Tara Merritt
Winnetka,CA
Summary
Driven and highly qualified professional specializing in diversity recruiting, operational management and employee engagement. Experienced in recruiting suitable candidates and maintaining employee information. Adept at building positive relationships with employees and staff.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Human Resource Specialist
CosmoProf | SalonCentric
09.2019 - Current
- Assisted with recruitment process by posting job ads, filtering applications, scheduling interviews, assisting in interview process and drafting offer letters.
- Labor Relations experience: with strong track record of recruiting, training, employment laws and regulations (e.g., DOL, EEOC, Title IX, FMLA/CFRA, ADA, etc.), action and collective bargaining.
- Conducted performance reviews and provided feedback to managers on employee performance.
- Partnered with departmental managers to ascertain hiring needs and subsequently provide candidate recommendations.
- Generated and analyzed reports to monitor employee engagement and attrition trends.
- Reduced expenses 25% by analyzing compensation policies and implementing competitive programs while ensuring adherence to legal requirements.
Property Manager
Urban Executive Suites
11.2017 - 10.2022
- Handled tenant complaints promptly and appropriately, calling in repairmen, and other support services.
- Effectively managed remote property operations, coordinating tenant inquiries, lease agreements, and virtual property inspections using property management software (e.g., AppFolio).
- Ensured timely maintenance and repairs by collaborating with maintenance personnel and utilizing virtual tour and inspection tools (e.g., Matterport).
- Utilized communication tools (e.g., Slack) and video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom) to promptly respond to tenant communications and maintain strong tenant relationships.
- Introduced prospective tenants to types of units available and performed tours of premises
- Verified income, assets, and expenses, and completed file tracking sheet for each applicant
- Administered operations to handle needs of more than 200 tenants across 2 properties.
- Communicated effectively with owners, residents, and on-site associates.
- Delivered emergency 24-hour on-call service for tenants on building issues.
Human Resource Coordinator
Rudy’s Barbershop
07.2013 - 08.2019
- Maintaining HR databases, personnel, and workers' compensation files, and preparing confidential reports
- Proficient in administering Leave of Absences (LOA), conducting E-Verify on new hires, and coordinating with Worker's Comp for necessary administration.
- Highly organized and skilled in maintaining confidentiality of information, while also providing excellent customer service by answering HR-related inquiries and scheduling pre-employment testing.
- Filed paperwork, sorted, and delivered mail and maintained office organization.
- Conducted new hire orientation to verify completion of appropriate paperwork, recording information on human resources database.
- Supported employee relations, cultivating 37% retention with welcoming and inclusive work culture.
Benefits, Specialist II
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
10.2009 - 07.2013
- Conducted benefit program analysis and contract amendments of existing benefit programs, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations such as HIPAA, ERISA, and ACA
- Developed and analyzed models to support successful and efficient employee benefit plan rollouts.
- Managed Open Enrollment deadlines for private defense industry client base and their employees.
- Audited benefit programs and agreements to optimize service delivery.
- Assessed client requirements and developed targeted benefits solutions.
- Created employee education programs to improve understanding of benefits packages and increased utilization 32%.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Finance
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT07.2025
Skills
- Training and Development
- Recruitment and Onboarding
- HR Policies and Procedures
- Performance Management
- Conflict Resolution Data Analysis
- Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge
- Proficient Microsoft products
- HRIS, Workday, ADP, ICMS, and ATS Systems
- Wages and Salary
- Benefits Programs
- Leasing and Sales
- Property Tours
- Maintenance Knowledge
- Tenant Screening
Certification
PHR- In progress
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
You only have to do a few things right in your life so long as you don’t do too many things wrong.
Warren Buffett
Timeline
Human Resource Specialist
CosmoProf | SalonCentric
09.2019 - Current
Property Manager
Urban Executive Suites
11.2017 - 10.2022
Human Resource Coordinator
Rudy’s Barbershop
07.2013 - 08.2019
Benefits, Specialist II
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
10.2009 - 07.2013
Bachelor of Science - Finance
Western Governors University
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