Be Your Own HR

Based on insights from Laurie Ruettimann, one of the top five career consultants in the U.S. (according to CNN).

INTRO.

Meta (yes, that Meta) has some fascinating job openings right now.

Have you applied? Not to change jobs — just out of curiosity?
Is your CV always in top shape?
Do you have a well-rehearsed personal pitch that highlights both your hard and soft skills?
Can you describe your professional profile in one paragraph (three sentences max)?
Do you have a portfolio?

These and many other questions are what I dive into with my coaching clients. Each session turns into an intense, high-energy workshop because… well, if not now, then when?

While I wait for Laurie Ruettimann’s book Betting on You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career to arrive, I’ve subscribed to her newsletter and devour every email she sends.

Here’s my take on her latest insights.

Be Your Own HR.

It’s a common belief that HR exists to support employees. But in today’s era of The Great Resignation, they barely have time for that. Between payroll, benefits management, compliance, lawsuits, audits, and taxes — not to mention recruiting and DEI initiatives —who, exactly, is supporting HR?

What if your HR department doesn’t support the team or care about personal and professional struggles?
Answer: Shift your mindset from Problem Frame to Results Frame and stop expecting HR to have your back.

Instead, become your own HR.

Here’s how.

Master the Art of Job Hunting.

Treat it like a strategic project. Imagine that you are the company, and the employer is applying to work with you.

Make a Top 10 list of companies you’re genuinely excited about. Research them. Reach out to their leaders. Yes, you can DM the CEO directly. Be bold. Be ambitious. Say it outright:"Hi! I want to work with you."

Next, go classic: set up Zoom or in-person meetings. Always be prepared, sharp, and on your A-game. Get recommendations from your network. Connect with employees and ask about their experience — listen objectively, no judgment.

Sure, you can scroll job boards and apply via resumes. But why stick to the old ways when today’s job market offers so many new paths?

Remember — if you land your dream job, you’ll never need to chase HR for solutions.

Onboard Yourself Like a Boss.

Think back to the best job you ever had. Chances are, your first 90 days were the most exciting — you were networking, laughing, and absorbing the nuances of your new role. No office politics, no stress — just clarity and momentum.

Now, how can you engineer that experience from day one and keep it going?

Ask yourself: How can I get to know my colleagues before I even start?

If your company doesn’t introduce you, take the initiative. Find them on LinkedIn. Learn something interesting about them.

Dig into the company culture. What excites you most? Does it align with your values?

Pay attention to everything — what your new colleagues post online, what events they attend, what books they read. The more you understand, the easier it will be to navigate the environment like a pro.

Take Ownership of Your Growth.

Don’t wait for HR or your manager to assign you training or introduce you to the right people. Do it yourself.

Embrace 'Strategic Laziness'.

It’s a red flag when all your energy goes into just professional development. Top research from Harvard Business School suggests a shift in focus — bringing your passions and personal interests into your work instead of obsessively chasing skill-building in hopes that your personal life will magically fall into place.

Leave at the Right Time — But Not Too Soon.

Stoics said: “This too shall pass.” No job is forever. Everything ends. Don’t get attached.

The era of loyalty-based rewards is over. Treat your job like a partnership — have you done what you came to do? Is there more you can contribute? Or is it time to move on?