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Once in a while, you might think of taking the next step in your HR career and aim to become a Human Resources Manager. This highly coveted role requires unique skills and experience to effectively manage a company's most important asset - its people.
You can confidently take on this challenging and rewarding position with the right guidance and training. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 essential steps to becoming an HR Manager, providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this dynamic field. But first, let's explore what a Human Resources manager does.
As a cornerstone of every office, you've probably encountered human resources and perhaps even collaborated closely with them. Beyond their visible contributions, their dedicated efforts extend far and wide, making them essential players in any company's success.
An HR manager oversees various functions within an organisation, including:
The journey to becoming a human resources manager involves a combination of education, experience, and personal development. Here are five essential steps to guide you on how to get into HR.
Before diving headfirst, you must know how to get into HR management. One of the entry requirements is to immerse yourself in the essential pillars of human resources by understanding its intricacies. For instance, familiarise yourself with the core functions, such as talent acquisition, employee relations, budget management, HR policies, compensation and benefits, and other organisational skills.
Explore how HR aligns with overall business objectives and contributes to an organisation's growth. Consider this your foundation—a solid understanding of HR principles will serve you well throughout your career.
The foundation of a successful career in human resources management often begins with fulfilling the entry requirements through acquiring relevant education. Often, you can gain this through the following:
Degree in Human Resource Management
A foundation in human resources management, business administration, or a related degree lays the groundwork for understanding the principles of HR and people devel1opment, as well as organisational learning.
CIPD Qualifications
You can start your career in HR by completing a CIPD qualification. CIPD is the professional body for HR, L&D, and people development.
Having a CIPD qualification can significantly elevate your professional profile and appeal to future employers. Below are the courses you can take:
These qualifications are highly regarded within the industry and serve as a testament to one's commitment and expertise in human resource management. They facilitate a deeper understanding of HR best practices while ensuring recognition by professional bodies and peers.
As HR professionals, you'll need a combination of education and experience. The early stages of your career in HR often involve roles such as HR Assistant or an entry-level HR role, where you'll begin to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. HR jobs include processing new employee documentation and assisting with payroll and benefits administration.
Such positions or any previous experience offer a valuable opportunity to understand the operational aspects of HR management. It's also a chance to demonstrate your ability to build relationships across different departments, a skill crucial for any aspiring HR Manager.
Seeking HR apprenticeships or an HR internship within the HR department can provide a direct insight into the day-to-day challenges and responsibilities of the profession. They allow you to showcase your commitment, adaptability, and practical application of your people management and organisational development skills.
Moreover, volunteering for projects that involve presenting, team leadership, or conflict resolution can significantly enhance your profile. These opportunities enable you to develop and refine the skills needed for senior roles like senior HR managers, including strategic thinking and emotional intelligence. By actively pursuing practical experiences, you lay a robust foundation for a thriving career in human resources.
Becoming an HR manager requires more than having a business degree or CIPD qualification. Experienced HR managers know that to become effective, there's a need for continuous commitment and further training to develop essential skills, especially when working in a large organisation.
Here are the essential hard and soft skills that experienced HR professionals need across all industries:
As a pursuing human resource manager, any related HR experience is essential in navigating the complexities of human resources. Organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask are equally crucial in managing various HR initiatives successfully.
Developing these skills enhances your ability to manage various HR functions, including employee engagement, staff development, and strategic talent planning. Moreover, these skills facilitate seamless interactions with colleagues and foster a conducive work environment, especially for new employees to adapt easily.
Networking plays a pivotal role in advancing your HR career progression. Connect with HR professionals through industry events, seminars, and online forums to exchange insights and stay updated on industry trends. To become a good HR manager, you have to learn and get inspired by successful senior managers in the human resources field.
Here are some HR events, seminars, and online forums in the UK that you can explore for networking and continuous learning:
BFI offers a series of HR risk-focused webinars and workshops. Topics include inclusive recruitment, menopause support, right-to-work checks, and more. These sessions provide practical insights and updates on HR policies and compliance.
HR Vision events are more likely to focus on strategic HR thinking. It's an excellent opportunity for senior HR leaders to exchange ideas, develop new strategies, and stay ahead.
Eventbrite hosts various HR-related webinars and workshops. Topics range from understanding HR legislation to coaching skills for HR professionals. Check their listings for upcoming sessions.
In human resources, engaging in continuous learning to expand your knowledge base and stay abreast of evolving HR practices is crucial to your role. So attend workshops and webinars, and pursue further training to enhance your skills in talent planning, employee engagement, and strategic people management. Remember, the HR landscape is ever-changing, and staying proactive in professional development is key to long-term success.
We at e-Careers offer a premium quality CIPD learning experience. If you enrol on one of our CIPD qualifications, you'll also get a chance to enjoy many benefits, which are as follows:
Human resources is an exciting and rewarding venture. The path requires dedication, a commitment to continuous learning, and developing a broad set of skills. However, understanding the theory and possessing the qualifications is only part of the equation.
To truly stand out and make a significant impact, you need to translate your knowledge and skills into actionable insights and strategies that benefit both you and your organisation.
Enrol on our CIPD qualification today and unlock a world of opportunities in Human Resources Management. Contact us at +44 (0) 20 3198 7700 or visit our Human Resources page.
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