If you’re interested in human resources (HR), it’s important to focus on your soft skills. Being able to communicate well, identify significant information, and be organized are all crucial to having a successful career.
Here’s an overview of the most important skills, along with an explanation of why they’re important and how to demonstrate them in your own job interview.
1. Recruiting
In today’s fast-paced world, HR departments accomplish multiple tasks. But if there’s one key function that leads the pack, it’s recruiting. The bottom line? HR people are tasked with finding new people when new employees are needed, and that’s recruiting.
A good recruiter will be able to communicate with people easily and build a strong network for outreach. They will be able to craft compelling and complete job descriptions that will attract candidates to a firm.
2. Screening
Screening can refer to reviewing incoming resumes and choosing candidates for an interview, looking at resumes and determining a fit with existing jobs. Screening also refers to calling references of leading candidates to verify and unearth information.
In either case, screening takes some of the skills of a detective. Sometimes, resumes may actually inadvertently bury — or not foreground — experience that relates well to the open position. Other times, you may need to put together clues that will end up helping your firm. Has a candidate tried to conceal a long gap between jobs, for example? That can be a red flag.
3. Employee Relations
HR professionals are responsible for maintaining good and productive employee relations. You may be called upon to help develop an appreciation plan, for example, or a set of promotional paths to reward top performers.
HR also plays a role in resolving employee relations that have become problematic. Are two members of a team in frequent conflict? Is one employee exhibiting nonproductive behavior? You will have to review the situation and take steps to resolve it.
You’ll need to be firm and fair, elicit the employee’s opinions but not necessarily be swayed by them. You need to understand all sides, yet work in the company’s best interests.
4. Onboarding
Onboarding is the intake process in a company. It starts on day 1, when new employees arrive. They need to be informed of policies and procedures. They may need to complete necessary paperwork. They need to be gracefully integrated with their department, meeting supervisors and co-workers. They need both specific information and a welcoming and supportive environment.
Onboarding skills for HR professionals include clear communication, a strong sense of organization, and empathy. What do new employees need to know? What’s the best form to present it in? How can they best feel welcomed and valued?
5. Scheduling
This may seem like a different kind of skill than the other four, which are all actively employee-facing. But scheduling is a key skill in busy HR departments. Excellent HR professionals need to multitask, scheduling not only interdepartmentally, but throughout the company and with potential new employees. A scheduling issue can derail top management, leave productivity gaps, and lose potential great employees.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself thoroughly with scheduling software. Using a digital system eliminates having to send emails or memos reminding people of the various meetings scheduled.
Are You Looking for a Company That Appreciates Your Talents?
Are you considering a job change to work for a company that will value and appreciate your HR talents? Let Nesco Resources help you find employment with an employer you can grow with. Contact us today to speak to a professional.