Most people have a very simplified idea of what human resource professionals actually do. Because of that, these knowledgeable individuals are often ignored despite being huge assets in your career development. Here’s why you should ask the HR guru at your employer to lunch for a friendly chat, understanding HR better can actually help your career.
1. No-bull info on company benefits
Your HR contacts can translate the jargon from the benefits guide into information you can actually use. If you have a specific interest (say, maternity care), he or she can probably point you to the expert on her team who knows this well. You should also ask if there are other benefits you’re entitled to that you are likely overlooking, such as career training opportunities.
2. How the decisions are made about salary
If you want to keep your career moving on an upward trajectory, you need to know how decisions are made around raises, bonuses, and promotions. This includes when decisions are made (if it’s once a year, start planning now so you don’t miss the next cycle), who decides (it’s not just your boss), and how your group compares with others (maybe you’re in a department with little upward movement and need to switch).
3. Exceptions to the rules
In addition to knowing how the processes typically work, your HR friend probably also knows about any exceptions to the rule. Though he or she should of course keep strict confidentiality, they may be able to speak in generalities about any exceptions that have occurred, such as raises outside of the typical time period.
4. Does your company stack up?
Are you fairly paid? Is every company in this industry restructuring so frequently? Your friend in HR doesn’t just look at career-related trends inside your company. He or she also needs to have a sense of what other companies are doing to ensure your firm stays competitive. Use that competitor knowledge as a shortcut for your own research.
5. How to approach your boss
An HR contact may have some insider advice about the best ways to approach your boss with a request. They also might be a good resource for any negotiations you may be approaching soon. He or she has sat through offer negotiations, performance reviews, and other career discussions much more frequently than you (and maybe even with your boss). He or she can pepper you with practice questions or give you tips on what works and what doesn’t.
