The Top 4 Skills Employers Are Looking For in Human Resource Professionals

It’s easy to get caught up in what employers are looking for in different positions. It’s the job of an HR professional to learn about those skills and sometimes help with the hiring process. But, people think less often about what human resource professionals actually need to get their foot in the door. 

It’s not as simple as hiring employees and keeping a positive office environment. While those things are important, not everyone naturally has the desirable skills to work in HR. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the HR industry is on pace to grow by 7% in less than ten years. That means more jobs and more competition. If you’re a job seeker looking for a position in HR, having the most in-demand skills in your arsenal can make the difference between you getting hired versus someone else. 

So, what are those skills, and what can you do to leave an impact on hiring managers? 

1. Be an Advocate

Employee relations is a broad term because it covers so many areas within a business.

As an HR employee, you need to be able to be an advocate for both the employees and your employers.

You’re the bridge between the two, which means you’ll need to be able to resolve conflicts as they come up, as well as communicate important information. 

If you have a knack for communication and can work with employees and employers to create a more satisfactory work environment, you’re already ahead of the game with this particular skill. 

2. Specific Software and Office Skills

Many offices implement human resource software to keep things organized. Specifically, it helps with payroll systems. If you’re new to the world of HR and haven’t had a chance to work with Human Resources Information Software (HRIS), you might be scrambling to think about what you’ll tell a hiring manager. 

Don’t fret if you’re not familiar, but be honest about the software programs you have and haven’t used. Honesty can go a long way and not checking every box doesn’t automatically mean you won’t get the job. 

Instead of focusing on what programs you’re not familiar with, try to play up the software, apps, and other programs you have experience in. Or, talk about your willingness/eagerness to train with HRIS software or other necessary programs like Excel for financial data management. 

3. A Team Player

When you’re a part of the hiring process, you might ask potential employees about their willingness to work with others. Collaboration and communication are key factors for any successful business. 

But, have you ever considered whether you’re a team player or not? 

Think about it this way – as an HR professional, you’ll have to collaborate with workers from every department. Chances are, you’re not going to be familiar with some of those departments.

So, an HR professional who will really stand out is someone with a willingness to learn and grow from other employees.

You don’t have to know everything, but you have to be willing to work together with different people to do everything from resolve conflicts to make sure everyone has a satisfactory work environment. 

Be transparent in your interview about your willingness to learn and communicate with others. It’s one thing to talk about being a team player. But, when you’re honest about the areas where you need to grow and how you’re willing to do that, it can leave a bigger impression on your employer. 

4. Project Management

It’s easy to think about all of the little, everyday tasks an HR professional has to tackle. But, there’s always some “bigger project” you’ll probably be working on, too. Maybe it’s an employee handbook that needs to be completely overhauled. Maybe it’s installing or learning new software, or sending out employee satisfaction surveys. 

If you don’t have strong project management skills, those bigger tasks can be overwhelming and take away from your everyday work. Showing leadership and assertiveness in a job interview, as well as having the organizational skills to back them up will make you an asset to any company where you have to spearhead multiple projects. 

Don’t just work about bulking up your resume with certifications and training.

Those things are important and can help you to get noticed as an HR professional. But, it’s really only the first step. You’ll undoubtedly make or break your chances of getting hired in the interview process. So, keep these skills in mind as you talk with hiring managers. Focus on your strengths, and don’t be afraid to share where you need to improve, and how you’ll do it. 

© New To HR