Insights on HR Qualifications and Selection Procedures for Equal Employment Opportunity

Dear All,

It's been written in the Policy Manual and Newspaper Ads by Employers or Companies, but in reality, the picture is totally different. When a person comes for an interview, employers ask for references; that's very obvious.

Secondly, for HR positions at all levels, don't make an MBA (HR) mandatory. People with equivalent qualifications can also prove their worth. It's not a teaching profession where a B.Ed or Bachelor of Education is mandatory. People should come with open ideas to prove themselves. Sorry to say, but sometimes senior people don't know the difference between HR and PM and ask for MBA - HR professionals when interviewing HR professionals. HR is a vast field; if people come from different backgrounds in HR, they can add value to the organization. The selection procedure should not be biased.

Please give more suggestions.

Thanks,
Gauri

Hi Gauri,

I do agree with your statement not to make the selection procedure biased while specifying MBA HR as mandatory, but we should also accept that due to the paradigm shift in this field, involvement in HR is not everyone's cup of tea. What I have observed is that only those passionate about the HR field are more extroverted and keep adding not only to their individual identity as an HR person but also add value to the company for which they are working.

Correct me if I am wrong.

Dear Gauri,

While R&S should be a fair process without any bias, it is also true that a strong base in HRM is required to go about it. So, what is wrong in making an HR degree mandatory for HR jobs? Every profession needs some kind of foundation as well as specialization, and HR is no exception. It requires much more than being open and having new ideas to succeed in HR. Do you get my point?

Regards,
RGS.

Hi Gauri,

I partially agree with you that companies must be open to people from different fields. However, put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter at a reputed company. You are responsible for hiring a competent HR Professional. You would naturally feel more secure and comfortable hiring someone with an HR background rather than someone from a completely different field. Individuals from diverse backgrounds may need time for on-the-job training, as well as additional training expenses.

Please correct me if I'm mistaken!

Regards,
Amps

Dear All,

I do agree with SPL in HR and training expenses and evolution in HR in recent years. However, don't make an MBA in HR mandatory for HR. If a person is passionate about his/her field, they can learn it from informal education and authorized organizations like NIPM, NHRD, etc. One should be innovative and equipped with new skills in any field. A degree helps 50% in one's career.

Thanks,
Gauri

Dear Gauri,

As you say, if a person is so passionate about a particular field, then certainly he or she should specialize in that field to learn more and completely master it. Like they say - "Theory is blind without practice, and practice is sterile without theory" - one needs sound theory to back up practice and vice-versa. I fail to understand what stops a person from obtaining a degree in a field that one is so enamored and passionate about instead of the hotchpotch and half-baked learning through other sources, which may be good or otherwise. Of course, not to undermine informal education through well-respected forums and organizations. Finally, whatever is said and done, a formal degree is very, very important, especially keeping in mind the long term.

Warm Regards,
RGS.

Hi,

This is Gopal from Hyderabad. I work as an HR recruitment manager. As you said, it's correct that people who have completed B.Ed are also becoming HR managers based on their skills and experience. Before the selection process, we must appraise them by giving them a practical test during the interview. This way, we can assess their skills at that time and determine if they have what it takes to excel in HR.

Secondly, you mentioned that you prefer practical skills over references when evaluating candidates. I agree that assessing practical skills is crucial in identifying the right fit for the role.

Thank you,
Gopal Komma
HR Recruitment Manager
09948578109