Using Who and What You Know to Find Work in HR

Gina Deveney
Posted by in Human Resources


Human resources experts develop many useful skills during their initial training and continued work experience. When it comes time to seek a human resources management job with a different company, putting those skills and experiences to work for you can expedite the process. Those with human resources management jobs also have exposure to people at many different levels within their companies. The many skills in your arsenal and people in your network can give you a crucial advantage when it comes to finding new work.

Many of the skills you use every day can help you find a human resources management job. Once you know how to work in human resources, you already have the basics of how to interview and apply for work. Even if your experience is limited to payroll and scheduling, you have no doubt learned key tips from recruiting managers and professionals in your organization. If you are just leaving school, making a realistic assessment of the skills you developed during training can help you when it comes time to demonstrate that you understand how to work in human resources. Skills such as time management, empathy, communications, and organization are important in many different positions.

Human resources management jobs also give you the experience you need to demonstrate that you understand your industry. If you are just starting out, the anecdotes and experience of your instructors can help show that you know about the inner workings of the industry. Experience is a major part of the job-search process, and matching your experience to available human resources positions can help ensure a good fit. You can use your experience, even if your previous work history is in fields other than HR, to demonstrate your understanding of key concepts that drive the industry. Customer service representatives, managers, and even business owners are likely to have encountered similar situations to those faced by HR workers.

Who you know can be equally as important as what you've gained in your previous experience and training. Networking is one of the true keys to success in today's integrated workforce. Your network includes those you've worked with before, as well as business contacts made through social media. The future of social media includes programs that may help you make those contacts when you need them most. Think back on everyone that you've worked with and consider how these contacts have left you with knowledge applicable to human resources management jobs. These people may make great references or even direct you to their company or partner organizations that need qualified HR representatives.

Who and what you know can help you find a human resources management job in today's modern marketplace. Using your skills, experience, and networking contacts, you can reach hiring managers of all kinds. An honest inventory of these can help prepare you for constructing a resume and demonstrating your prowess during the interview and hiring process.

 

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)

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