The human resource field is more than just being people-person.
With little to no formal education or work experience, working your way up in the HR field can be a strenuous job.
Also Read: SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
With technology and innovation on the rise, the human resources field is no exception from undergoing a paradigm shift.
In the next decade, the field of human resources is expected to grow at breakneck speed, faster than the average growth. No wonder people are now considering to get into human resources. With job roles, such as corporate recruiter, HR manager, director of talent management, and HR leaders many professionals are keen on developing HR careers.
Over the past decades, there has been a tremendous progressive movement redefining the value of HR professionals today.
An exciting new career in human resources could be within your reach today. We’ve come up with the best ways to break into an HR career.
1. Make use of your contacts and network
Simply said, human resource is a profession for people who can develop a good network. Seek out professionals who will be able to provide you information and insights about their organization.
2. Earn an education
A degree in human resources always helps, but it is not mandatory. A bit of skill development and work experience will still convince the employer about the candidate’s ability to performing a task. With online education providers, you may easily take up classes and grab a job even without a degree.
3. Use professional certification programs to further your career
If you’re in this field from before, you’ll know why HR certification is highly valued by employers in the present scenario. Job hunting is tough with employers looking for updated skills. Although you may be able to land a job in the HR field without certification, a certified HR professional will undoubtedly give you an edge over others in this hypercompetitive market.
Learning the importance of getting certified is one thing, and finding the right certification is another.
If you delve deeper you will come across professional certification for HR professionals offered by some of the world’s greatest certification bodies. To name a few include names such as Talent Management Institute (TMI), The Association for Talent Development (ATD), and The HR Certification Institute (HRCI).
4. You may start as a recruiter
Several companies have people who are great with recruitment. These jobs may be easy to grab even without a degree since they’ll be handling lesser legal issues as compared to the core HR function. These strategies will still be effective for someone not belonging to the HR field but are seeking newer job opportunities. Having the right network will help the candidate find a job anywhere.
5. Certain organizations promote within their network
Professionals who’re already working and looking for ways to get into human resources should give preference to their organization. It is an added advantage for the candidate since they have enough knowledge about the company, its culture, and the company’s goals. The only requirement from the candidate would be upskilling and upgrading old skills and transition them into newer skills.
6. Consider getting into a small company
Many companies prefer hiring candidates who’re willing to wear many hats. The candidate should be willing to work with payroll, bookkeeping, and accounting, etc. Candidates with multiple skills in the HR domain are liable to have a well-rounded experience along with credibility.
7. Learning the lingo
The human resource field can be confusing. This will help you find the right opportunity and job role you’re interested to get into. Many job roles may include a technical slant in it where the candidate will be required to maintain HR systems. The reason why you need to be very specific with the kind of job you’re getting into.