Are you interested in working in human resources but not sure you have the skills to communicate effectively? If you’re seeking a career in human resources, communication is important. Interacting with coworkers is one of the cornerstones of the HR field. Even if you’re starting out as an HR clerk, thoroughly understanding the role of communication in human resources will help you succeed.
What Skills Do You Need to Succeed in Human Resources?
There are many soft and hard skills that help you succeed in human resources. They include:
Skill #1: HR Knowledge – A working knowledge of labor laws, employment trends, and software is a must. Most of this can be obtained during a Human Resources Management program.
Skill #2: Compliance – You will need to study any local and federal laws that pertain to your business or industry. This will help you prepare for audits. This will also help you make critical decisions regarding the work environment.
Skill #3: Talent Management – Once you’ve fostered positive relationships with the staff members, you’ll know how to motivate them and reward their efforts. Employee development is an ongoing process that requires keen people skills.
Skill #4: Recruiting – Most organizations are actively seeking HR professionals who can locate qualified recruits. You must ask yourself which skills and character traits are needed to perform the job, and how well does the candidate fit the description?
Skill #5: Problem Solving – It’s often necessary for HR professionals to mediate conflicts between employees and management, creating solutions for complex issues. This requires good problem-solving skills.
Skill #6: Organization – If you’re organized, you’ll have an easier time sorting data and performing various administrative tasks.
Skill #7: Communication – Employees must understand the rules and benefits of the job. You must also be able to answer questions clearly and efficiently. Being a good listener is also imperative. Good written communication skills are also useful if you need to write job descriptions or draft the employee handbook.
What is Good Communication and Active Listening?
The ability to communicate goes beyond simply delivering information, although that is a vital aspect. It is important to be clear and concise so that information is not misinterpreted, especially in human resources. Candidates, new hires and current employees all need to understand what is expected of them. They will also want to know how they fit into the organization.
Active listening is just as critical, and it’s an art that many professionals fail to master. That doesn’t mean it’s difficult, only that it requires care and attention. Here are the key components of active listening:
- Maintaining eye contact
- Engaging fully in the conversation
- Paying attention to non-verbal cues
- Phrasing questions in an open-ended manner
- Reflecting on earlier portions of the conversation
- Knowing when and how to respond
- Resisting the urge to offer unsolicited advice or judgment
Why is Communication Important in Human Resources?
What exactly does it mean to communicate with efficiency? Who will you be speaking with, and how can you tailor your approach to fit every situation? Here are some tasks in human resources where communication skills are important:
Recruiting and Onboarding
As you recruit, you’ll be speaking with prospective hires to determine whether they’re a good fit for the organization. You must be clear about the job description and the required skills. It’s also important to ask the right questions during the interview. Pay close attention to their responses as well as their body language.
Dealing With Problems
Workplace conflicts are inevitable, but dealing with them doesn’t have to be a major roadblock. This is one of the roles played by the HR department, and why every company needs talented and efficient workers.
For example, if an employee has an issue with their job, or even a personal roadblock that may affect their ability to do the job, they’ll be directed to the HR department. When faced with this situation, you’ll need to know what questions to ask to get a comprehensive overview of the situation, and how to devise a possible solution. Communication is key when dealing with problems.
Training, Evaluation and Layoffs
Your job doesn’t end once the worker is fully trained. To bolster productivity, the workplace needs to encourage open communication. When employees know that you are willing to listen and respond to their concerns, they’ll be more direct about voicing them.
And when it comes to job evaluation and conducting layoffs, sensitivity is key. You’ll want to remain professional without sounding cold and indifferent.
Payroll and Benefits Administration
Not all HR professionals deal with payroll and benefits administration, but if you are assigned these tasks, discretion is key. It’s considered taboo to discuss salary and wage information with anyone besides the employee and/or their managers. If someone asks you about their latest paycheck or pay raise, make sure that you’re in a private location before you address their concerns.
How To Hone Your HR Relevant Skills
When you enroll in a trade school to obtain a Human Resources diploma, you develop the skills you need to excel. In fact, we put special emphasis on communication. Any good leader needs to communicate clearly to succeed.
The learning experience doesn’t end once you’ve received your diploma. Throughout your career, you’ll be able to sharpen your communication skills. Whether your tasks are restricted to recruiting and hiring, or extended to include payroll and benefits administration, you’ll be communicating with people every step of the way. This gives you the experience to improve your communication skills.
Final Thoughts
When you embark on a career in human resources, you’ll be dealing with people on all levels of the organization. Prospective recruits, new hires, middle management, upper management, and C-level professionals. You’ll act as a liaison between all of them.
While this is an exciting prospect, it can also be daunting if you aren’t well prepared. Choosing the right technical school helps you obtain the skills you need to succeed in human resources. Let us show you the way.
Want to Learn More?
Now that you know how to start a career in human resources, it is time to learn more about the Interactive College of Technology. At the Interactive College of Technology, we offer Human Resources Management training that can help you get started in a new career or advance your current one. You’ll get hands-on training, industry recognized certifications, and real-world experience prior to graduation! We also offer continuing education courses to refresh and build on your current skills.
Let’s take the first step together! Contact us now to learn more.
