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What does it take to work in HR ?” is a frequently asked question among those seeking a career in this constantly evolving sector. The Human Resources area, which was once seen as just a bureaucratic department, has become a strategic pillar in organizations.
Today, it plays a fundamental role in talent management, organizational culture and alignment of business objectives. If you want to know more about how to stand out in the world of HR, keep reading this article and analyze the details
What is the HR job market like?
Before understanding what it takes to work in HR, it is essential to understand the current market context.
Driven by trends such as People Analytics, with 85% of leaders prioritizing this approach, according to a PWC study, and the emphasis on mental health, HR is undergoing complete transformation. The emergence of remote work, heightened by the pandemic, added another layer of complexity.
In addition to these trends, the growing appreciation of organizational culture and the need to retain talent place HR as a key player in the structure of companies. It’s not enough to just recruit – you need to integrate, train and motivate.
This scenario helps us understand the skills and abilities that are truly valuable in the profession today.
What is needed to work in HR?
In a business scenario in constant transformation, the Human Resources sector gains protagonism. The question that arises is: what does it really take to be successful in this field? We explain everything below.
Academic and continuing training
The universe of Human Resources covers several specialties, but it all starts with university education. The majority of professionals working in the area have degrees in courses such as Psychology, Administration and HR Management, which offer a solid basis for understanding the challenges and solutions that the sector requires.
However, the increasingly competitive market values those who go beyond an undergraduate degree. Postgraduate degrees, specializations and MBAs emerge as valuable tools for improving skills and acquiring new skills, in line with current trends and demands.
Finally, it is important to highlight that learning in the HR area is continuous. As it is a sector in constant evolution, professionals need to always be up to date, whether through courses, workshops or participation in events in the area.
Technical and behavioral skills
When we think about the skills needed to work in HR, it is essential to highlight both technical and behavioral skills. Below, we list the most demanded according to Robert Half’s 2023 Salary Guide.
Technical abilities
Compensation strategies – create and manage salary plans that align with company goals and attract talent.
Corporate university – development and management of educational programs within the company to train employees.
Leadership development – identification and training of potential leaders to ensure management continuity.
Retention/engagement/culture – creating strategies to retain talent, ensure their commitment and cultivate a healthy organizational culture
Recruitment and Selection Strategies – effective recruitment and selection to attract the best talent.
Behavioral skills
Interpersonal relationships – ability to connect, understand and collaborate with colleagues at all levels.
Innovation – always be looking for new solutions and open to change.
Strategic vision – understand the company’s objectives and align HR practices with them.
Business vision – understand the company’s operations, its challenges and opportunities, to optimize people management.
Hands on – have a practical approach, being ready to act directly when necessary.
Valuable experience or trajectory
In the Human Resources sector, the experience combines formal learning with practical experiences. Although each company has its own criteria, the professional’s trajectory can be decisive in standing out in the market.
For those starting their career
Internships – for those who are taking their first steps, internships in companies or HR consultancies provide a real and practical insight into the demands of the sector.
Trainee programs – many organizations value these programs as a way to cultivate talent, providing robust and diverse training within the corporate environment.
For those who already have valuable experience
Management positions – having worked in leadership positions, even outside of HR, can offer a valuable perspective on what it takes to manage teams, resolve conflicts and make strategic decisions.
Training – organizing training demonstrates commitment to continuous development and training, essential characteristics in HR.
In an environment that increasingly values humanization, organizational culture and strategic management, HR professionals become key players in the success of companies. Knowing what it takes to work in HR is not just about having the right qualifications, but also about cultivating skills, accumulating experience and constantly evolving.
