How to enhance your HR career

The HR landscape is constantly evolving and is a critical role within businesses for various reasons. This is great news for HR professionals, who are highly sought after due to their contribution towards company culture and the personal relationships they develop with individuals across businesses. 

According to  LinkedIn Learning 82% of global leaders agree that the HR function is more critical now than ever, and the number of HR professionals has grown by 42% in the past decade, compared to just 10% for the general workforce. (HR Magazine)
 

At Huntress, we have a track record of working with a variety of HR roles including HR Administrators, Assistants, Advisers, Managers, Talent Acquisition, and L&D so we’ve collected our insights and top tips to help you enhance your HR career.
 

Continue to Learn: Stay up-to-date with the latest HR trends and best practices. Consider certifications, online courses, and webinars you can attend to broaden your knowledge. This can also be a valuable asset for companies looking for new HR professionals to join their business.
 

Networking: This is an important skill for most roles. However, as you are often the first contact for potential employees it’s important you continue to build strong professional relationships. Attending HR events, joining relevant online groups, and connecting with mentors in the field will help you to broaden your network.
 

Embrace New Technology: HR tech is evolving rapidly so you must familiarise yourself with HR software and analytics tools to streamline processes and improve future decision-making.
Recent reports show that 60% of HR departments are looking to invest in predictive analytics, 53% in process automation, and 47% in AI.
 

Develop Your Soft Skills: Effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving are essential. These soft skills are invaluable in HR and will help you maintain an unbiased stance in highly emotive situations.
 

Diversity and Inclusion: EDI is a high priority for many employers with 57% of UK businesses regard equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as a strategic priority.

As an HR professional you will be required to champion diversity and inclusion initiatives within your organisation so being well informed and pushing for an inclusive workforce will be a vital aspect of your role in today's workplace.
 

Mentorship: Both seeking and providing mentorship can be immensely beneficial. A mentor can offer guidance, while mentoring others enhances your own understanding of various HR related requirements.
 

Wellness and Work-Life Balance: As well as Championing EDI you will also be required to prioritise employee wellbeing whilst taking care of your own.  In HR you can be dealing with a lot of high-pressured situations so maintaining a balanced life can enhance your effectiveness in HR.
 

Certifications: Like any role, qualifications can help you to secure a more senior role whilst developing a more strategic skillset to enhance your leadership opportunities like CIPD.
 

It’s important to remember, your HR career is a journey and embracing opportunities for growth, whilst staying passionate about your field, will ensure you will thrive and make a significant impact as a HR professional. If you’re interested in finding out more information on our current HR opportunities, please click here or contact our teams directly for more information.