The typical human resources employee is responsible for a variety of activities, and one of the most important is staffing, including deciding whether to fill positions with contractors or to recruit, hire, and ultimately train the best candidates for the positions.
The number one concern of HR job candidates is getting a foot in the door. And let’s be honest, the only solid way for your resume to convey that you are qualified for the job is through experience. Now, what if you don’t have experience — how do you get the job? It’s the old catch-22: you can’t get the job without experience, but you can’t get experience without the job. You know you can do the job — you just need the chance. Well, the best way to get your foot in the door is a recommendation. Assuming you have friends and family, give them some calls and ask about their jobs and if they can get you an interview. Even if they are not hiring at the moment, it’s good to get your name out there and network.
Now, why don’t we explore some of the negative aspects of HR jobs and ways to combat them? Stress is a big issue when working in the human resources field. Indeed, your job involves taking on the stress of the entire staff. You have to listen to everyone’s grievances and requests, and then resolve them to the best of your ability, all the while trying to keep a financially beneficial balance for the company. This can stress out the most laidback person on the planet.
But, you cannot let this stress show. As a human resources worker, you are counted on to be the rock of the company. One key to keeping this under control is the two martini lunch. Just kidding. Make sure that you do have an outlet, though, whether it’s a relaxing bath when you get home, a massage, or just a night out with your friends. The important thing is to keep yourself sane so your work is more rewarding.
When you choose an HR job, you are choosing to be the person who might be hated and might be loved. I didn’t want to say it, but that is the truth. It all depends on the situation you are given to deal with. Sometimes you are just the messenger, and like it or not, everybody wants to kill the messenger. Other times you have to look at it like you are that teacher in high school who gets all dressed up and paints his face on spirit day. People might laugh and think you are lame, but deep down they needed you to do that. Enthusiasm is contagious, and that is what makes a great human resources employee.
