4 answers
Genevieve
Student
Cedar Rapids
80
Questions
Asked
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Should I pursue a career in HR despite being shy and having weak "people" skills?
I'm considering getting my bachelor's degree in human resources. HR appeals to me because I feel that it would be a more "social" job than accounting, and that my career would have a more fulfilling purpose. However, I tend to be somewhat shy and can be overwhelmed by too much social interaction. Also, I feel that my empathy and communication skills are strong enough to be a good HR manager.
Are these signs that I should not pursue a career in HR?
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1629
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Genevieve human resources is a vast field. Most people are aware that HR roles break down into many categories. But within these categories, there’s quite a bit of variety, including various entry-level and advanced positions. Due to the growing demand for qualified professionals and the attractive salaries being offered. Human resources is one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States, when you consider the fact that human resource personnel report some of the highest job satisfaction ratings in the U.S., it’s no wonder why the field is so alluring to so many. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the field will grow by 9% through 2024, which will add approximately 10,800 new jobs to the workforce.
1️⃣ PAYROLL SPECIALIST: $40,500 per year
Payroll specialists are responsible for all aspects of payroll, including managing employee deductions and processing payroll by the organization’s payroll schedule and salary administration policies. Payroll specialists must thoroughly understand the payroll process, including administration of income taxes, benefits deductions, allotments and other deductions, and processing payment files with banking institutions. They also process files for retirement accounts, such as company-provided pension plans, 401k accounts or other retirement plans.
2️⃣ HR ASSISTANT: $45,000 per year
A human resources assistant is an entry-level job in human resources administration. Responsibilities in this job may include processing personnel and position actions in the human resources management system. Personnel actions document personnel changes, such as hires, promotions, salary adjustments and terminations. Position actions document changes to positions, such as reclassification to a new job title, changes to the pay grade for the position or eliminating a position.
3️⃣ TRAINING COORDINATOR: $52,500
Training coordinators develop and deliver employee training programs at the direction of a training manager. Employee training programs may include traditional, instructor-led classes and online education programs. Subjects cover various topics, including specific company policies, supervisor development, technology training, and professional and personal development.
4️⃣ BENEFITS ADMINISTRATOR: $59,750
A benefits administrator is another entry-level human resources management position. This position is similar to a human resources assistant in that you enter employee data into the human resources management system. However, a benefits administrator is primarily responsible for selecting employee benefits for newly hired employees or employees who experience a significant life event, such as marriage or children, that requires changes to their benefits. As a benefits administrator, you may work towards educating employees on different benefit options and their benefits to help them make informed decisions.
5️⃣ HRIS SPECIALIST: $73,200 per year
An HRIS specialist is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and supporting technology resources used in human resources management. This may include software like applicant tracking systems, performance management systems, payroll processing systems and content management systems for digital employee records. HRIS specialists research, recommend and implement technology solutions. They also train employees to use the system and provide support when employees have technical errors or other questions about using the system. As part of this role, they’re responsible for managing the security and integrity of employee data within the organization.
1️⃣ PAYROLL SPECIALIST: $40,500 per year
Payroll specialists are responsible for all aspects of payroll, including managing employee deductions and processing payroll by the organization’s payroll schedule and salary administration policies. Payroll specialists must thoroughly understand the payroll process, including administration of income taxes, benefits deductions, allotments and other deductions, and processing payment files with banking institutions. They also process files for retirement accounts, such as company-provided pension plans, 401k accounts or other retirement plans.
2️⃣ HR ASSISTANT: $45,000 per year
A human resources assistant is an entry-level job in human resources administration. Responsibilities in this job may include processing personnel and position actions in the human resources management system. Personnel actions document personnel changes, such as hires, promotions, salary adjustments and terminations. Position actions document changes to positions, such as reclassification to a new job title, changes to the pay grade for the position or eliminating a position.
3️⃣ TRAINING COORDINATOR: $52,500
Training coordinators develop and deliver employee training programs at the direction of a training manager. Employee training programs may include traditional, instructor-led classes and online education programs. Subjects cover various topics, including specific company policies, supervisor development, technology training, and professional and personal development.
4️⃣ BENEFITS ADMINISTRATOR: $59,750
A benefits administrator is another entry-level human resources management position. This position is similar to a human resources assistant in that you enter employee data into the human resources management system. However, a benefits administrator is primarily responsible for selecting employee benefits for newly hired employees or employees who experience a significant life event, such as marriage or children, that requires changes to their benefits. As a benefits administrator, you may work towards educating employees on different benefit options and their benefits to help them make informed decisions.
5️⃣ HRIS SPECIALIST: $73,200 per year
An HRIS specialist is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and supporting technology resources used in human resources management. This may include software like applicant tracking systems, performance management systems, payroll processing systems and content management systems for digital employee records. HRIS specialists research, recommend and implement technology solutions. They also train employees to use the system and provide support when employees have technical errors or other questions about using the system. As part of this role, they’re responsible for managing the security and integrity of employee data within the organization.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1952
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Genevieve !
I believe that everyone should pursue learning about the career they are interested in and learn more about it, learn all the possibilities, and make a decision after considering everything they've discovered. Being a Human Resources Director or a Human Resources Generalist is one in the same sometimes. It has very heavy public contact, conducting presentations and lots of knowledge about the company, benefits and other things are also involved. You have taken the first step by reaching out to learn more before embarking on academic pursuits for Human Resources.
If you are concerned about being "shy" and not currently having strong "people or social" skills, I can share with you that you don't have to be overly extroverted for this career, but think of the situations and if it may be for you. It is indeed a very heavy people-oriented position. Some situations that may arise that can be small and easier to deal with may be technical paperwork with insurance or benefits, but there are also heavy situations that can sometimes occur, like upset employees, possible criminal behavior from employees (white or blue collar), former employees suing the company and having to represent the company in court, or any number of things on a simple to complex spectrum.
I would suggest that you do some interviewing of current HR Directors as well as watch videos about the career and read more about being in this position. It's all going to depend on where you work, how large or small the company is, if it is high corporate or a non-profit organization, how many employees there are, if your position is an administrative or general position. So many factors are involved that no one can tell you exactly how your personal experience would be.
A good strategy would be to take a few of your general education requirements in your first semester and one course connected to Human Resources to see how you like it. A lot can change in your personal development between now and when you start college. See if there are any courses for free on the subject online. Ask more questions here at Career Village to consider all sides of it. You could probably even do volunteer work in a company to get the feel for it before entering college.
In this career, you may not be able to lean upon the valuable skill of empathy, but strong written, verbal and presentational skills are in your favor. Your employer will have definite rules, guidelines and requirements that you will have to implement whether you agree with them or not and you may have to use persuasive skills with employees. Conflict resolution as well as possible crisis intervention can be needed in a workplace sometimes. It all depends on what happens while you have the position. Some of the things you'd be working with are planned, but some are spontaneous.
So you are doing the right thing by exploring this. After all, you know yourself best and once you become well-informed, you will be able to decide for yourself if it's meant to be. If you have any more questions, do return here so we can help you explore this further for your specific circumstances. I wish you all the best in all you do !
I believe that everyone should pursue learning about the career they are interested in and learn more about it, learn all the possibilities, and make a decision after considering everything they've discovered. Being a Human Resources Director or a Human Resources Generalist is one in the same sometimes. It has very heavy public contact, conducting presentations and lots of knowledge about the company, benefits and other things are also involved. You have taken the first step by reaching out to learn more before embarking on academic pursuits for Human Resources.
If you are concerned about being "shy" and not currently having strong "people or social" skills, I can share with you that you don't have to be overly extroverted for this career, but think of the situations and if it may be for you. It is indeed a very heavy people-oriented position. Some situations that may arise that can be small and easier to deal with may be technical paperwork with insurance or benefits, but there are also heavy situations that can sometimes occur, like upset employees, possible criminal behavior from employees (white or blue collar), former employees suing the company and having to represent the company in court, or any number of things on a simple to complex spectrum.
I would suggest that you do some interviewing of current HR Directors as well as watch videos about the career and read more about being in this position. It's all going to depend on where you work, how large or small the company is, if it is high corporate or a non-profit organization, how many employees there are, if your position is an administrative or general position. So many factors are involved that no one can tell you exactly how your personal experience would be.
A good strategy would be to take a few of your general education requirements in your first semester and one course connected to Human Resources to see how you like it. A lot can change in your personal development between now and when you start college. See if there are any courses for free on the subject online. Ask more questions here at Career Village to consider all sides of it. You could probably even do volunteer work in a company to get the feel for it before entering college.
In this career, you may not be able to lean upon the valuable skill of empathy, but strong written, verbal and presentational skills are in your favor. Your employer will have definite rules, guidelines and requirements that you will have to implement whether you agree with them or not and you may have to use persuasive skills with employees. Conflict resolution as well as possible crisis intervention can be needed in a workplace sometimes. It all depends on what happens while you have the position. Some of the things you'd be working with are planned, but some are spontaneous.
So you are doing the right thing by exploring this. After all, you know yourself best and once you become well-informed, you will be able to decide for yourself if it's meant to be. If you have any more questions, do return here so we can help you explore this further for your specific circumstances. I wish you all the best in all you do !
Thank you so much for the kind advice and well wishes!
Genevieve
You are very welcome, Genevieve !
Michelle M.
Roy Wright
WeHD
2
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Roy’s Answer
If it is something that you want to pursue then go for it. With what you know about yourself already, you know where you can improve so that you can be the best candidate for the position. It'll be uncomfortable but you already did the hard part which was to assess yourself and figure where you fall short. Now you just have to move towards the goal. You got this!
Thank you!
Genevieve
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 => Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
6686
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Genevieve!
Should I pursue a career in HR despite being shy and having weak “people” skills?
Absolutely pursue a career in human resources because your skill set can easily expand with experience and you would probably make a very good human resources informant consultant counselor.
Understanding the Role of HR
Human Resources (HR) is a critical function within organizations that focuses on managing people, workplace culture, and organizational development. The role typically involves recruiting, training, employee relations, performance management, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Given the nature of these responsibilities, effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential for success in HR.
Assessing Your Skills and Traits
Shyness and Social Interaction: While shyness can be a challenge in HR roles that require frequent interaction with employees and management, it does not automatically disqualify you from pursuing a career in this field. Many successful HR professionals have learned to manage their shyness through practice and experience. It is important to recognize that social skills can be developed over time.
Empathy and Communication Skills: You mentioned that your empathy and communication skills are strong enough to be a good HR manager. Empathy is particularly valuable in HR as it helps in understanding employee concerns, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive work environment. Strong communication skills are also crucial for conveying information clearly and effectively.
Overwhelm from Social Interaction: Feeling overwhelmed by too much social interaction can be an indication of introversion or social anxiety. However, many individuals with these traits find ways to thrive in social environments by setting boundaries or developing coping strategies. It may also help to seek roles within HR that align more closely with your comfort level—such as focusing on recruitment or training rather than employee relations.
Career Fulfillment vs. Personal Comfort
Choosing a career based solely on personal fulfillment is important; however, it should also align with your strengths and comfort levels. If you feel passionate about helping others through HR practices but are concerned about your current skill set:
Consider taking courses or workshops focused on communication skills.
Engage in volunteer opportunities where you can practice interacting with others in less formal settings.
Seek mentorship from experienced HR professionals who can provide guidance on navigating challenges related to shyness.
Conclusion
In summary, pursuing a career in HR despite being shy and feeling you have weak “people” skills is not inherently unfeasible. Many aspects of the role can be learned over time, especially if you are willing to invest effort into developing your interpersonal abilities further. Your empathy is an asset that could greatly benefit your future colleagues if you choose to enter this field.
Ultimately, the decision should reflect both your passion for human resources as well as your willingness to grow personally and professionally within the role.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
The SHRM provides comprehensive resources regarding best practices in human resource management including insights into necessary skills for success within the field.
2. American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA offers research-based information on personality traits such as introversion and their impact on professional interactions which can help individuals understand their own tendencies better.
3. Harvard Business Review (HBR)
HBR publishes articles focused on workplace dynamics including effective communication strategies which are essential for anyone considering a career in human resources.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫
|_______________God Bless You, Richly!_________________|
|________________James Constantine,___________________|
|_____________The Little Old Aussie Battler.____________|
|_____Programming For Your Nutrition Education____|
|___________________ ~ Since 1972! _____________________|
✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫
Should I pursue a career in HR despite being shy and having weak “people” skills?
Absolutely pursue a career in human resources because your skill set can easily expand with experience and you would probably make a very good human resources informant consultant counselor.
Understanding the Role of HR
Human Resources (HR) is a critical function within organizations that focuses on managing people, workplace culture, and organizational development. The role typically involves recruiting, training, employee relations, performance management, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Given the nature of these responsibilities, effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential for success in HR.
Assessing Your Skills and Traits
Shyness and Social Interaction: While shyness can be a challenge in HR roles that require frequent interaction with employees and management, it does not automatically disqualify you from pursuing a career in this field. Many successful HR professionals have learned to manage their shyness through practice and experience. It is important to recognize that social skills can be developed over time.
Empathy and Communication Skills: You mentioned that your empathy and communication skills are strong enough to be a good HR manager. Empathy is particularly valuable in HR as it helps in understanding employee concerns, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive work environment. Strong communication skills are also crucial for conveying information clearly and effectively.
Overwhelm from Social Interaction: Feeling overwhelmed by too much social interaction can be an indication of introversion or social anxiety. However, many individuals with these traits find ways to thrive in social environments by setting boundaries or developing coping strategies. It may also help to seek roles within HR that align more closely with your comfort level—such as focusing on recruitment or training rather than employee relations.
Career Fulfillment vs. Personal Comfort
Choosing a career based solely on personal fulfillment is important; however, it should also align with your strengths and comfort levels. If you feel passionate about helping others through HR practices but are concerned about your current skill set:
Consider taking courses or workshops focused on communication skills.
Engage in volunteer opportunities where you can practice interacting with others in less formal settings.
Seek mentorship from experienced HR professionals who can provide guidance on navigating challenges related to shyness.
Conclusion
In summary, pursuing a career in HR despite being shy and feeling you have weak “people” skills is not inherently unfeasible. Many aspects of the role can be learned over time, especially if you are willing to invest effort into developing your interpersonal abilities further. Your empathy is an asset that could greatly benefit your future colleagues if you choose to enter this field.
Ultimately, the decision should reflect both your passion for human resources as well as your willingness to grow personally and professionally within the role.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
The SHRM provides comprehensive resources regarding best practices in human resource management including insights into necessary skills for success within the field.
2. American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA offers research-based information on personality traits such as introversion and their impact on professional interactions which can help individuals understand their own tendencies better.
3. Harvard Business Review (HBR)
HBR publishes articles focused on workplace dynamics including effective communication strategies which are essential for anyone considering a career in human resources.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫
|_______________God Bless You, Richly!_________________|
|________________James Constantine,___________________|
|_____________The Little Old Aussie Battler.____________|
|_____Programming For Your Nutrition Education____|
|___________________ ~ Since 1972! _____________________|
✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫