6 Tips To Progress In Your HR Career
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
This is a common question asked during the interview. Most candidates will respond by saying they see themselves in managerial positions. This means that they want to progress in their career by climbing to the top.
Meet Joy, who wanted to be an HR professional but ended up pursuing a business administration course. She thought she would be more disadvantaged than those who had pursued human resources and had experience in their belt. She was looking for an HR job but she got an administrative assistant role instead.
‘It was a great opportunity for me to develop my skills but my interest was in HR.’ While in the company, Joy took part in HR-related activities to gain practical experience. “I involved myself in recruitment, induction, and performance appraisal and this was enough to confirm for me what I wanted to do. One year later, the stars aligned and the role of HR officer was vacant in the company and she was the first person to be considered. She enrolled In HR short courses and registered as a member of IHRM, she was later promoted to be the HR manager for the company.
If you want to progress in HR career path like Joy, here are 6 things to do:
1. Learn From Other HR Professionals
Network with professionals can give you more opportunities to learn, develop and find jobs. Consider expanding your network through social events, conferences, trade shows, or human resources organizations.
For instance, Joy volunteered to work in HR department and this was an opportunity for her to learn, understand HR functions, and gain relevant experience.
2. Be Updated With Industry Knowledge
Be updated with new ideas, changes, and trends in the industry by reading HR journals, documents on HR practices, and blogs.
3. Further Your Education
If you advance your education, you will qualify for upper-level positions because some managerial positions require you to have advanced education.
Enroll in HR training for you to develop your skills and knowledge for you to qualify for senior positions with higher salaries.
When you enhance your skillset, you will be prepared for any challenges you may face in your career and will demonstrate to employers that you’re dedicated.
4. Update Your CV
When you earn an accomplishment, promotion, or develop your skills, it is important to include that in your CV.
Having an updated CV ready to send to potential employers will help you to apply for jobs when they arise.
5. Understand HR Titles
It is important to understand the hierarchy of HR jobs for you to determine the ones you want to specialize in.
Understand the HR roles for example managerial positions that oversee all HR operations. To build your knowledge, you can consult your managers to understand how they reached the top.
6. Explore Other Opportunities
It is important to consider other opportunities that are outside your organization. For example, you can work as an outsourced HR professional but still work for your employer. You can work part-time as a HR consultant and this will give you experience outside your current roles.
Summary
Progressing in HR career may take time but it is worth it when you are climbing the ladder to your dream job. It is important to assess your current position, figure out where you want to go, and set goals that will help you achieve that goal.
Enroll in this Master HR Course and take your career to the next level!