Do you have what it takes to be an HR specialist? Whether you’re a fresh graduate, looking for your first job, or someone who’s planning to make a huge career change, here are 9 telltale signs working in HR is the best path for you.
1. You’re fascinated by psychology
Are you a psychology major? Or maybe you took several psych classes in college? Do you enjoy watching Ted talks? Whatever that is, you just love learning about how people behave, as well as their intentions and motivations.
If you’re fascinated by human behavior, then landing a career in HR might be perfect for you. People who work in HR tend to be interested in human and organizational psychology, sociology, and management principles. They are also willing to find ways to support employees’ mental health.
2. You’re friendly and approachable
Are you a “people” person? Do you get along with people easily? Are you a good listener? Do you find your approachable demeanor to instantly put other people at ease?
One of the key traits of an HR representative is approachability. Employees must be comfortable talking to their HR staff no matter how sensitive a situation may be. According to Amy Wolcott, a talent manager at Sprout Social, being approachable is key to building trust and rapport with employees, colleagues, and leadership.
3. You’re everyone’s therapist
Your friends turn to you when they need help with complicated interpersonal problems. You’re good with words, as well as defusing uncomfortable situations with delicacy. You’re also a go-to person when someone’s looking for advice on how to deal with office politics, workplace stress and burnouts, job hunting, interview preparations, and other work-related topics.
An effective HR representative finds excitement in helping people become the best employee they can be.
4. You’re a good problem-solver
If you’re good at finding creative solutions to all sorts of sticky situations, from money problems to a last-minute change of plans, then you might have a spot in this career field.
Career coach Nichole Wesson suggested that in most cases, the most complex problems within a company fall on human resources. You’ll be handling difficult situations regarding harassment, discrimination, and disciplinary issues.
5. You can address conflicts with ease
Can you discuss sensitive issues, like employee violations while remaining unbiased and ensuring respect for every employee? It’s not enough that you know how to resolve problems; to become effective, you should also be able to address conflicts with tact.
6. You’re good at keeping secrets
In your circle of friends, are you always the first to know your friends’ biggest secrets? Do they feel comfortable sharing even the most sensitive details to you because they know you’re trustworthy?
Confidentiality is a huge part of an HR’s job. From sharing health issues to spilling harassment events in the workplace, HR specialists are people’s go-to resources. They know how to compartmentalize and make sure they’re not spreading everyone’s secrets.
7. You enjoy researching and paying attention to details
You’re not lazy when it comes to researching, whether it’s about finding a cure to an ailment to selecting the best car for your needs. You know how crucial research can be when making good decisions, so you always pay attention to details and do your due diligence.
A successful HR professional will need to do a lot of research when it comes to their company’s policies such as hiring, firing, and benefits. They can spot a red flag in a resume or in a job interview immediately. They also play a large role in ensuring their company doesn’t violate employment laws.
8. You’re a sound decision-maker
Do you enjoy weighing the pros and cons to make the best decision for everyone? Working as an HR staff might be the best choice for you.
Professional HR specialists are great decision-makers. They constantly make decisions for their company’s best interest, from choosing who to hire to selecting the options for benefits packages. They can balance and weigh a variety of options to find the best HR solutions.
9. Business principles excite you
Are you business-savvy? Do your friends’ stories about their jobs spark your curiosity about the organizations that employ them? Do you want to know what makes a business fail or succeed? Are you interested in business models and how companies function?
Having a business mindset is crucial in HR. They have a strategic understanding of basic business principles. They apply these information to think about what’s next for the team, plan for future changes, and stay growing as an organization.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a creative writer for HR Dept Australia, a provider of affordable and pragmatic HR services and employment law advice in Australia. Writing about helpful career management solutions for both employees and employers is her cup of tea.
