The human resources (HR) department of an organization is responsible for employee benefits, labor relations, and recruitment. If you would like to become a human resources specialist, one of the best things you can do is take college courses. Finding a program that offers classes in equal opportunity, worker's compensation, and business ethics can be especially helpful. You may also want to seek positions with a temporary employment agency in order to gain valuable on-the-job experience.
Visit local colleges and talk to career counselors there. Tell them you would like to become a human resources specialist and ask about any training that might help you achieve this goal. An associate's degree could gain you an entry-level job, while a bachelor's degree could afford you the opportunity for a management position. Some of the items you may need to study could cover labor relations laws, such as equal opportunity, while others may deal with benefit issues, such as worker's compensation.
It is helpful to gain some on-the-job training working in a human resources department. One way to do this is to apply for work at a temporary employment agency. Let the recruiter there know you would like to become a human resources specialist so she can match you up with any available openings. If no positions are open as an HR specialist, you might want to consider working as an administrative assistant or public relations officer because the skills you would learn in these positions could also be helpful.
Having a well-written resume can help you land a job as a human resources specialist. If you know people who are working in this field, it can be a good idea to have them critique this document before you begin distributing it. Your professors may also be able to give you advice on preparing a resume for a HR specialist position. It should be free of spelling and grammatical errors, flow easily, and written in plain font. Double-checking the resume to be sure it contains accurate information and accounts for all gaps in employment is also be a smart thing to do.
After you become a human resources specialist, you may conduct job interviews on a regular basis. This means you will likely be expected to interview well yourself. Taking the time to practice job interviewing techniques can prepare you for this event and help make sure you impress the hiring manager by exhibiting poise and self-confidence, even under pressure.