've only heard bad things about the Assurance study guides, so I suggest using a PHR guide instead This is the one that I suggest. The overview in the first section is all you really need, but if doesn't hurt to study the whole guide. It makes a great resource for other things later on as well.

I'm taking the aPHR in May as well. I'm only using this book:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119068134/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687462&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=111828917X&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=12Q4N2AD64PS3WSZHW0Y

considering it's really really meant for entry-level HR positions, I suspect it will be a very general test and probably won't be excessively detailed.

I'm planning on the SHRM-CP this summer as well. Can't take the PHR until next summer.

Best of luck!

I highly recommend reading this book, Crucial Conversations, to gain insight in how to approach your mom. I'm reading this book with my coworkers and it's changing how we all work together.

Think about what you want for yourself, your mom, and the relationship. Get clear on those things before approaching her.

Although, with her behavior, it seems she may not be receptive. Think she'd be open to counseling?

My go to recommendation to any leader in a new role.

As a HR business partner you will have a significant input into University strategy after all what is a university without its lecturers, your strategy will help define the future culture of the university. What an opportunity!

First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1422188612/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_V3PADbKFMBHQT

I do plan on applying for any entry level positions I find.

Does anyone have any insight into studying for the Aphr? If I use two textbooks recommended on the exam prep resources and that phr prep book thats popular on amazon: PHR / SPHR Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/111828917X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DRQ.ybRD6T0TZ

Would that be enough? Where can I find aphr practice tests? Should I purchase the one from HRCI? Should I just purchase the HRCP aphr prep??

• Lost and Founder by Reid Fishkin (a startup CEO’s candid reflections on building a company)
  
• Powerful by Patty McCord (the Netflix’s HR person who brought you the infamous culture deck)
  
• Work Rules by Laszlo Bock (the book by the pioneer of HR at Google)
  
• Hard Thing about Hard Things by Ben Horowitz (really good advice on company management)
  
• The Essential HR Handbook by Sharon Armstrong and Barbara Mitchell (nice primer)
  
• HR from Now to Next by Jason Averbook (also a good thought leader)
  
• Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux (incredibly progressive, but I like the thinking)

This isn't necessarily new. But, I've seen it all over the forums as a great study guide. https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Human-Resources-Certification-Study/dp/111828917X

My boss had me read the book about google's HR policies when I first started. I really enjoyed it.

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https://www.amazon.com/Work-Rules-Insights-Inside-Transform/dp/1455554790

I graduated with an HR degree and used this book and felt over prepared. Just make sure to review all aspects of the test they have it out online and have a base knowledge of how processes should work.

I appreciate it. The biggest thing is to take each section individually and only study that. It makes things much more managable. Ice included the links below. I think they've gone up a bit since I bought them last year.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/111828917X/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1459107253&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=phr&dpPl=1&dpID=51qz3qmRIOL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1610725077/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1459107294&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=phr+flash+cards&dpPl=1&dpID=51jyfTfcmWL&ref=plSrch

I've read some threads, many recommend the following book: Reed/Bogardus PHR Study Guide
 
I would search through some of the previous threads for more advice.
https://www.reddit.com/r/humanresources/comments/1kxykw/phr_study_options_and_personal_experience/
 
https://www.reddit.com/r/humanresources/comments/71ssqj/affordable_good_phrsphr_study_materials_andor/

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/111828917X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1415366063&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

This is the book I used. I have also recommended it to others who have passed (some on the SPHR).

Here we go!

https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/human-resource-management

Dig in!

Or, here's a real textbook:

https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Human-Resource-Knowledge-HRBoK/dp/111937488X/ref=zg_bs_491602_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WD1DQMXTAQ9BH5XEKCJX

I believe this book represents the newest study materials and it is direct from HRCI for the first time. amazon.com/Guide-Human-Resource-Knowledge-HRBoK/dp/111937488X/ref=mt_hardcover?_encoding=UTF8&me=

https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Human-Resources-Certification-Practice/dp/0071840915/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1467305007&sr=1-9&keywords=phr+exam+prep

https://www.amazon.com/PHR-SPHR-Professional-Resources-Certification/dp/111828917X

Passed PHR in January with these two.

Why Employees Don't Do What They're Supposed To and What You Can Do About It https://www.amazon.com/dp/0071486151/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_joNnDbP0M4PKQ

Hidden Figures, as in [Hidden Figures?] (https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Figures-American-Untold-Mathematicians/dp/0062363603/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1501557900&sr=8-2&keywords=hidden+figures)