Have you ever looked at the Human Resources (HR) department of a company and wondered how it relates to your career?

The HR department often plays an important role in the overall success of an employer as well as having a direct impact on your own career. It’s important for employees to be aware of the HR spectrum — what today’s trends are and policies enforced by this department are.

For example, if employment laws favor newer hires or favor those in specific positions, being aware of the HR spectrum can help employees adjust their strategy towards promotion.

The HR spectrum is a metaphor for understanding where someone falls in the hierarchy of people. It’s important for people to be aware of their position on the HR spectrum, because it enables people to understand how they should act.

The HR spectrum ranges from the low-level employee at the bottom, to the high-level management at the top. Everyone on this spectrum will help companies and organisations be better if they choose to operate with proper HR standards and hold themselves accountable to them.

The Operational Side

When it comes to the operational side of HR, your goal should be to provide a process that allows managers to hire by simply reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates. Your goal as an HR professional is to allow your managers to run their business without getting in the way.

You’re the front-line of your organization when it comes to the hiring process. You are tasked with interviewing applicants, following through on their applications, and helping your company hire individuals who align with its goals. Your hiring process is incredibly important for the success of your company’s work culture as a whole. In order to ensure you’re doing a good job in this role, it is helpful to understand how the HR spectrum works and how to identify potential issues within your own recruitment process.

The Strategic Side

The HR department has evolved so much over the years. Individuals who took on traditional administrative roles, which were once viewed as being behind the scenes, now hold strategic positions throughout an organization.

The new HR professional should have a basic understanding of not only the Human Resources (HR) department but also the business units in which they support. Many new hires might be confused with their role within their organization and the strategic challenges business leaders face. The success of an HR department depends on how well it can support those challenges.

Where Do You Fit In?

Every organization has its unique needs when it comes to hiring and firing. This is due to differing levels of growth, origins, customers, business models, industries and HR needs. This makes human capital management an important and tricky issue for HR leaders.

Knowing where you fit in the HR spectrum will help you make informed decisions on your role, tasks and responsibilities. This is how to know what part of the HR spectrum you fit in and what that means for the company, team and yourself.

The learning curve for most new HR is steep, so don’t get discouraged. There will be times you want to quit, and times you’re not sure how you’re going to handle your current responsibilities. When those moments happen, take a deep breath and keep moving forward. With time and a commitment to continuous learning, you will gain more confidence and move further along the spectrum towards mastery of your role as an HR professional.