Human resource managers in the United States earn a median pay of $116,720 per year. This rate is likely to grow upwards over the next five years as more organizations appreciate the import role played by HR. Pursing a career in human resources is a rewarding journey for any individual with a heart for labor relations.
Apart from staffing, teams in the HR departments also handle compensation, health, and employee safety. Are you wondering how to get a job in HR? You aren’t alone. Most people that seek a career in labor relations struggle to find the right information on how to get a human resource job.
Working in the HR department has a myriad of financial advantages. Read here for more on how to land a lucrative position in HR.
1. Education Background
There’s no shortcut to your entry into the field of human resources. HR professionals come into the sector with a full scope of educational background.
The typical entry-level education you should have to pursue a career as a human resource professional is a bachelor’s degree. Most HR positions require at least a four-year degree in HR, personnel management, or a related field.
Such related fields include psychology or sociology. If you would wish to pursue a career in HR in the future, you should either major in HR programs or such related courses. This educational background is crucial in the execution of the complex human resource role.
If you have been working for several years in an operational role, you can also transition to HR. However, specific organizations may still require a college degree before hiring.
The best thing about enrolling in classes is that you can study human resources online. Studying online means that you can still manage your day job while still pursuing a career in HR.
2. Experience
Few companies, if any, will hire a greenhorn as an HR professional. If you are wondering how to get a job in HR, then experience is a prerequisite. Established organizations often request for at least five years in a related field as the primary hiring criteria.
The strict focus on experience most times limits budding professionals from getting HR jobs. However, you have a few options that can help you amass the needed familiarity in the sector.
Here’re some of the ways to help you gain the necessary experience.
Internships
Everyone dreads being an intern. These programs can lead to burnout, especially when the pressure on interns is overwhelming. Even so, the bright side is that internships open up unmatched opportunities to learn and unlearn.
Much of what you learn in class is theoretical. However, internships offer you the chance to apply the fundamental principles of HR in reality. You also get to amass hands-on expertise on handling issues in a real-life HR setting.
Anyone wondering how to get an HR job should consider an internship as a perfect opportunity to gain exposure on how to manage the various HR processes.
Considering SHRM Student Chapter
Your involvement with the SHRM student chapter will pay dividends in the long haul. The program is among the few that allow for interactions and networks between practitioners and providers. Professionals pursuing a career in HR should consider membership with the Society for Human Resources Management.
The membership helps facilitate education, certification, and broader networking among members. Such opportunities help you get the exposure and skills needed in the field of HR. With over 300 000 professionals as members of the SHRM, your involvement in the society will help you gain the necessary exposure.
Volunteering
If you’ve been wondering how to get a job in HR, the key might be volunteering. But does volunteer count as work experience? The answer is a resounding yes.
Compared to an internship, which is often compulsory before graduation, volunteer programs result from self- initiative.
Most organizations consider prospective employees with a background as volunteers to be highly self- motivated. You can apply for volunteer roles in organizations. This will help open your minds to the dynamics in HR.
3. Networking
Contemporary HR practitioners have the luxury of using social media and other platforms to build broad networks. These networks of HR practitioners are vital for prospective employees. Networking is a perfect way to get to know other HR providers, which sets you up for more opportunities.
If you want to land your first job in the field of human resources sooner, then it might help to work harder at improving your networks. Online platforms such as LinkedIn offer you the chance to connect and share with fellow practitioners in the field. Such connections can be vital during your job hunting endeavors.
4. Follow the Trends in the HR Field
If you have been wondering how to get a job in HR, staying abreast of the field’s trends is a must. Employers prefer prospective HR practitioners who are up -to- date with the patterns in practice. You should stay familiar with the legal, regulatory, and socio-cultural issues affecting the workforce.
Learning the trends in HR will help you align your skillset with the changing HR landscape. It would also help to understand the impact of technology on HR practice. This will help you adjust and adapt to the specific hiring preferences among employers.
5. Certification
The field of HR is among the most sort after career paths, given the assumed financial benefits. This means that scores of other potential employees will seek to fill the same shrinking positions in the future. Certification is what will make you stand out.
While certification is not a compulsory requirement when hiring, it adds a sense of credibility to your resume. You can get an HR certificate after completing an accredited HR training program. Some of the recognized certifying bodies include SHRM certification and the International Foundation of Employee-Benefit Plans.
This Is How to Get a Job in HR Sooner
Every organization that has employees requires the support of the HR team. The team oversees the role of staffing, compensating, and ensuring the welfare of the employees. To this extent, the role of an HR practitioner is crucial in any business.
The choice of a career path in HR is rewarding in the long-haul. Even so, most prospects wonder how to get a job in HR. It would help if you had basic education, experience, understanding of the trends, networking, and certification needed to become a fully-fledged HR professional.
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