7 Things to Know About the Human Resources Industry Before Starting Your Career
Diving into the Human Resources industry comes with its unique set of challenges and opportunities, which is why we’ve gathered insights from seven experienced professionals, including CHROs and CEOs. From understanding the importance of going beyond the basics with subspecialties to recognizing that strategic thinking meets genuine care in HR, these seasoned experts shed light on what newcomers should know before stepping into the HR realm.
- HR: Beyond Basics with Sub-Specialties
- Understand HR Field and Career Path
- Match HR Roles with Your Personality
- HR: A Blend of Skills and Compliance
- Empathy: The Heart of Human Resources
- HR Success Requires Genuine People Interest
- Strategic Thinking Meets Genuine Care in HR
HR: Beyond Basics with Sub-Specialties
HR isn’t just HR anymore. It’s also marketing, communications, and digital strategy, with elements of IT, legal, finance, and big-data management sprinkled in.
If you want to be successful in Human Resources, you’ll need more than the basic vocabulary of the profession. Today’s HR leaders are not only familiar with business operations, but they also bring an X-factor or subspecialty to their work.
This means that your transferable skills are more important than ever. Job seekers should tout their HR credentials, but don’t forget to highlight your financial capabilities, project management experience, or communication prowess. The extra skills will help you stand out in a sea of sameness.
Tim Toterhi, CHRO, Plotline Leadership
Understand HR Field and Career Path
Know the reasons why you are getting into the HR field. There are so many aspects to it that make it have a high burn-out rate. I think it’s important to really understand all the components of the industry, like fluctuating compliance, dealing with conflict, and being a catch-all for most employers. It can be important to map out where you see your career going in HR (do you want to be a manager, CHRO, etc.). And talk to people in the field, from small to large companies.
Dave Rietsema, CEO, Matchr
Match HR Roles with Your Personality
There are many moving parts that make up this industry, so it’s wise to brainstorm what type of roles you’re seeking for job satisfaction. This can be dictated by one’s personality and niche interests in how they want to contribute within the HR space. Decide if you want to be in a client-facing setting, which can include interacting with employers, prospective job candidates, and lateral vendors that align with the company’s mission.
If you prefer an individual contributor role that is internal-facing within an organization, seek roles that serve a limited audience. For example, instead of catering to a few client-facing audiences, one can work with human skills development and training within a company by nurturing employee development. Different aspects of these roles require varying degrees of engagement with people, refined communication skills, and a willingness to think outside the box. Even individual contributor roles entail a degree of teamwork within companies while maintaining the confidentiality of tasks.
While creativity is encouraged to nurture the “people space,” there are also roles which strictly adhere to legal and compliance measures, which value critical thinking and research skills when working with sensitive information. This includes roles leveraging a vigilant mind to ensure state, federal, and industry standards are in alignment to avoid any conflicts of interest within the jurisdiction(s) they function in on a global level.
Return to the basics: ask yourself whether you want to work with a small or large headcount within a company and whether it holds a national or global presence. Then narrow down roles that align with your personality and existing skill sets before you acquire more skills in your next opportunity. It’s worth an investment working in this space because as the markets evolve, organizations (contributors) are expected to keep pace with new ways of conducting business. There’s always an opportunity to level up regardless of the economic conditions because there will always be existing employees needing to be served.
Sasha Laghonh, Founder, Sasha Talks
HR: A Blend of Skills and Compliance
Key Insights for Entering HR:
- Broad Role: HR involves more than hiring—it’s about shaping culture, developing employees, and strategic planning.
- Core Skills: Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are essential.
- Legal Knowledge: Understanding labor laws and compliance is crucial.
- Data-Driven: HR increasingly relies on data analytics for decision-making.
- Tech-Savvy: Familiarity with HR technology is becoming a must.
Eva Toledo, Senior Researcher, Kepler Search Pte Ltd
Empathy: The Heart of Human Resources
One essential truth for new grads or job-seekers considering a career in Human Resources is that empathy is at the heart of this industry. HR professionals are often the bridge between the organization and its employees, so understanding and connecting with people on a personal level is crucial.
This role involves not just filling positions but also nurturing talent, resolving conflicts, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. If you’re entering this field, embrace the human side of HR—listen actively, appreciate diverse perspectives, and genuinely care about the well-being of others.
Your ability to cultivate relationships and understand the emotional landscape of the workplace will not only elevate your effectiveness as an HR professional but will also contribute to making your workplace a better environment for everyone.
Amit Doshi, Founder & CEO, MyTurn
HR Success Requires Genuine People Interest
If you’re considering a career in HR, know that it is fundamentally about people—no matter what the company size, industry, or part of the world. Yes, there are policies, procedures, and compliance to consider, but at its core, HR is about understanding people’s needs, helping them navigate their work lives, and creating environments where they can thrive. That’s why having a genuine interest in others, a deep empathy, and a strong willingness to help are not just nice-to-haves to work in this industry—they’re essential. These qualities aren’t something you can learn. If they resonate with you, HR may be a rewarding career path. Otherwise, I’d recommend considering a different direction in your professional life.
If you’re not naturally curious about what makes people tick or don’t have a sincere desire to help others, you might struggle to find fulfillment in this field. HR professionals are often the first line of support when an employee faces challenges, whether dealing with personal issues that affect their work or navigating complex workplace dynamics. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, listening without judgment, and offering guidance or solutions that genuinely address their concerns is what sets great HR professionals apart. Your role is about proactively creating a positive workplace culture, supporting people in their career growth, and being a trusted resource to which employees feel comfortable turning.
Agata Szczepanek, Career Expert & Community Manager, LiveCareer
Strategic Thinking Meets Genuine Care in HR
HR is where strategy meets heart, and cultural impact begins. Jumping into the field is like opening a door to a world of strategic thinking and genuine care for people. You’ll be juggling everything from administrative tasks to strategic initiatives like workforce planning and employee engagement. The role requires a mix of adaptability and proactive problem-solving. If you’re excited about driving positive change and making an impact on people’s work lives, HR is a fantastic field to explore.
Yan Courtois, CEO, Flexspring
