On December 2nd, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the privilege of hosting Sara Norfolk, SHRM-SCP, from Perdue Farms. Sara shared her wealth of knowledge on critical aspects of Human Resources, including staffing, talent acquisition, equal employment opportunities, strategic HR management, risk management, and worker protection. Her engaging discussion left the cohort inspired and better equipped for their future endeavors.
Sara opened the session with a powerful reminder: “Remembering someone’s name is the sweetest and most important sound.” This set the tone for her emphasis on human connection and respect in the workplace. She encouraged the cohort to approach their professional and personal relationships with kindness and to always strive to:
**Make a positive impact.
**Do everything with grace.
**Value documentation as a critical tool.
**Learn from the "school of hard knocks."
**Be good stewards of their responsibilities.
**Show engagement and active participation.
**Communicate effectively.
**Build and nurture a network.
When discussing interview strategies, Sara offered invaluable advice:
1. Ask about the company culture to ensure alignment with your values and goals.
2. Don’t shy away from talking about yourself; self-confidence is key.
3. Practice the interview process to build confidence and familiarity—and she even volunteered to help the cohort practice!
4. Be flexible, as very few people follow a perfect career path.
With a touch of humor, Sara reminded everyone, “We all wear pants,” emphasizing that professionals are just people at the end of the day.
Sara also introduced the cohort to the S.T.A.R. technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result), a structured method for answering behavioral interview questions effectively. She highlighted its importance in showcasing achievements and problem-solving skills during interviews.
Sara’s advice extended beyond the workplace. She encouraged the cohort to maintain a to-do list to stay organized and to actively engage in their community. Networking, she stressed, is not just a professional necessity but a vital tool for personal growth and opportunity.
The Daviess County CEO Cohort expresses heartfelt gratitude to Sara Norfolk for her time and insights. Her guidance provided an invaluable foundation for the cohort to build their professional journeys with kindness, grace, and a commitment to excellence. Thank you, Sara, for making a lasting impact!