Human resource consultants collaborate with organizations to perform hiring, interviewing, and recruiting. They perform a variety of tasks ranging from establishing hiring practices to analyzing hiring procedures and producing systems that track employee performance. They often guide managers through the interview process, ensuring that the final candidate is an excellent fit for the position, as well as helping to develop formal and unbiased evaluation systems to identify strengths and weaknesses. of each employee. Companies could hire external human resources consultants to establish guidelines on job security, fair treatment, compensation, and benefit packages. If you are interested in becoming a human resources consultant, here are some tips to help you on that path.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Doing Career Research
Step 1. Consider what you would like from a career in human resources
People who work in human resources must have strong analytical and strong interpersonal skills. They should also be able to present proposed changes effectively to human resources and management teams. The following are good questions to ask yourself when determining whether a career in human resources might be right for you:
- Are you the type of person who likes to organize and evaluate data?
- Do you work well with people?
- Do you usually have a good sense of judgment of character when you first meet someone?
- Do you try to put people who are in tense situations at ease?
- Would you feel comfortable advising managers on organizational policy issues and recommending changes?
- Could you develop, plan, and implement various HR initiatives such as compensation, benefits, and performance management programs?
- Would you like to analyze human resource practices in a company in order to establish competitive programs and ensure legal compliance?
Step 2. Find out the normal salary range
The national average salary for a human resources consultant is $ 67,413 per year, with a range of $ 42,243 to $ 123,513. Experience and skills in project management have a moderate effect on earnings from this job. Thus, your salary will also depend on the company you work for and the geographical location where you live and work.
Step 3. Determine the education you need
Educational requirements may vary depending on the company, your previous work experience, and the area in which you want to work. However, the minimum educational requirement will be to have a bachelor's degree. The type of degree may vary; however, in general, a degree in human resources or business (administration or management) will better prepare you for a career as a human resources consultant.
Part 2 of 3: Go to college
Step 1. Apply to some colleges that have a good HR or business program
In the United States there are institutions that are among the 25 best universities for human resources careers, some of them are: Quinnipiac University (Hamden, CT), DePaul University (Chicago), Meredith Institute (Raleigh, NC), Illinois State University, Temple University (Philadelphia), Louisiana State University, Colorado State University, Oklahoma State University, San Diego State University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and California State University.
These institutions, like others, offer high-quality Bachelor of Science or Business Administration programs. In addition, they focus on Management or Human Resources
Step 2. Choose the university that you like the most
Assuming you were accepted to every college you applied to, there are many factors to consider when choosing which college to go to. The main factors to consider are:
- Location. Are you willing to move house or relocate? Be sure to factor in expenses to return home if you move, as well as other transportation expenses (for example, car or public transportation expenses), which will vary depending on where the university is located in relation to the location Where do you live.
- Cost. Cost is an important factor to consider. Determine how much you can afford to pay for college, if you are eligible for scholarships, and what types of financial aid are available. You could also consider your expected salary after graduation once you determine the cost of college, especially if you will pay off loans after graduation.
- Specialization and program. Make sure the college you plan to go to has the major you are interested in, and consider whether their program for that major is competitive for the field.
- Career services. Pick a college that has a good career services program to help you find a job that you like once you graduate.
- Safety, student life and sports. If you move to campus, you should be sure that the campus is safe and that you are interested in student life (clubs and organizations). If you are an athlete, review your college athletic program for the sport you like and see if it would be a good fit for you.
Step 3. Apply for scholarships
There are many different types of scholarships, so the key is to look for them and see which ones you might be eligible for. You may need to write an essay, take a written exam, or complete a certain type of project. Take time to research scholarships; thus, a good important source to search for the various scholarships available is SallieMae. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully when applying for the scholarship and consider the deadlines.
Step 4. Apply for loans if you need them
If you can't pay the cost of college tuition directly, and your scholarships haven't covered the full cost, consider applying for loans. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is what many students look for online to apply for student loans. There are also private student loans available through banks and other credit lenders.
Step 5. Buy your books and other supplies
You want to make sure that the costs of your books, other materials and living are covered in your budget, especially if you do not live on campus. Loans will generally allow you to get more money than the cost of tuition, as you will be expected to be unable to work regularly and to go to college full time. Therefore, consider borrowing money for your books and living expenses when you accept the loan amount for the year.
Step 6. Attend your classes and meet all the requirements for your degree
Once you have entered the university, you will only have to do the assignments and pass each class. Make sure you spend a lot of time studying so that you can do your best in your classes. There are other strategies for getting good grades in college, for example, choosing courses you think will do you well, not overloading your schedule, using the right types of sources for jobs, advancing at your own pace through the course, and having take into account the teacher's office hours.
Part 3 of 3: Find a position
Step 1. Do an internship
Most entry-level positions in human resources require prior experience, usually through internships. Towards the end of your studies, look for internship opportunities. As a human resources intern, you will have the opportunity to apply your academic work to real-world situations. Thus, the tasks of a human resources intern are varied, including preparing documentation for new hires, advertising job vacancies, advising employees on safety issues, etc.
A good place to start looking for an internship is at your university's career service center, or you can also ask the academic advisor for your specialty department. Also, your teachers may have had to do internships and could guide you in finding a good fit for you
Step 2. Research job opportunities
Once you've graduated (hopefully, honors!), Do your research on the various human resources positions. There are generally two career paths for HR jobs: generalist or specialist.
- The HR generalist has a wide range of responsibilities, such as attracting and retaining employees, training, managing the workforce, and planning ways to meet HR needs. Generalists often work in small businesses or in management positions.
- HR specialists typically require in-depth knowledge of a particular (larger) company's HR program, for example, labor and employee relations, benefits, conducting interviews, or administering pre-employment tests.
Step 3. Make an impressive resume
Writing an excellent resume is an art unto itself. Make sure your resume is no more than one page long and that it focuses on your individual strengths. Also include your education and experience. There are several ways to organize a resume, just be sure to divide the education, work experience, and strengths sections. Remember that a resume is a marketing tool, as you will try to sell yourself to employers who have never met you. Use statements of achievement and action words instead of simple descriptions of your role in previous jobs.
Many jobs also ask for a cover letter. Thus, a cover letter is an extension of your resume; however, you won't just have to repeat the same information. Instead, choose to write about what you learned from previous positions and why you are interested in the position you are applying for, so that you make sure to focus on the skills and strengths necessary for that particular position. Cover letters will generally have to change depending on the position you are applying for
Step 4. Consider a human resources consulting firm
When you start out, you may want to start working for a human resources consulting firm. It often takes a few years of experience to be qualified for high-level consulting positions. Research the types of consulting companies in your area to determine what type and company would be right for you.