HR Career Advice from Successful HR Professionals
How do I ask for a pay increase? How do I get to a Head of HR role?
During the last couple of months recruiting in the junior market, I have been speaking to many candidates who are in the early stages of their HR career. During those conversations it was clear that a fundamental concern for many HR professionals were that they lacked a clear understanding of how to propel their career within HR, they found it difficult to speak to other colleagues or acquaintances regarding issues around pay or finding the right role.
Human Resources professionals can often be so busy helping their employees with their careers that they forget to take the time to prioritise their own career advancement. Whether you are just starting your journey within HR or are an experienced veteran in the industry, career path planning is crucial to having a successful career that fulfils your personal and professional goals.
I sat down with two successful HR professionals who have an established HR career. They have both worked their way up the career ladder into roles leading HR functions in multinational companies.
The interviews below will provide insight into how to stand out in a competitive job market but also share what skills to acquire to shape a successful HR career.
The interviews were with Kerry Lindsey People & Culture Lead at Rasberry PI Foundation and Melanie Wright Head of HR at Gett.
Q1 - I have just started my career in HR and am unsure whether I should join a big company with a established HR team or a smaller business which only has a team of 3 or 4 people, I’m worried that where I start my career I will then be pigeonholed. What would you advise?
MW: There are pros and cons to both! Consider whether the organisation is set up to support your growth and development firstly, which can sometimes be more prevalent in larger organisations where the size of team means they don't require everyone to have a proven track record in delivering some of the tasks you will be doing. I would always look at synergy with the business, the role content, the development opportunities, the manager you will be working with and also the chemistry with the people you will be working with as these will ensure you can be at your best!
KL: The exposure to projects, change initiatives and how the function is valued within the organisation should be the primary consideration.?
Q2 - I have been in HR for around 4 years and am unsure about staying with the generalist side or specialising, What has the better outcomes longer term?
MW: You can have amazing careers in both of these areas and you can always switch. I would always recommend making your choices based on what you enjoy most, where your strengths lie and ensuring you have strong relationships across the wider team so you gain some insight into what other roles look and feel like.?
KL: Exposure to all disciplines is vital but these can be achieved under the generalist job title with exposure to project work and diversity of opportunities.
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Q3 - My end goal is to become a Head of HR , what 3 tips would you recommend to help me get to that position?
MW: Say yes to many things, take on management responsibilities and have a great mentor.
KL: I don’t have three tips as it’s just a job title that comes with a variety of responsibilities so think what it is you would like to achieve throughout your career and make a plan.
Q4 - I have been in a HR generalist role for the last 3 years but am finding the job market extremely competitive , what can I put on my CV to help me stand out?
MW: It is a really competitive market right now! Have your CV reviewed by someone you trust, ensure it brings out the key deliverables you have led / participated in, reference any key metrics to show the impact you made and ensure your CV isn't too long! For me, it's not just about your CV but also building strong relationships with agencies so that they know what roles will best suit you, the culture you will thrive in and they will sell you in alongside of your CV!
KL: Be commercial, use examples, use numbers and ensure the language is reflective of current trends.
Q5 - I have been a HR advisor for my current employer for the last couple of years and don’t want to leave but feel I am underpaid for the role I am doing. I’m seeing that jobs externally are paying a much higher salary , what is the best way to approach this with my current employer without causing tension internally?
MW: We can all find roles that pay both more and less than we are on today. It's important to feel that you are paid fairly for the work you are completing, and if you are unhappy with this, the best place to start is with an open conversation with your manager expressing your feelings, why you feel this way and asking for them to review this. However, bear in mind, a review doesn't necessarily guarantee an increase! Outside of this, ensure you are performing at your best so that you are well rated in your EOY review and this may also positively impact your salary if the processes are linked.
KR: Put together a proposal, complete a reward benchmark exercise and present to leadership.?If they don’t give you a pay rise, resign and put this project at the top of your CV.
Q6 - Looking back on your career , what do you wish you knew when you first started which can help people who are now starting their HR journey?
MW: My first HRD once told me that you didn't need to be an expert in everything, but instead ensure your team have strengths in areas that you don't. This is something I've always ensured and have led many successful teams as a result.
KR: Research how the People function are viewed and valued within the organisation.?Who leads the function, are they on the board and how big is the budget.?Never work for an organisation where people are not top of the agenda.
It is clear from the interview that the most vital attribute for a successful HR career is exposure into different avenues. Whether it be taking on more generalist responsibilities or project work, upskilling yourself in many facets of HR will put you in good stead to move up the career ladder. The acquired skills will allow you to gain an arsenal, not just to tackle a variety of roles, but also provide you with support when having conversations around pay or promotion.
Please let us know your thoughts on the interviews and if it provides any help currently or for future reference.?
Managing Director - US HR Recruitment
3 年Some great insight and tips for future HR talent!!