Returning to HR After a Break: What Key Skills Should Senior-Level Candidates Focus On?

Hello everyone,

After a long sabbatical, I am again looking for a job. There are a few interviews lined up for me, but I am a little nervous and out of tune from H.R. So, I just wanted to know, being an H.R. personnel (H.R. manager), what are the necessary points or topics in H.R. that a person at a senior level should have knowledge of or is expected to have? This includes not only theoretical but also practical working knowledge.

Please, if you have an answer, do reply. I really need help.

Thanks!

Hello Aparnaa, it is good to give a few more details about yourself, such as your previous experience, your role, your current company, and the number of team members you have handled. This information will help in providing appropriate insights.

Key Responsibilities for Aspiring HR Managers

In general, anyone aspiring to a managerial position in HR should be capable of managing various departmental issues such as attendance, leave, payroll, recruitment, exits, HR policy/manual, employee engagement, and performance management system. These activities cannot be fully understood from books or theories alone. Without practical experience in handling them, an individual may struggle to effectively lead their team.

An HR manager is expected to bring value to the department and offer supervisory support to colleagues, thereby ensuring that the team meets its objectives.

Thank you so much, Mr. Venkata, for your quick reply. I have worked with hotels like Taj, Claridges, etc. My last assignment was as an Assistant Manager HR heading the department 5 years back. However, due to some personal issues, I started working as a freelance trainer. Now, I am looking for a full-time job. It has been a long time since I gave any interview, so I was nervous. I also have a few interviews lined up.

Necessary topics for HR managers

I wanted to know about the necessary topics or HR-related technical issues I need to be aware of as an HR manager.

Dear Aparnaa, I do not think you need to panic and worry about the interviews lined up and the profile you are choosing. You yourself have stated that you have experience in hotels as an Assistant Manager. Being an AM in HR itself in a big group like Taj is an advantage, right!

Topics to Review
Topics you should be going through are regular HR affairs like recruitment, attendance, leave management, payroll, statutory enactments, handling disciplinary matters, performance management, etc. Whatever you do before the interview, ultimately, performance on that day shall provide you the desired result/job.

Life is always a learning experience. Do not comment on the senior contributors for delayed replies here; all are learned people and have given exceptionally good help to all queries posted.

Patience and Professional Growth

Patience is most important. You have admitted that you are out of tune for personal reasons. You have concluded that you are already an HR Manager/Senior Person. Why are you so nervous? Furthermore, you have been working as a freelancer. You are very much in the profession. You have to be specific with your query—professional, technical, etc.

Understanding the Job Profile

What is the job profile of the position? Try to update your knowledge. Knowledge has to be acquired. "Experience is like a comb which nature gives to man when he is bald." Learning is a continuous process. Please do not think that this forum can enhance your knowledge in a short time. It depends upon your knowledge level also; keep learning.