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It seems that every company has a different approach to human resources. For some, it's nothing more than an administrative job, involved with hiring and firing, benefits and not much more. These firms may have a dysfunctional work environment with high turnover, Ms. Perkins says, where employees can often feel trapped. By contrast, companies with strong HR departments have been shown to do better financially, says Mr. Rucci. Empowered human resources reps can also help guide employees through their careers. How to tell the difference? For one, see whom HR reports to. If it's the CEO, that's good, says Mr. Maltby. If HR managers are in the field, getting to know employees and how the company works, that can be another key, says LaRhonda Edwards, an employee-relations panel member with the Society of Human Resource Management. One way to suss out a human resources department's effectiveness is to ask the manager interviewing you how HR operates and what it has done to help her achieve her goals. If she doesn't have an answer, it's "not a good sign," Mr. Rucci says.
