Five Things You Should Know - and HR Will Never Tell You

Love it or hate it, but the fact is that the people in the HR department have a significant impact on your career. From compensation decisions to promotions, many people underestimate the role of HR and the difference it can make if they are on your side.

The next time you run into an HR representative, don't change your path. Don't pretend you were headed for the printer or the drinker.

1. Remember That HR Works for the Company, Not for You

Sure, HR wants to support employees, but in the end, they are working to serve the company's interests. That simple.

So, the next time you're wondering why the benefits package was cut, why so many loyal employees were laid off in the restructuring, or why HR supports a manager who is clearly doing the wrong thing, remember that professionals in that area are paid by the company - not you.

2. Keep in Mind That All Employees Are Not Treated the Same Way

While HR managers will say that everyone is treated as talented and valued by the company, they themselves do not believe that everyone has equal talent or values. In virtually every large organization, people are classified into different groups or categories. For example, there is a group of “high potentials”.

You probably won't officially know that these divisions exist. Or, even more importantly, in which group have you been placed by the HR manager. However, these rankings can affect everything from development opportunities to the likelihood of a promotion or salary increase.

When it comes to paying, the amounts can vary widely, even when two people do exactly the same job. If you suspect that you are receiving a salary below your scope, it is never too late to perfect your negotiation skills.

There are numerous HR policies that advocate for process improvement, fairness, and equality among employees. But for every policy, exceptions are guaranteed. To whom do these exceptions apply? This leads to another topic ...

3. Make a Good Impression, Because HR's Opinion of You Is Crucial

It is true that your manager is a key part of your professional advancement. But HR can also have a big impact on your career - both positively and negatively. If they see you as an enthusiastic, committed, and articulate girl, others will hear about you. Likewise, if they see you as a guy who just complains and tends to be late, it will also become public.

When HR is in a meeting with the management team, discussing who will be promoted, who will be sent to an executive development program in London, and who will be the new member of a committee with high-performance people, you obviously want to be in some of these groups.

HR is also the first to know about new job openings at the company. You don't just want to be recommended for good positions. You want to be sure that you will be considered first. Despite what you may think (or what HR tells you), many jobs are never advertised.

This is important because new employees very often have no relationship with anyone in HR. And if you don't know anyone there, they probably won't know who you are (and therefore, they won't be able to help you). Sometimes all we need is a brief coffee break to discuss your learning and development plan. Or to measure its impact on a large project of which it is a part.

On the other hand, if you have a relationship with the HR department, but feel that you lack a clear personal brand, learn to talk a little more about your achievements. Do personal marketing. And gradually build your reputation.

4. Take Care of What You Discuss With HR

While you need to build a relationship with HR, you need to be aware of what you share with employees in that area. Do not consider your private conversations with one of your representatives to be a confidential discussion.

You can always ask for something to be kept secret, but if it is something that you really didn't want to be spread, it's best not to test your luck. People who work for HR are so used to handling sensitive information that discussing something you see as private can easily happen.

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5. Also, Share Positive Words With HR

HR often receives a lot of complaints. From "I was not paid on time" to "Why does it take so long to hire someone?" going through the ever-popular: “Do we really have to waste time with another HR meeting?”. 

Showing your appreciation for HR can take a long way. But it is important to offer positive feedback to that area as well. Of course, it must be a genuine testimony. But be aware that positive statements can often work in your favor. As the saying goes, you get more bees with honey than vinegar.

Now that you have the trail, go ahead and enter the frightening doors of HR. Just be careful.