Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Sandra L. Appleton

Newport News
Sandra L. Appleton

Summary

Successful human resource candidate with expertise in employee recruitment, training and payroll management. Adept at building and maintaining positive relationships with employees and management. Strong organizational skills and committed to adhering to relevant laws and regulations. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.

Overview

29
years of professional experience

Work History

Smithfield Foods

Talent Acquisition Specialist
11.2020 - Current

Job overview

  • Evaluated resumes, interviewed, and presented qualified candidates to hiring managers and solicited feedback to refine recruiting strategy.
  • Collaborated with hiring managers to determine job requirements and understand departmental needs.
  • Conducted telephone and in-person interviews to assess candidate experience and qualifications.
  • Developed and maintained applicant tracking system, tracking all job openings, applicants and interviewing activity.
  • Provided regular updates on talent acquisition performance metrics to senior leadership, supporting data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Managed full-cycle recruiting process for multiple roles simultaneously while maintaining high-quality standards in candidate assessment and selection.
  • Developed strong talent pipelines by utilizing various sourcing techniques, including social media, job boards, and networking events.
  • Provided regular updates to hiring managers and HR staff on recruitment activities and progress.
  • Reduced time-to-fill for open positions by efficient recruitment strategies and effective collaboration with hiring managers.
  • Sourced and screened candidates for Maintenance & Engineering roles and worked with hiring managers to coordinate interviews, offers, and onboarding.
  • Utilized social media platforms to source potential candidates and build pipeline of qualified talent.
  • Developed and maintained strong working relationships with executives, HR team, and hiring managers to foster partnerships that produced consistent results.
  • Implemented innovative recruitment strategies to increase number of high-quality job applicants.
  • Participated in industry conferences and networking events to stay current on talent acquisition trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in the field.
  • Developed strong relationships with universities, professional associations, and other external partners to enhance the organization''s visibility among prospective candidates.

Faneuil, Inc.

Human Resources Generalist
07.2017 - 10.2020

Job overview

  • Maintained up-to-date records of employee information in HRIS system ensuring accurate reporting and data-driven decision making.
  • Provided guidance to managers and employees on talent management, payroll, FMLA and benefits.
  • Served as a liaison between employees and management, addressing concerns or questions to promote open communication and maintain trust.
  • Facilitated criminal background check process for new hires.
  • Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing effective communication strategies and open-door policies.
  • Conducted confidential investigations of discrimination, harassment and workplace violence.
  • Handled new-hire orientation and basic recruiting tasks for best-in-class talent identification.
  • Ensured legal compliance by staying current with federal and state regulations, reducing potential risks to the company.
  • Implemented and supervised orientation procedures for new hires.
  • Conducted thorough investigations into workplace complaints, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism throughout the process.
  • Administered benefits programs effectively, ensuring accurate enrollment and timely processing of claims for employees.
  • Understood, interpreted and mediated human resources inquiries to support administration of human resources policies, procedures and programs.
  • Met with staff to resolve difficult situations related to performance and conflict management.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution among employees, leading to improved workplace relationships and enhanced team collaboration.
  • Processed unemployment claims and acted as company representative at unemployment hearings.
  • Conducted career fairs, screened resumes and interviewed applicants to build candidate pipelines and enhance company culture.
  • Developed and built internal and external relationships with project teams, department managers and consultant teams to improve delivery of HR services.
  • Coached and educated management throughout organization on appropriate guidelines for maintaining legally-compliant workplace.
  • Liaised with HR and payroll to coordinate and manage employee leaves of absence.
  • Verified that vendors received timely enrollment information, changes, and terminations.
  • Developed and coordinated employee training programs to improve productivity and performance.
  • Reviewed and screened applicant resumes to identify qualified candidates.
  • Briefed job applicants regarding responsibilities, benefits and schedules to provide information regarding job specifications and logistics.
  • Assisted with writing job postings and job descriptions for boards.

Stratford University

Registrar
07.2012 - 09.2016

Job overview

  • Organized, reviewed, and filed paperwork for secure recordkeeping.
  • Greeted every guest with personable approach and provided knowledgeable service.
  • Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
  • Ensured accurate student records by diligently maintaining and updating information in the database.
  • Verified paperwork accuracy and checked for completion prior to processing.
  • Updated computer system with latest information to keep records current and accurate.
  • Developed and implemented registration policies, procedures and timelines for smooth administration processes.
  • Assisted with accreditation efforts through meticulous record-keeping and timely submission of required documentation.
  • Resolved student registration issues to reduce acceptance, enrolment and payment delays.
  • Improved data integrity by conducting regular audits of student records and making necessary corrections.
  • Coordinated effectively with admissions offices to streamline acceptance notifications and enrollment procedures for incoming students.
  • Monitored enrollment processes to meet regulations and accreditation standards.
  • Maintained positive relationships with faculty members to facilitate seamless coordination on course offerings, schedules, and other academic matters impacting students'' experiences.
  • Enhanced student satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly, providing solutions, and offering guidance on registration matters.
  • Reduced errors in transcript processing through careful attention to detail while entering grades into the system.
  • Collaborated with academic departments to ensure course availability, meeting student needs and institutional goals.
  • Facilitated student registration with admissions and records departments for smooth administration processes.
  • Facilitated seamless course enrollment for students with timely processing of requests and effective communication.
  • Participated in the development of institutional policies related to registration, grading, and graduation requirements, ensuring a consistent approach across all departments.
  • Streamlined registration processes by implementing efficient online systems and reducing wait times.
  • Promoted adherence to FERPA regulations by implementing strict confidentiality protocols when handling sensitive student information.
  • Evaluated transfer credit eligibility for incoming students, ensuring a fair assessment process aligned with institutional policies.
  • Supported academic advising efforts by providing timely access to student records, enabling informed decision-making about course selections and degree progress.
  • Implemented effective communication strategies to keep students informed about important deadlines, policies, and updates related to their enrollment status.
  • Prepared balanced course schedules, student rosters and class lists.
  • Provided essential support during graduation ceremonies, ensuring smooth execution of events and accurate awarding of degrees.
  • Scheduled and maintained centralized appointment calendars for students, faculty and staff.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals within the registrar''s office, promoting collaboration and optimal performance toward shared objectives.
  • Signposted registration materials and resources for helpful student support.
  • Contributed to higher retention rates by closely monitoring students'' academic progress and providing support as needed.
  • Upheld HIPAA regulations and standards for protecting patient information.00

United States Navy, USN

Mess Specialist/Records & Returns Clerk
11.1995 - 06.2000

Job overview

  • Supported efforts towards sustainable practices within the mess hall, incorporating locally-sourced ingredients when possible.
  • Assisted in planning special events, including holiday celebrations and formal functions for distinguished guests.
  • Conducted routine inspections of kitchen equipment, ensuring functionality and optimal performance levels at all times.
  • Facilitated open communication among team members, fostering a positive work environment conducive to collaboration and growth as professionals within the culinary field.
  • Trained new Mess Specialists in proper food preparation techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols.
  • Resolved customer complaints promptly, maintaining a professional demeanor while addressing their concerns effectively.
  • Collaborated with fellow Mess Specialists to ensure smooth meal service operations during high-traffic periods.
  • Prepared and served food to approximately 500 personnel on Great Lakes Naval Training Command
  • Supervised rotating Food Service Attendant (FSAs)
  • Oversaw bi-weekly lockout/tagout cleaning schedules

Education

Stratford University
Newport News

MBA from Business

University Overview


  • magna cum laude graduate
  • Extracurricular Activities: Support all student activities and special events
  • 3.57 GPA


Saint Leo University
Langley AFB, VA

Bachelor of Arts from Human Resources Administration

Skills

  • Applicant Tracking Systems
  • Data-driven decision-making
  • Onboarding Processes
  • Candidate Sourcing
  • Screening resumes
  • Social Media Recruiting
  • Recruitment
  • Cold-calling
  • Candidate tracking
  • Passive Candidate Engagement
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Recruitment and hiring
  • Human Resources Support
  • Networking Events
  • Pre-Employment Screening
  • New Hire Onboarding
  • Microsoft Office
  • New Hire Orientation
  • Employee Hiring
  • Employee Relations
  • Staffing Agency Coordination
  • Time Tracking and Payroll Administration
  • Candidate Searching
  • Employment Recordkeeping
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Wages and salary

Timeline

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Smithfield Foods
11.2020 - Current

Human Resources Generalist

Faneuil, Inc.
07.2017 - 10.2020

Registrar

Stratford University
07.2012 - 09.2016

Mess Specialist/Records & Returns Clerk

United States Navy, USN
11.1995 - 06.2000

Stratford University

MBA from Business

Saint Leo University

Bachelor of Arts from Human Resources Administration
Sandra L. Appleton