Being in HR for the first time is especially challenging, because HR is responsible for the well-being of every other department. If you’re just starting out and looking for ways to make a meaningful contribution, here are some tips for HR beginners.
Get to know your team
These are the people you’ll be working with, relying on, and reporting to. As a newbie in HR, you should see your team as your allies. They can teach you valuable lessons about the company, industry, and role you’re undertaking.
Learn about the expectations of the role
In order to do your job well, define your responsibilities. It’s important for you to know what you’re accountable for, and what falls in someone else’s realm. When you know what you’re responsible for, you can take ownership and work to improve the processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
Study the company and industry
Study the HR industry to learn the trends and best practices for HR management. Doing this will help you pick up management methods and different ways you can handle problems that come up.
Study your company and the industry it’s in to get a good hold of rules and regulations you must observe. Knowing the pieces in play around you will help you advise employees when they come to HR for advice.
Don’t try to make waves immediately
It’s understandable to see inefficiencies and want to fix them immediately, but take some time to learn how the company works first. It’s possible that something you see as useless actually has a good use that isn’t apparent to a new employee. Make a list of recommendations and escalate them as suggestions before you try to muscle your way to changing the system.
Learn how success is measured
Understand how success is measured for your role and for the company. This will allow you to align your mission and the company’s so the entire team is working together for common goals. Knowing how your role’s success is measured will also help you to do a good job, and focus your energy where needed.
About the Author: Jocelyn Pick
