Tips for new HR Professionals
You’ve just landed your dream job in Human Resources. Congrats to you! Welcome to the community. The evolution of human resources has been an interesting one to watch. We’ve gone from being consider the paper pushers to the strategic partners of an organization. Depending on the role you’ve just accepted, it can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. At HR Defined, we want to share some tool box items we think you could use as a new HR Professional.
Round up all the Business Acumen you can get
Business Acumen is key. Long gone are the days where HR is solely compliance driven. In between being the paper pushers and strategic partners of today, there was also period of being called “personnel”. This department handled things like discharges and grievances. Although these are still some of our duties today, many HR professionals will tell you that getting to know the business is one of the best ways to be seen as a valued partner. While there are many aspects that are compliance applicable, you may find that many HR roles involve some level of influence. It will be extremely hard to gather buy in or be influential if you are that HR professional acting like the hall monitor about things that are right and wrong. I’m sure by now you’re wondering how you can get some of this business acumen. Consider this:
Understand how your company makes money. Does your company offer products, services or a combination of both? You may be able to find some of this information on the company’s website. I’ll share later another way that I like to fill in the gaps
What are some of your company’s/ clients biggest problems? Do they struggle with finding talent to fill some of their roles? Do they find the talent but have a hard time keeping them? How can you help with these problems?
When you are seen as the person who can help solve problems, you will begin to see your level of influence balloon.
HR is about people AND relationships
We hear about networking and building relationships all the time. And although we hear about it, it can be challenging to do. So how do you build relationships? Even more important, how do you build meaningful relationships? Consider this:
Be authentic- People can smell inauthenticity from miles away. Being genuine displays your commitment to build meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships
Expect nothing- people often make the mistake of only connecting and networking with people that they believe can do something for them. Doing this typically means that your attempt at building this relationship is disingenuous and one sided. Get to know people without an expectation of getting something in return
Ask people about themselves- Many people won’t admit it but most people love talking about themselves, their accomplishments and sometimes even their opinion. Listen intently. Listen to learn. This is a very easy relationship building tactic. You will get a quick win by simply asking people to coffee to learn more about them
Use social media- I’ve received tons of messages asking questions about my journey into HR. This is okay to do. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask people to virtually learn more about them. You can also use social media to join HR groups. Participate in discussions and engage with professionals alike
A.B.L
You’ve heard it before. A.B.L, better known as ALWAYS BE LEARNING. Laws change all the time. You want to make sure you are setting aside time to read and stay up to date on the things happening in your industry. Be aware of how these changes may impact your company. To stay up to date on what’s happening, you can check out sites like the following:
https://www.hrdive.com/
In addition to learning about things going on in the industry, it’s equally important to consider things that could enhance your experience as an HR professional. Depending on the HR lane you are in, you may find that you could benefit from additional professional development. Consider some of the following:
Payroll- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Compensation- Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
HR Generalist/ HR Business Partner (PHR/SPHR or SHRM Certs)
Benefits- Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)
Learning and Development – Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)
HR Generalist- Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
Whatever the path, consider how you can continue to enhance your skills and become the rounded professional you are destined to be.
Do you have some tips that you think new HR professionals could use? Drop them below, we’d love to hear from you.