Keys to Success for Entry Level HR Pros

If you were asked to offer a piece of advice to entry-level HR professionals, what would you say?

Would you talk about saying "yes" to anything that comes your way? Would you tell them to actively listen, ask questions like crazy and understand why before recommending a change? How about learning the business of the business? Would joining a local SHRM chapter and networking like mad make your list?

Well, I was asked this very question by Ben Eubanks, Mr. Upstart HR. He is developing the "ultimate guide" for entry level HR professionals as a resource to help those who are just stepping into (or thinking about stepping into) our profession and was seeking tidbits of advice.

My tidbit is this:

Don't be lulled into believing your education ends with your degree. Your education is just beginning. No one HR gig will expose you to the full realm of HR so study for your Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) as soon as you are eligible to understand the full context within which you are operating. In HR From the Outside In, the authors note, "The domain in which HR tends to be the weakest is in understanding and applying technology to build HR efficiency, to leverage social networking, and to manage the flow of strategic information." Dig into HR technology and be the advocate and educator for your organization.

Wondering what others had to say? Well, wonder no more. Check out the Entry Level HR Jobs Ultimate Guide for info on places to find jobs, job descriptions, salary Ranges,career resources and more tips from the pros. Enjoy!

What piece of advice would you add?

Photo credit iStockphoto

A Corporate Culture Resource Guide

Do you know Ben Eubanks?

One thing you'll quickly realize about Ben is that he never sits still. After the success of his HR certification guide, Ben has turned his sights to workplace culture. 

"I am a firm believer that having a strong culture at work is a way for companies of all sizes to increase engagement, decrease turnover, and build a sustainable business."

With that, Ben put together a guide to help you Rock Your Corporate Culture. With the main guide, worksheets, videos, and other bonus items that cover "hands on" applications of culture, readers will learn how to inject culture into the recruiting process, how to hire and fire based on culture fit, and how to influence and even change the embedded culture of the organization.

If you're interested in learning more about corporate culture, check it out to see if it's right for you.

If corporate culture is not your thing, check in at Upstart HR anyway just to meet Ben.

You will not be disappointed.