If you’re looking into applying for HR jobs, wanting a promotion, or simply wanting to be a better employee, there are always HR skills and competencies to develop further. And while all HR competencies are useful, there are a few that current employers are looking for specifically in this day and age.
If you’re really looking to stand out above your colleagues or other applicants, here are current in-demand skills to work on developing right now.
HR Software
Now that technology is such a critical part of our world and the companies we work for, there is no getting around being fluent and familiar with the various HR software programs you will need to use in your job.
This could include becoming familiar with software specific to your area of expertise, such as talent acquisition, or even becoming an HR software specialist (or HR information systems specialist).
The demand for an HR professional well-versed in the technology of their field, even if it’s not their specialty, is in high demand and will only continue to grow as we become more dependent on technology.
HR Analytics
HR professionals have to make many decisions, and those decisions are best made through the lens of HR analytics. HR analytics gives HR professionals the insights and data they need to make well-informed decisions for their fellow employees and the company. This important data also allows HR professionals to identify and diagnose problems within the company and either make a plan to solve them or make recommendations to upper management.
Being able to read and decipher this data makes you a valuable asset to your company and a more competent employee, making this one of the most sought-after HR skills.
Talent Acquisition
Talent acquisition can include the identification, recruitment, and retention of new employees. Employee turnover is an expensive process and one that companies would like to avoid as much as possible. The onboarding process (included in talent and acquisition) includes the smooth transition of new employees into their new jobs both socially and with their job performance to help them find success and fulfillment in their new role. Finding, hiring, and keeping good employees can save a company thousands of dollars. An HR professional’s role in helping this part of their company run smoothly is an essential and important one.
Training and Development
HR training and development refers to any training or opportunities used to help a company’s employees become better in their jobs, whether that’s through newly learned skills, boosted morale, or improved motivation. This area of expertise can be expansive and therefore requires the knowledge of what will help employees the most and how to most effectively implement those initiatives.
Develop New HR Competencies Through HREN
There are a multitude of HR competencies that can be valuable in your job and within your company. If you’re looking to continue your education or attain HR recertifications, there are certain HR skills that are highly valuable and may be worth prioritizing.
HR Education Network (HREN) allows you to continue your education and develop those valuable HR competencies through training courses and certifications at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home so you can study when it’s most convenient. Whether it’s one of the skills we mentioned, or something else you think may be valuable in your career, you’ll appreciate the chance to gain more HR skills.
With HREN, you can easily find a full list of our recertification courses. If you plan to continue to improve and develop new skills, you can also subscribe to HREN’s Recertification Subscription to make it easier than ever to keep up with your professional development.
Take the next step in your HR career by continuing to improve and develop new skills that can take your HR career to the next level.
