How to Get Started in Human Resources

The HR (or human resources) department is the brains of an organisation: a central hub responsible for the daily functioning and operations of the workplace. Additionally, HR departments are tasked with each employee, in regard to  onboarding, training, wellbeing and more.  

Those who are drawn to roles within this sector tend to be sociable problem solvers who enjoy a varied role with the opportunity to have a positive influence on both individuals and the organisation as whole. If this description aligns with your own career goals, then this brief guide to a career in HR can help you to get started. 

Educational Pathways

Before applying for any qualifications, it’s important to first assess which roles you would like to work in. Once you have narrowed down the type of job you are considering, for example qualifications for an assistant might be very different from those requiring more advanced qualifications such as a HRM masters degree. 

For those seeking a solid foundation from which to launch their career, Certificate IV in Human Resources covers all the essentials. From there, students have the option to progress to more detailed courses such as diplomas. 

Training Opportunities

The paradox of roles involving the exact experience required to obtain them is a common challenge for potential hirees, yet there is a way around this. 

While educational qualifications can help you get to grips with more theoretical aspects of HR, Internships and volunteering are a great way to engage in some hands-on training that you can then show to prospective employers as proof that you have real-time experience of working in the sector, well before embarking on your desired role. 

Skills Development 

In addition to qualifications considered relevant to the role, qualities employers look for in prospective HR candidates also tend to include “soft skills” crucial to navigating the “human” aspect of human resources.

 

  • Discipline and organisation 
  • Compassion and empathy
  • Effective Communication skills
  • Adeptness at problem-solving
  • Flexible and quick to adapt
  • Good conflict-resolution skills
  • Team-building skills

If you have worked previously, it can be helpful to examine your employment history. Even if the roles you worked in were unrelated to HR, there are likely to still be “transferable skills” that will still be seen as relevant. For example, many customer service roles rely on the capacity to solve problems while maintaining positive rapport with customers. #

What Is It Like?

Human resources roles are dynamic, rewarding and varied, so it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what “a day in the life” is like for a HR professional. For an in-person overview of what it’s like to work in the sector, networking events can be an invaluable resource.

These allow  you to make industry connections while offering access to professional development tools. Australian HR Institute (AHRI) can be a good resource for this, or you can search Linkedin for opportunities near you.

Careers in HR  

Many HR professionals start out in entry-level roles (such as coordinators, assistants or associates). These require relatively little experience while acting as a launchpad into more specialist positions, some of which include:

 

  • HR coordinator
  • HR generalist
  • Employee relations manager

Continual professional development is a great way to stay engaged with your role while refreshing your skills, which can enable you to move onto more senior positions such as Director of Employee Experience.