Whether you’re new to working in Human Resources (HR) or have made a career of it, you know that the job opportunities within the field are vast. Just because two people both work in HR does not mean they do the same thing. This makes tailoring your resume even more important so you ensure that you’re highlighting the key skills and abilities that align with the type of job you’re looking for.
- Decide which area you want to work in.
While some people are HR Generalists who work across all facets of the industry, many people have a specific focus. Determine which type of position you’re aiming for, whether it’s benefits and compensation, time and attendance, talent acquisition, performance management, total rewards, policy development, or something else. This will really help you give a clear direction to your resume and decide what information to emphasize.
- Brainstorm key skills.
Now that you know which area of HR you’re targeting, what skills are required by the position? Read through a variety of job openings and look for keywords or phrases that are repeated throughout. Pick the ones that align most closely to your own abilities and use these for the core competencies section of your resume. Don’t forget to incorporate both hard and soft skills.
- Prioritize your accomplishments.
You don’t want your resume to simply list everything you’ve done, especially if you’re trying to switch areas of HR you’re working in. If you’ve moving from a generalist role to a specialist position, put the emphasis on projects you’ve done that fit within the role you’re going after. For instance, highlight how you helped develop a new compensation structure or bonus program. Talk about your participation in categorizing job titles into different pay bands. While you can demonstrate other major projects you’ve worked on, try to show the ones that have the most relevance or transferable skills for what you want to do.
- Show technical skills.
There are a lot of different HR systems such as PeopleSoft, Workday, ADP, Kronos, Ceridian, and SuccessFactors. Demonstrate your ability to work within these platforms and use them to drive productivity and efficiency. Pay attention to which software the job opening discusses, and if you’ve used it, make sure you mention it on your resume.
- Highlight relationship building.
Human resources is all about people. Most positions require you to interact with employees whether you’re providing training, explaining benefits, reviewing performance, investigating complaints, or resolving problems. You have to be able to foster relationships and effectively communicate, and your resume should show your ability to do so.
If your HR resume is missing the mark, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage for jobs you may be an excellent candidate for. The team at Grammar Chic can help you create a focused, up-to-date resume that positions you for the roles you seek. Contact us today at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to schedule a consultation.
