Company: Persona
Role: People and Operations Specialist
Experience Level: Entry Level
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Location: Remote (Work from Home)
Skills Required: Administrative Assistance, Executive Administrative Assistance, HR, Finance, Operations Management
About Persona
Persona is a leading global talent agency connecting top startups with skilled professionals from around the world. Founded by two Stanford University graduates, Persona collaborates with some of the most innovative and rapidly growing technology startups, including clients backed by investors like Founders Fund, Sequoia Capital, and Andreessen Horowitz.
Our mission is to create a future where every individual finds the ideal role, and every company discovers world-class talent. By providing extensive training, mentoring, and resources, Persona ensures its team members achieve their best potential and thrive in their roles.
Why Join Persona?
At Persona, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work with future industry leaders—the Googles, Facebooks, and Amazons of tomorrow. We prioritize our team members’ happiness and career growth, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for all.
Key Benefits at Persona:
- Industry-leading salaries, significantly higher than market averages.
- Permanent work-from-anywhere model.
- Comprehensive health insurance subsidy.
- Unlimited paid time off, including sick and vacation leaves.
- Annual performance-based bonuses.
- Monthly tech allowances.
- Opportunities for career growth and advancement.
- A fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative environment.
- Warm, inclusive company culture.
- Option to be paid in your preferred currency.
About the Role: People and Operations Specialist
Persona is looking for a dedicated and highly organized People and Operations Specialist to support its engineering team and handle critical HR, finance, and operational responsibilities. This role requires a professional with excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work autonomously.
As a People and Operations Specialist, you’ll work closely with team leaders to streamline processes, improve operational efficiency, and ensure a seamless experience for both candidates and team members.
Responsibilities as People and Operations Specialist
- Talent Acquisition and Candidate Coordination:
- Schedule and coordinate interviews, particularly for final-stage candidates.
- Communicate with candidates and hiring teams to ensure a smooth interview process.
- HR Operations:
- Manage daily HR tasks, including onboarding, document drafting, and platform management.
- Organize and support company events to foster team engagement.
- Logistical and Administrative Support:
- Handle shipping logistics for laptops and employee equipment.
- Prepare meeting notes, memos, and other administrative documentation.
- Payroll and Financial Management:
- Process bi-weekly payroll, ensuring bonuses and reimbursements are accurately calculated.
- Track and manage company expenses, maintaining updated financial records and reports.
- Assist with financial analysis, reporting, and budget tracking.
- Project and Task Coordination:
- Update and maintain trackers for various projects.
- Monitor emails and review call recordings for positive feedback snippets.
- Client and Vendor Support:
- Coordinate with marketing vendors, responding to inquiries and updates.
- Manage personal and professional tasks for clients, such as online bookings and reservations.
Qualifications and Skills: People and Operations Specialist
Required Qualifications:
- Proven experience in HR, finance, or operations roles.
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
- Fully fluent in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Significant experience in managing office procedures and handling sensitive corporate information.
- Proficiency in using apps and technology to streamline work processes.
- Ability to commit to a long-term, full-time position.
Preferred Qualities:
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
- Agile and capable of managing tasks with a high degree of prioritization.
- A proactive problem-solver who can work with minimal supervision.
- Adaptable, professional, and capable of handling confidential information discreetly.
What We Look for in a Candidate:
At Persona, we value individuals who:
- Thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
- Are motivated by challenges and opportunities for growth.
- Bring energy, positivity, and professionalism to their roles.
- Demonstrate impeccable attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
A Day in the Life of a People and Operations Specialist
Imagine starting your day by coordinating a final-round interview for a potential hire, ensuring the process runs smoothly. You may then handle a payroll-related query, confirming that employee bonuses are calculated accurately. In the afternoon, you could prepare meeting notes for an upcoming team discussion or oversee the shipping of equipment for a new hire. Throughout the day, you’ll juggle tasks with precision, ensuring that both operational and people-related responsibilities are met seamlessly.
What Persona Offers Beyond the Role
- Professional Growth: Access training and mentoring programs to build your career.
- Flexibility: Work from anywhere in the world while contributing to a global team.
- Supportive Culture: Join a team that values your well-being and encourages a healthy work-life balance.
Interview Questions and Sample Answers for People and Operations Specialist
1. What attracts you to the role of People and Operations Specialist?
Sample Answer: I am drawn to this role because it combines HR, operations, and financial tasks, allowing me to leverage my organizational skills while contributing to a company that values innovation and people-centric solutions.
2. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple responsibilities?
Sample Answer: I prioritize tasks by assessing their urgency and impact. I use tools like task trackers and calendars to organize my day efficiently, ensuring critical deadlines are met.
3. Can you share an example of how you handled a confidential task?
Sample Answer: In my previous role, I managed sensitive employee data during payroll processing. I ensured confidentiality by using secure systems and following company protocols strictly.
4. How do you stay motivated while working remotely?
Sample Answer: I create a structured daily routine, set clear goals, and stay connected with my team through regular check-ins and virtual meetings.
5. Describe a situation where you improved an operational process.
Sample Answer: In my last role, I streamlined the onboarding process by introducing digital forms and automated task reminders, which reduced processing time by 30%.
6. How would you ensure a smooth onboarding process for new employees?
Sample Answer: I would maintain a detailed onboarding checklist, provide clear communication to the new hires, and offer ongoing support during their initial days.
7. What tools do you use to manage HR and operations tasks effectively?
Sample Answer: I am proficient in tools like Slack, Google Workspace, Trello, and HR platforms like BambooHR to handle tasks efficiently.
8. How would you handle a situation where an employee is dissatisfied with their role?
Sample Answer: I would listen to their concerns, understand the root cause, and collaborate with management to address their issues and explore solutions.
9. How do you handle high-pressure situations?
Sample Answer: I remain calm, break tasks into smaller steps, and focus on solving the problem systematically while maintaining open communication with relevant stakeholders.
10. Why should we hire you for this position?
Sample Answer: My proven experience in HR and operations, combined with my strong problem-solving skills and commitment to excellence, makes me a great fit for this role.
How to Apply
Visit Persona Talent Careers to apply for the position. You can also explore other opportunities for roles like administration, bookkeeping, accounting, project management, marketing, and more.
