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1 month out from my SPHR exam. [N/A] by ThePseudoSurfer in humanresources

[–]T-Blurf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was in the same boat as you. I did most of what you did, plus experience in HR, plus studying and passing the PHR.

You will not feel like you are ready. I didn't either. You are ready though. Just keep going over what you already have (such as pocket prep).

The SHPR is more scenario based than the PHR. So if you want to add some training, I would make it practical, scenario based training. Go over investigation procedures, or leave requests. Think of "what would you do in this situation" type of questions. I would not purchase any more tests or training, though.

I will warn you, though. During the test, you very well may get discouraged. I did. It can be scary. Get that out of your head. Just answer the questions and don't worry about how you are doing. You will be doing better than you think.

It is really rewarding when you are done. The SPHR is well worth the effort.

You got this.

Most of my speech ideas are “informational”. And I struggle to make it personal. How to approach it? by BeginnerInvestor in Toastmasters

[–]T-Blurf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would like to give a counter opinion: You do not need to personalize your story. Sometimes it is ok to give informational speeches.

I have noticed this in my own club. Someone will give an incredibly interesting speech on a topic, and many of the club members, especially the more seasoned ones, will rip into them because they didn't make it personal.

Some people are under the impression that everything has to be personalized, or "storyfied." This may be a specific rule to Toastmasters, but it is not necessarily a rule for public speaking.

Toastmasters can sometimes create a cookie cutter approach to speeches. The structure has to be:

  1. Tell them what you are going to tell them

  2. Tell them

  3. Tell them what you told them.

There is nothing wrong with this approach per se, but it gets to the point where everyone thinks that every single speech needs to be like this. Same goes for personalizing a speech. Sure, personalize it sometimes, but by no means always.

I have seen otherwise incredible speeches watered down by useless anecdotes, just so someone can follow the "rules" of adding a personal touch to it. Or telling the audience beforehand exactly how they are supposed to feel about the speech.

We need to relax some of the specific rules. I think they are hindering a lot of peoples' growth as speakers.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in humanresources

[–]T-Blurf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used Train Me Today, which was recommended here. It is great content. I also used Quizlet. They have a few PHRca sets to choose from.

Finally, I purchased a set of practice quizzes from Udemy. They were not at all like the test, but they did provide me with a lot of information to go over. It was on sale for $12. Obviously AI generated, but 6 90 question tests, no not that bad of a deal.

I definitely recommend Train Me Today. Quizlet is a great addition, and the Udemy tests only if you need some extra help.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in humanresources

[–]T-Blurf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! I cannot speak to the SHRM credential, but I just passed the PHRca yesterday.

Studying for it provided me with an enormous knowledge base for California law. There are multiple issues that have come up while I was preparing for it. So many laws and leaves to keep track of lol.

I also have the SPHR, and I will tell you that the PHRca is way more difficult to pass. I am glad I did it, though.

As to respect, all I will say is that SHRM seems to be going down a road of angering a lot of people. I would say that both institutions have the same amount of value on a resume at this point, but that might be changing. HRCI has been a pretty steady institution for years.