Thinking of getting into the HR sector? The role of the HR professional has changed significantly over the years. Offering a great salary and excellent job security, working within the sector boasts a lot of great benefits.
However, it is a competitive field. So, what steps will you need to take to enjoy a successful career in HR?
What skills and qualifications will you need?
Due to how competitive the HR sector is, you’ll want to ensure you have a few key skills that will set you apart. The most common skills HR departments look out for include:
- Good communication skills
- Experience with HR software
- Organisation skills
You’ll need to be able to communicate effectively with both customers and employees. Working within HR requires you to work alongside a team. So, working well with others is also a top skill to have. You’ll need to have empathy and be a good listener and ideally, you’ll be able to ease new employees into their roles with maximum support.
It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the latest HR software too. This will give you a big advantage over other candidates. HR teams rely heavily upon technology today. So, take a look at the top software being used in the industry and get yourself trained up in how to use them.
You’ll also need to display excellent organisational skills. This will help you to prioritise tasks and work on multiple projects at the same time. The role of the HR personnel is extremely varied, and the job role can get really busy, which means organisation skills are a must.
As well as these skills, you’ll also want to make sure you take an HR course. The CIPD qualification is particularly sought after in the sector. While qualifications can enhance the likelihood of you getting a job, they aren’t necessarily required.
How can you find suitable HR roles?
Once you’ve trained up and you’re ready to start your HR career, you may be wondering where to find the right job.
Job sites are a great option, although you’ll usually be going up against a high level of other candidates. So, another option you might want to look into is a recruitment agency. Specialist HR recruitment agencies can match you to the perfect opportunities. This means you won’t have to spend hours looking for new opportunities. They also take care of your pay and organise interviews for you.
A career in HR can be both rewarding and lucrative. However, it’s important to ensure you have the right skills before you get started. You’ll also want to ensure you’re looking for work in the right places.