Manager Spotlight – Abby Goldblatt

It’s been one year since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. The virus caught us off-guard and required a quick response by health professionals. Considering the pandemic anniversary, we spoke with Abby Goldblatt, assistant human resources manager, Yale Health. A year ago, Abby generously volunteered to take the lead in the administrative management of the lobby screener program and took charge of hiring and managing frontline staff.

It’s been a year since the pandemic started. When you look back, what are some things you remember?
When the pandemic started, Yale Health worked to create a solution that would help our patients and staff remain healthy and safe. I was informed that we would need to hire temporary employees and maintain a lobby screening process. Initially, there were conversations about who would manage the staff and since current managers were stretched with other COVID-19 priorities, we had a hard time identifying a manager. That is when I volunteered to help with this important initiative. The Lobby Program enabled me to work with other Yale Health clinical and operational managers to ensure the screening process would remain safe and effective. I am grateful to be a part of the work Yale Health is doing to address the pandemic and safely providing healthcare to its members.   

Can you tell us more about your career at Yale?
I started at Yale in 2007 and in May, it will be my 14^th anniversary. I served 12 years as a senior human resources generalist, and had the opportunity to work throughout the university on every campus – Central, Medical School, and West Campus, and support various departments. I got to the point in my time at Yale, where I wanted to be a part of a specific department or organization and this position at Yale Health has enabled me to do that.

What are some of the main responsibilities in your current role?
Currently, I am the assistant human resources manager for Yale Health. It was a smooth transition. People welcomed and worked with me right away and it was a great reception. As a senior human resources generalist, I had supported several very different departments. Although there are some similar responsibilities, here I am focused on the Yale Health organization, which has allowed me to learn more about health care and gain in-depth knowledge of all the positions, staff, and operational processes.

A primary focus of my role is managing the Yale Health recruitment process and working closely with my central human resources staffing partners to ensure an efficient and effective recruitment process. 

Other key initiatives include working with the new Chief of Mental Health and Counseling on the department’s reorganization and significant expansion.  I am a member of Yale Health’s diversity and inclusion committee and am currently working on a team that is going to implement a new credentialing system for Yale Health.

You are one of the greatest supporters of the New Haven Hiring Initiative. Most of your team members came through our program. What is your message for job seekers?
Don’t get discouraged. Keep applying, work with your job coach and make sure you are applying for the right jobs. Read very carefully the required skills and abilities for each position and tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly.

I think temporary jobs play an important role for somebody who is unemployed or underemployed. If you are available for temporary work, get in touch with New Haven Hiring Initiative and New Haven Works. A temporary job can lead to more opportunities.

Recently some of your temporary employees secured regular jobs at the University. Do you always encourage your temporary employees to pursue regular full-time jobs?
Definitely. I encouraged and supported the lobby screeners efforts to secure regular full-time positions and recently two of them secured regular employment. Once you’re in the temporary job, don’t just linger in the role; you should be looking at Yale STARS and keep pursuing permanent employment while strengthening your candidacy with temporary assignments.

As someone who conducted hundreds of interviews, can you share some tips for virtual interviewing?
Always come prepared. Treat your virtual interview as it was in person and wear professional attire. Choose a setting that is quiet and without interruptions.  Be prepared to talk about your experience and study your resume – hiring managers will ask questions about your previous experience. Prepare enough examples that you can use while answering behavioral questions.  Be sure to talk about your customer service skills and your ability to be flexible and handle the unexpected.

Thank you for sharing this information and for all the hard work you and your team do!
Thank you for recognizing and acknowledging our efforts. I wanted to wish to all readers to stay safe and healthy!