Q&A with a local HR expert

Tina Hamilton founded myHR Partner, Inc. in the Lehigh Valley 19 years ago. The company has now grown to the point where they can handle some or all of the human resources needs of businesses large or small.

Because of Hamilton’s expertise in all things HR, we wanted to ask for her insight into the job market here in the Lehigh Valley.

Shalom Lehigh Valley: What would you say are the biggest or best employment sectors in the Valley?

Tina Hamilton: The nice thing about the Valley is we do have a well-rounded opportunity for employment here – you can find pretty much every industry, every sector. We have the two major hospital systems (Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network), of course, and so many colleges and universities. Some of the other major sectors are manufacturing and warehousing. Really, there’s an incredible demand for high quality office professionals at almost every level. It’s a great time to move here.

SLV: What would you say to someone who just moved here and is looking to network?

TH: It’s all up to the person and what they’re interested in. We have great opportunities with the Workforce Board development center that can give you help with everything from resumes to finding jobs. There are lots of huge, free opportunities from networking industry groups through the Chamber of Commerce to groups like Allentown Young Professionals. Honestly, just getting involved in any industry groups would be a great start. The nice thing about the Lehigh Valley is that we’re large enough to be able to meet a lot of different people but small enough to really get to know people quickly. It’s kind of the best of both worlds between being close to a larger city but you won’t disappear in the crowd.

SLV: What do you look for when you’re hiring a new prospect?

TH: There’s great opportunity for anybody in the Valley who comes here with a steady work history – that is #1. Someone who really understands the value of old-fashioned work ethic combined with a modern approach to work, with the latest technologies. So many companies are hiring remote positions, that’s the biggest demand we have right now. A lot of Lehigh Valley companies are modern enough and in tune enough for that. But the reason people like to come here for remote work is that you can be remote, but SLV: Can the Jewish community help professionals get started?

TH: I think I would say once you’re here, if you know no one, get involved right away with the JCC or a synagogue and start asking a few people about looking for work. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised how quickly they can make connections. It’s so different from a big city. I’m confident you’ll meet a few people and they’ll help you really get started.

About Tina: Tina Hamilton is CEO and President of myHR Partner, Inc. She also writes a monthly newspaper column for The Morning Call and is a regular contributor to Inc.com. Tina was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, where she started her employment experience working at the corner deli owned by her father, a Holocaust survivor.