If you have ever considered yourself a people person with good managerial skills, you may be a good fit for human resources. This job role would require you to problem-solve and strive to make your workplace better for everyone.
In this article, we will explore human resources as a career option and see if it is the right choice for you.
What is Human Resource Management?
Have you started a new job and seen the process from start to finish of being employed. It normally begins with an interview to see if you are the right candidate. Once you do successfully receive a job offer, you must provide all your details such as national insurance, proof of qualifications and proof of identity. You may receive a pension which is contributed to by the company you work for, and training may involve workshops or programs.
If you have any concerns whilst you work for your company, there will be rules and guidelines to follow and someone to speak with if there is any conflict or you just need some additional support. Your performance will also be monitored which will help managers review how you are progressing.
All the people involved within these processes generally work within the human resources department. HR roles can vary depending on the company but here are some common tasks:
Recruitment
People working within human resources may need to advertise job roles, sort through applications short-list applicants and arrange interviews. They could also be in charge of conducting the interviews and selecting to final applicant.
Employee Relations
Human resources can help solve conflicts and support employees if they are struggling. They will also be responsible for creating rules and guidelines for the workplace.
Training and Development
Some companies must meet certain regulations, and this could involve training their employees. Human resources can organise workshops or training on an individual basis to ensure their workforce is fully competent and compliant.
Compensation and benefits
Most companies will provide a pension which they must contribute towards. Some will also offer other benefits such as health insurance. Human resources will also manage pay and any personal tax questions will be directed to them too.
Skills required by you for Human Resources
We have discussed the tasks involved within human resources but what skills are required from you if you want to succeed in this job role?
Communication
This is one of the most important skills within human resources. Being able to listen to people and respond clearly is the first stepping stone. Sometimes employees may come to you with problems. They could be going through tough conditions at home or struggling within the working environment and it will need someone empathetic to deal with the situation. Another situation could be explaining an individual’s rights within the workplace. This must be accurate and not mis-leading.
Problem-solving
Another skill is problem-solving which can be required for a number of things. There could be conflict between a manager and employee, and this would need to be dealt with quickly so that productivity isn’t reduced. HR may also need to use problem-solving skills if there is a high staff turnover. Identifying the reason why new staff are leaving so soon after they begin work will help the success of the company.
Organisation
HR employees must be organised due to the high volumes of information they handle. This can involve employee records, payroll information, contracts and performance reviews.
Decision-Making
With HR being responsible for recruitment, they will need to make decisions about applicants and ensure this is the right choice for the productivity of the business. They must also ensure that there is fairness across all areas of the organisation and everything is kept consistent.
How to begin a career in Human Resources
If you would like to complete a degree in Human Resources, there are plenty to choose from on UCAS. You would just need to ensure you have GCSE in English and Maths and 2-3 A Levels in order to apply for university.
Alternatively, it is not always crucial to gain a degree within this field. You could consider a Human Resources Level 3 of Level 4 course with Learn Now Distance Learning College.
Other options to consider include an apprenticeship or applying for jobs such as ‘human resource assistant’ or ‘business administrator’.
Once you have decided on the route you will take, there are also many ways to progress in this field. You may want to apply to bigger organisations, set up your own consultancy to offer recruitment services or work as a HR specialist within the Army.
Human resources isn’t just about paperwork and policies. It is clear from the above that the point of human resources is to help the employees within the organisation. In order to get the best out of each employee, they must feel valued and safe within their work environment. Anything you can do to support them is going to help the success of the business.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
