5 Tips For Climbing the HR Career Ladder

As an HR consultant for more than 10 years, I have had an opportunity to help young HR professionals looking to advance their careers. Recently I had a telephone conversation with Sylvia, an HR assistant seeking my advice. Her concerns really caught my attention.

She has been working in the same company for almost seven years now. At first, she was thrilled with the job but as years passed by every day is getting predictable. She has mastered all that is required of her to a point that she can do all her work with her eyes closed. There are no opportunities to grow in her company and now, she is opting to look for another job.

This is what is happening to a lot of HR professionals out there. Do you feel that you are not making progress in your career but can’t quite put your finger on the reason?

A lack of career development opportunities is the second-most common reason employees leave their jobs.

Many employees feel dissatisfied with their jobs at one point or another. Some employees leave their jobs for better opportunities, while others choose to stay and remain unhappy.

I advised Sylvia to consider the following;

1. Take an HR short course

One of the best things Sylvia can do to grow her career is to focus on her education. I advised her to enroll in an HR short course, which provided her with the specific skills she needed for career progression.

The course set her up to become an expert in the field, ensuring she understood the modern business environment and how to offer support to all those working within it.

2. Surround yourself with the right Network

As in any profession, the people you make connections with the matter. If you’re just starting out in HR, surround yourself with the right people. Well-connected mentors and experienced peers help set you on the right course for career development.

I advised her to consider seeking out job-shadowing opportunities to meet more professionals who are working in her area of interest.

It is also important that when seeking out a mentor/career coach you look for people who you respect and feel comfortable going to for advice. You can also proactively search platforms like LinkedIn or dedicated mentoring services.

3. Seek new opportunities

I took a role earlier in my career that allowed me not only to take on new challenges in HR but to participate in running the business as a whole.

But the most impactful thing I did was to take a three-month work assignment in the UK. That experience expanded my ability to work and think globally far more than any class or training, or even managing from a distance, could have. I instantly gained credibility as a global HR practitioner and elevated my focus during a subsequent job search to the executive level.

4. Maintain current industry knowledge.

It is crucial for Sylvia to stand out from others by staying up to date on new ideas and changes in the HR industry. I proposed to her to always read human resources journals, blogs, and magazines.

5. Be proactive

A proactive attitude can help in any career, but it’s especially important in HR. Why? You’ll face a variety of situations that require creative solutions. The more innovation and enthusiasm you bring to your role, the easier it is for leadership to trust you and know that you’re doing a quality job.

Conclusion

Every HR person follows a unique path, and while it can sometimes feel like a lonely road, there are a wealth of networks and resources available at every stage of the journey. Cultivating that support network will help you gain confidence, drive innovation at your company, and move your career forward.