When looking for a job in human resources, it is imperative to build your resume for success. These jobs are often highly competitive, which means it is up to you to create a resume that gets you the edge over the other applicants. A resume is a great place to list soft skills that are high demand. Highlight your skills that closely align with the job description. If you want to land a job in human resources, here are some essential human resources resume skills to include.
1. Public Speaking
If you want to get a job, you should be able to prove that you are a good public speaker. While not every HR professional will make speeches to the whole company, every worker is expected to have clear communication skills. After all, HR professionals often has to convey information between employees and management. This often must be done clearly and with sensitivity, which means that it is imperative to have strong verbal communication skills. If you intend on moving up in the HR department, you may be required to give actual speeches someday regarding company policy. Therefore, it is a versatile skill to include.
2. Listening
It is not just about talking. In human resources, you will also be expected to listen. In most cases, HR professionals serve as an intermediary between the company and its employees. While you must be able to speak clearly to both sides, you also have to be able to listen. You have to hear what you are being told, and you have to know how to respond effectively in the moment. Good comprehension skills are also important so you can read between the lines of what you are being told. Moreover, if you can listen with an empathetic ear, you will be thoroughly poised to succeed.
3. Discretion
Companies want discretion from all employees, but an HR manager often handles confidential personnel matters. You have to be able to handle difficult issues with the utmost discretion. This includes:
- discipline
- complaints
- insurance issues
- terminations
These are the issues that can make or break a work environment, and it is your job in human resources to manage them with care. Companies want to hire employees who understand their legal and ethical obligations to the company and its employees, which is why discretion is a great skill to add to your resume.
4. Negotiation
One of the most valuable human resources skills is the ability to be fair and unbiased with employees. Since you will be an intermediary in human resources, you should make sure to highlight your negotiation and conflict resolution abilities on your resume. It is naive to think that companies and their employees will always be on the same page, which is often why a human resources representative must come in. You need to be able to help each side reach a fair and reasonable agreement with as few hurt feelings as possible. This is a tall order in the modern workplace so any applicant with these conflict management skills is sure to get ahead.
5. Flexibility
Modern business is all about change. Human resources are at the heart of managing change within a company. As a human resources employee, you will have to deal with new hires, firing people and organizational shifts. Not only do you need to handle all of that for yourself, but you have to help the rest of the company deal with it as well. That is why being open to change is such a great asset on your resume. Businesses want to invest in employees who can evolve with the changing needs of the company over time.
6. Organization
Organizational skills are important HR skills to list on a resume. HR professionals follow systematic processes for functions that include:
- hiring new staff
- conducting employee performance appraisals
- training staff
An HR manager must ensure that they complete these functions per company policies and procedures. They also need to ensure they are following applicable laws. HR professionals are also responsible for completing documentation on each employee. This documentation needs to be entered and stored in an organized manner.
7. Employee Relations
Employee relations are the efforts a company makes to cultivate a positive workplace for their employees. Human resource management professionals help develop a strong workplace culture. When there is mutual trust between employees and an organization, a strong corporate foundation is built. Employees who feel valued and respected are more productive and loyal to their company. It is essential that human resources professionals have the skills needed to build and sustain positive employee relations.
8. Strategic Thinking Skills
HR managers need to be strategic. Businesses need their HR team to provide them with strategic advice, aligning HR practices with the values of their business. HR leaders with strategic thinking skills see the role of their department as part of a bigger picture. This perspective helps build interdepartmental relationships that drive the mission of the organization.
9. Technical Skills
Technology has transformed the way human resource departments:
- engage in talent acquisition efforts
- store employee information
- complete benefits administration tasks
- analyze employee performance
Businesses need to hire tech savvy human resources management professionals who know how to use a variety of software packages to achieve different goals. Software packages like Human Resources Information System (HRIS) or Applicant Tracking System (ATS) simplify HR processes and functions while improving efficiency. Along with technology skills, professionals need to have strong HR reporting skills to understand the data and use the information they collect to tell a story.
10. Financial Skills
HR and Finance have a close working relationship within an organization. While HR focuses on human capital, finance professionals are concerned with monetary capital. Both are working toward the common goal of performance and profitability. An HR professional who understands the principles of finance has a better perspective of workforce planning. Pursing an HR career with knowledge of finance can help strengthen your resume and stand out from the competition.
11. Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills are also known as people skills. There are a couple different types including:
- verbal and nonverbal communication
- attitude
- empathy
- teamwork
People with strong interpersonal skills are valued by an organization for their ability to communicate effectively and their positive attitude. Often, HR is the first point of contact a new employee might have with an organization. An HR manager with strong interpersonal skills can help attract top talent and enhance camaraderie within the organization.
These HR resume skills may not guarantee you the job, but they can help distinguish your human resources resume from the rest.
