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Human Resources (HR) work can provide you with a fulfilling career assisting employees. Working inHRmeans you have the option to build a career in a variety of fields, since most companies have anHRdepartment, regardless of industry. As anHRprofessional, such as anHRmanager, you’ll be responsible for coordinating, planning, and overseeing processes that are essential to organizations, such as recruiting staff and handling employee benefits. Whatpersonalitytraitsandcharacteristicsshould you have to be aneffectiveHRprofessional?GoodHRprofessionals should ideally have at least some of the followingtraitsand be willing to develop the rest.
1. Organization
Being an organized individual is an essential characteristic to have when you work inHR. This kind of job requires you to keep track of a wide range of information, such as federal and state employment regulations and policies, employee benefits, recruitment processes, and more. Depending on your responsibilities, you might need to interview job applicants, handle or oversee disciplinary procedures, ensure compliance with federal and state laws, and resolve conflicts between employees. Being able to go from one task to the next daily and keep track of paperwork, policies, and procedures means you’ll need to have excellent organizational skills as anHRprofessional.
2. Effective Communication
Working inHRinvolves interacting with other people, including staff, management, and job applicants. To do this job effectively, you’ll need to be agoodcommunicator. Having goodcommunication skills comes into play whether you’re interviewing job applicants, working through conflicts with employees, or meeting with management to discuss updated or new policies and procedures. When you’re skilled at communicating with others, there’s a lower risk of misunderstanding that can lead to workplace conflict. Effectivecommunication is also an important part of keeping everything running as smoothly as possible in your company. For example, you might need to communicate a new company policy or explain changes to employee benefits.
3. Problem-Solving
HRprofessionals need to be able to handle problems on the job on a regular basis. Conflict between employees will occasionally occur. New employees might not understand certain policies or their benefits package. Your company might need help developing more effective recruitment and hiring strategies. No matter what kinds of problems come up, you’ll be expected to solve them. Being a natural problem solver can make it easy to tackle the wide range of issues HRprofessionals face. However, you can work on becoming adept at solving problems through your education and when you’re on the job. With time and practice, you can develop the exceptional problem-solving skills you’ll need for your HR career.
4. Comfortable Making Hard Decisions
HRprofessionals occasionally have to make some difficult decisions. Some of these decisions might involve firing or laying off employees, while other decisions might involve having to reduce medical benefits, paid leave, or other benefits. Knowing that these types of decisions can have a negative impact on the lives of employees can make these situations even harder. However, as anHRmanager, you will need to be comfortable making difficult decisions. If you struggle with difficult decisions, you can work on becoming more comfortable with making these calls with practice.
5. Enjoy Data
HRwork goes beyond interacting with others. As part of your job, you’ll also have to work with data on a regular basis. You might need to maintain and update employee records, such as keeping track of time off, medical benefits, payroll, and turnover. The data you use might also include analyses on the effectiveness of recruitment efforts. For example, management might want to see data on employee recruitment if your company has had a higher rate of turnover than usual. Being familiar with data sources and data software can make it easier for you to provide this information. You also might need to organize data in preparation for presentations, such as when you want to implement a new policy.
6. Multi-Tasker
Multi-tasking is a common part of working inHR, since you’re expected to handle a wide range of tasks every day. When you’re anHRprofessional, you’ll need to be able to switch effortlessly between different types of tasks, from recruiting job applicants, administering benefits, and handling employee conflict to making sure your company is compliant with employment regulations. In some cases, you might need to change to a different task unexpectedly, such as when conflict arises. Having the ability to multi-task helps ensure you’re comfortable with handling a variety of tasks on the job.
7. Kindness and Understanding
HRprofessionals handle difficult situations and deal with sensitive information. Being aneffectiveHRmanagerinvolves taking a kind and understanding approach to these situations. As anHRprofessional, employees might come to you to report unethical practices, abuse, harassment, or similar issues. You might also need to handle other situations that require understanding and kindness, such as listening to the concerns of an employee who is being laid off. Being a kind person can help you do this part of your job effectively.
8. Strong Ethics
Having strong ethics is a must if you plan on working inHR. As anHRmanageror professional, you’ll have access to highly sensitive information and data on your employees and your company. You’ll be expected to keep this information confidential at all times. As part of your ethical approach to protecting employee and company data, you’ll need to work with the IT department to implement and ensure security protocols. Your job will also involve making sure employees are aware of security practices and rules at your company to keep information as secure as possible.
9. Love of Learning
As anHRprofessional, you should have a strong love of learning.HRprofessionals have to stay updated on the latest changes in the industry, as well as changes within their own company. For example, you might need to adapt to new or updated compliance regulations and laws or change the way your company approaches job recruitment. Making sure you learn about the latest updates and charges and being willing to explore different approaches and strategies to employee recruitment and otherHR-related tasks can help you thrive in your job. Learning is an ongoing process when you’re anHRprofessional, so having a passion for it is important.
10. Detail-Oriented
HRprofessionals deal with a lot of data and information, including employee leave, benefits, and payroll, as well as employment rules and regulations. When you work inHR, you’ll need to be able to keep track of this detailed information. Being a detail-oriented individual can give you a strong advantage in your career and make it much easier to stay on top of all the information you’re responsible for. You can work on developing an eye for detail as you study to be anHRprofessional.
If you don’t have one or more of thesepersonalitycharacteristics, you can still enjoy a successful career as anHRmanageror otherHRprofessional. Remember you can work on developing thesetraits. In fact, there’s always room for improvement with thetraits and characteristicsyou have already. A leadership degree can help you work on improving your existingtraitsand provide you with opportunities to develop new ones, so you can build a thriving career inHR.
If you are interested in learning more about thestrategicHRmanagement degreeoffered at Wilmington College Cincinnati, request information today!
