Editor's Note

Human Resource Management is one of EOs' core responsibilities. In this issue, we delve into a particularly "hot" task - recruitment. Readers will learn about EOs' various roles throughout the recruitment process. From drafting and placing advertisements, processing applications and arranging for examinations, trade tests and selection interviews to handling enquiries and complaints, EOs' involvement is extensive and significant. In the feature column, some of our colleagues will share with us their experience of the various integrated steps in the recruitment process, and how candidates are handled in the process.

Grade Management has put in place an all-round programme of training and development that helps us kick off our careers from our very first days, and later provides upgraded courses to help us meet the ever-increasing challenges we now face in our work. Under the Basic Training Programme for EO II recruits, new members attend a three-day residential programme on team building and leadership. And it's not just about theories but physical cooperation and problem-solving. Let Li Chung-kan share with us his learning experience in the residential camp at Tsing Yi and the fun and fear of his first experience of rock-climbing at Shek O. It is important that EOs as professional resource and system managers, apart from possessing the necessary knowledge and skills to provide a quality service, are able to project an image commensurate with our profession. Alice Chu talks about the tips she gained in the Workshop on Building Professional Image. Can we learn from the management experience in the private sector? Iris Wong cannot agree more in her report on the visit to the China Light and Power under the Human Resource Management Programme for EOs I and II. She also tells us about the company's recent reforms, its HRM strategies and corporate culture.

Stay "wired" away from home! Yes, this is now possible thanks to the marvels of the wireless networking technology called Wi-Fi. Whether for your personal use or to help in implementing the Government Wi-Fi Programme (GovWiFi) in your workplace, you'll learn lots from Chris Li's article "Wi-Fi - Understanding the Whys and Wherefores...". His advice opens the doors to the principles behind this technology, how to set up a Wi-Fi network at home, the GovWiFi, and, most important of all, the dos and don'ts of Wi-Fi security.

Apart from being dedicated to their work, many of our colleagues are keenly interested in protecting the environment. And it's better still if such civic-mindedness can be combined with our hobbies. In the article "我愛大自然", Derek Chan and Tom Chin tell us about their commitment to protecting Nature, and how they put it into action as well. Take a look at their stories and you will get the message.

Drink driving has become a serious safety and social issue, with many recent fatal and serious accidents related to drink driving. In EO Blog, Hermes Chan draws our attention to safe, drink-less driving - and points out how a Government official might jeopardise his career if convicted of drink driving. He also describes a defensive driving course he joined to enhance driving techniques and avoid accidents. This standing column also welcomes readers' contributions. Do write to us, or if you so wish, share your own blog with us.

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