These days, HR is more than just a rank and file role that hires and fires staff, and handles all the administrative details such as monitoring sick leave and vacations. HR is increasingly moving towards a more professional role and HR practitioners are organising themselves to form recognised, professional associations. They are propelling the industry forward by setting the standard for formal and credible HR accreditations/qualifications, sharing best practices, creating networks and pushing for innovation in all aspects related to the profession.

As a result, HR is increasingly viewed as an essential component of an organisation’s overall business strategy. Savvy companies have long been aware of the important strategic role that HR can deliver. Does your company have some catching up to do in this particular area? Do you feel that senior management underestimates the contribution that HR can make to the company’s future success? Here are some points to consider in how you might go about expanding your role in HR within your organisation:

1) Improve your job skills

You won’t be able to convince anyone unless you’re coming from a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise. Keep your job skills current by attending HR courses, seminars and training programmes. Think seriously about obtaining formal HR accreditations/qualifications.

2) Stay informed

Are you up-to-date with the latest HR innovations and trends? Who are the HR movers and shakers in your industry? Subscribe to magazines, join associations and network (both on- and off-line) to widen your access to information, best practices and other companies’ HR advancements.

3) Know your business

In order for you to work out how HR can contribute to your company’s bottom line, you must be interested and aware of the various business activities and developments happening in your own company, as well as your particular industry. Be prepared to take a greater participation in the different business processes of your company.

4) Talk with your boss

Share your ideas with your boss or senior management. Come prepared for this meeting with concrete plans and suggestions on how to improve HR and staff performance in your organisation. The more you can demonstrate the ROI to your business, the more seriously your ideas and initiatives will be taken.

Good luck!

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It’s Sunday afternoon. Suddenly you have that sinking feeling…tomorrow’s Monday. Do you dread Monday mornings? If so, you may be in the wrong job.

Where do you start?

If you were about to embark on a road trip you would probably check your car’s engine and make sure the MOT is up to date. You would have a destination in mind and would plan your route on a map. Starting a job search is much the same. It involves assessing your talents, skills, interests and values, and knowing what you would like to achieve before you retire.

Begin with the end in mind

Ask yourself the big questions. What do you want to achieve?  How would you like to be remembered? What will you say to your grandchildren about your successes in life? What were the highlights? This will give you the road map to you getting your dream job.

Perform your own MOT

Gathering information about yourself will give you knowledge and power. Ask your friends and family to give you feedback on yourself. Understanding what makes you get up in the morning and what is important to you is essential to narrow down and target potential employers. This is a lifelong process and your goals may change as your personal circumstances change. There are many questionnaires and tools available on the internet that may also assist with your self analysis.

Look back… not in anger

Everything you have done in work, education, sports, leisure, etc. required at some point or another, activities you loved and some you did not. How much satisfaction you derive from your work is directly linked to the percentage of activities you enjoy. Think about what you do well. When did you exceed your own expectations? What was the last challenge you overcame? How did that make you feel? Understanding your accomplishments, your value set and your strengths will give you the edge when meeting prospective employers.

Investing in this self analysis, even if it means extra time and effort, will help you eliminate those jobs that are not a good fit. There is a direct correlation between job satisfaction and the quality of one’s personal life and emotional health. Understanding yourself will help you “sell” yourself for the right job. Best of luck!

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