The talent crunch in the job market is creating huge opportunities in human resources. Have you ever considered a job in HR? Now’s the time! As a human resources specialist, you’re the support system for every employee in the company. You’re often their first contact when they’re looking for a job, their last contact when they’re leaving the company, and the person they go to for help with benefits, employee relations, training, and payroll.A Day in the HR Specialist Life According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resource specialists “recruit, screen, and interview job applicants and place newly hired workers in jobs. They may also handle compensation and benefits, training, and employee relations.”Responsibilities vary from organization to organization and depend on how many members are on the HR team. Some positions handle recruitment, onboarding, and exit interviews, while others focus on training, employee relations, and team building. In a smaller company, you might handle all those things and more.

Do You Have the Skills for HR Success?

The hard skills required in an HR role are often easier to identify than the soft skills. You know you’ll be responsible for things like:

• Scheduling
• Employee relations
• Onboarding
• Performance management
• Training
• Orientation
• Recruiting, hiring, and terminating employees

Soft skills that support great performance in an HR position include:

• Empathy. The ability to understand and share the feelings and viewpoints of employees will help you meet their professional needs.
• Strategic thinking. Organizing people and departments, often with competing priorities, requires the ability to develop a plan to balance complex needs.
• Communication. Effective communication skills are essential when working with people.
• Listening. A great HR specialist will understand that listening to others is essential to building trust in a team.
• Positivity. The ability to stay focused on the goals and values of an organization while maintaining a positive forward focus is a key skill for HR specialists.

Advancement Opportunities

Do you have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business communications, or a related field? Many employers prefer candidates with one of those degrees, along with relevant experience gained in internships or in jobs like customers service or human resource assistance. Organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management and the HR Certification Institute offer certification to show employers you have professional competence across a wide range of HR areas. These certifications—and superior work performance—may help you advance to the next stage of your career: human resources manager.

HR Specialist Salary Range

Salary varies across the industry, areas of the country, and other factors. However, the median annual wage for HR specialists in 2020 was $63,490. Job prospects are bright for HR generalists and specialists, with employment expected to grow 10% through 2030.Looking for an opportunity in human resources? Our expert recruiters are dedicated to identifying, developing, and investing in the next generation of HR leadership. Let us help you find a new role where you can help others improve their lives, be a part of a team, and make a difference. Contact Premier Talent Partners and kick off your search today!