How to Take Your HR Career to the Next Level

Ready to take your HR career up a notch? Maybe you’ve been doing the day-to-day for a while, and now you’re wondering how to push yourself further. Whether you’re aiming for that next promotion or just want to expand your influence in your company, there are concrete steps you can take to get ahead.

Keep Growing Your Skills

HR is always changing. New trends, new laws, new ways to manage people—it never stays the same for long. That’s why it’s so important to stay ahead by continuously sharpening your skills. Have you learned all you can in your current role? Great, but there’s always more.

Consider signing up for courses or workshops that can give you an edge in areas you haven’t explored deeply yet. Maybe you’re a pro at recruitment but could use some work when it comes to HR analytics or leadership training. Online platforms offer everything from short courses to full certifications that can give you those extra skills you need to keep evolving.

Attending industry conferences is another great way to keep learning while networking with others who are passionate about HR. If you’re strapped for time or can’t travel, look into virtual conferences or webinars. There’s no shortage of ways to grow—so take advantage.

Earn Your SHRM Certification

Here’s a big one: SHRM certification. If you haven’t got this under your belt yet, it’s worth considering. SHRM certifications (either SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP) are highly regarded in the HR world, and for good reason. They’re designed to show that you’ve mastered both the operational and strategic sides of HR—something that becomes more crucial the higher you climb.

Meeting the SHRM certification requirements and then passing the exam isn’t just about a title; it’s about standing out in a competitive field. Many companies look for this certification when hiring for senior roles, and it can give you that extra credibility when negotiating for a promotion or new job. Plus, studying for the certification deepens your understanding of how HR can impact a company’s overall strategy—not just the day-to-day stuff.

Build Relationships That Matter

Let’s be honest, networking can sometimes feel like a chore, but the reality is that your career can get a major boost from the right connections. Who you know matters, especially in HR. Building strong relationships with other professionals in your field can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and even just fresh perspectives on challenges you might face.

Look for local HR groups or associations to join. Many offer regular meet-ups or events where you can meet others in the industry. And of course, LinkedIn is your best friend when it comes to staying connected. Follow thought leaders, join relevant groups, and engage in conversations. Don’t just be a passive observer—contribute your thoughts and connect with others. You never know who might help open doors for you down the line.

Networking is about more than just collecting contacts, though. Make an effort to build real relationships with the people you meet. Stay in touch, help others where you can, and you’ll find that people are more than happy to return the favor when you need a hand.

Specialise in a Key Area

Being a generalist is great, but sometimes specialising in a particular area can really make you stand out. HR is a broad field—there’s talent management, compliance, employee engagement, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), and the list goes on. Is there an area you’re passionate about or that your company is focusing more on? If so, dig deeper into it.

For example, if employee wellness is becoming a bigger deal in your organisation, position yourself as the go-to expert in that area. Take on projects, read up on the latest research, and attend training specific to that field. Specialising in a niche makes you more valuable because not only are you filling a specific need, but you’re also showing initiative and leadership in that space.

Get Comfortable With HR Tech

Gone are the days when HR was all about paper trails and spreadsheets. HR technology is booming, and if you’re not comfortable with the latest tools, you could find yourself left behind. Whether it’s applicant tracking systems, HR analytics platforms, or employee engagement software, the role of tech in HR is only getting bigger.

If your company uses HR software, make sure you know it inside and out. You could even volunteer to lead a tech initiative or suggest new tools that could streamline processes. Being able to leverage technology to improve efficiencies or provide data-backed insights will make you a key player, especially as more companies move toward data-driven HR strategies.

Step Into Leadership Roles

As you move up the ladder in HR, you’ll find that leadership skills become just as important—if not more so—than your technical HR know-how. It’s not enough to be good at managing tasks; you need to show that you can lead people, influence decisions, and drive company culture.

Look for opportunities to lead, even if it’s on a small scale. Maybe you can take charge of an HR initiative, or perhaps mentor a junior employee. These experiences are not only great for your resume, but they also help build your leadership confidence. Leadership isn’t just about managing others—it’s about inspiring them, creating a vision, and being the person others look to in times of change.

Where Will You Go From Here?

Taking your HR career to the next level isn’t about luck; it’s about being proactive!