Embarking on a career in Human Resources (HR) can be both exciting and rewarding. HR professionals play a vital role in shaping workplace culture, managing talent, and ensuring organisational success.

What is Human Resources (HR)?

Human resources, also commonly referred to as HR, is a diverse field that covers a wide range of functions, including:

  • Recruitment
  • Employee relations
  • Performance management
  • Training and development
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Ethical standards
  • Law compliance

As an HR professional, you’ll be responsible for attracting and retaining talent, developing policies, fostering a positive work environment, and ensuring that the organisation complies with employment regulations.

A Day in the Life of an HR Professional

A day in the life of an HR professional is dynamic, people-focused, and full of opportunities to make a meaningful impact. As the role centres around people, HR professionals play a vital part in shaping workplace culture and ensuring employees at all levels feel supported and engaged.

Their day may include reviewing applications, scheduling interviews, resolving employee concerns, or organising training and development, all of which contribute to creating a positive and productive work environment.

Because HR sits at the heart of an organisation’s success, the role carries both responsibility and reward, offering the chance to directly influence growth and stability from the ground up.

The varied nature of HR means that no two days are ever the same, making it an engaging career path for those who thrive on diversity, challenges, and helping others reach their full potential.

Starting A Career in HR

There are many ways to develop a career path in HR, but where to start? It’s important to consider education, experience, and building essential, industry-relevant skills.

Educational Background and Qualifications

To begin a career in HR, a strong educational foundation is essential. Most HR positions require a related qualification via the academic route, such as college or university, or the professional route, via the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD). Unlike a university, no prior qualifications are needed to study the CIPD course. Find out more about CIPD’s online HR course.

Gaining Relevant Experience

Experience is crucial in HR. Internships or part-time jobs, in HR can provide valuable insights and practical skills. Look for opportunities to get involved in various HR activities, such as recruiting, onboarding, and employee relations. The hands-on experience will not only bolster your CV but also help you determine which HR specialties you enjoy most.

Building Essential Skills

HR professionals need a diverse skill set to be effective. Some key skills include:

  • Communication
  • Problem solving
  • Conflict resolution
  • Organisational skills
  • Empathy

Communication

Clear and effective communication is vital for interacting with employees, management, and external partners. This is especially true for HR, as you will be involved with challenging discussions and sensitive subject matters.

Problem Solving

HR often deals with complex issues that impact both employees and the organisation. It’s therefore important for HR professionals to be able to generate diverse ideas and innovative solutions.

Conflict Resolution

Disputes can occur in a business, whether between employees or between employees and management. HR professionals need to be able to handle these disputes effectively by working as a mediator.

Organisational Skills

Because the HR role is so diverse, a key skill for HR employees includes managing multiple tasks at once. They also need to be able to prioritise these tasks in order of importance. Situations can quickly change in the business environment, because of this they also need to be adept at switching between tasks when necessary.

Empathy

Empathy is an important skill when working in HR. Because the role is people-centric, understanding and addressing employee concerns with compassion and fairness is key.

Networking and Professional Development

Building a network within the HR community can provide support, mentorship, and job opportunities. Join professional organisations like CIPD. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on the latest HR trends and vest practices. Networking with other HR professionals can also lead to valuable job referrals and career advice.

Navigating the Job Market

When you’re ready to enter the job market, start by crafting a strong CV that highlights your education, experience, and relevant skills. Tailor your CV and cover letter to each job application, emphasising how your background aligns with the job requirements. Utilise job websites, company websites, and LinkedIn to search for HR positions. Consider working with a recruiter who specialises in HR placements to increase your chances of finding the right job.

Starting a career in HR requires a blend of education and continuous learning. By building a solid foundation, developing essential skills, and actively engaging in professional development, you can navigate the path to becoming a successful HR professional. Still deciding if HR is for you? Take our quiz.

Want to know more about developing a career in HR? Contact us today or visit our online HR course page.