Congratulations! You’ve landed your first HR job. This means you are now no longer just studying organizational theory. You are the face of the company’s culture and it’s on your shoulders to retain employee trust. Human Resources is one of those unique fields where your soft skills are just as scrutinized as your technical output.
In order to help you put your best foot forward as you transition from student to professional, here is a small guide on the essential Do’s and Don’ts for an HR intern!
The Do’s: How HR Interns can build company’s foundation
Confidentiality is a must
In HR, you will have access to sensitive data. This means you’ll have access to not just salaries but also home addresses, and performance reviews. If you are overheard discussing an employee’s private details in the breakroom, your credibility as well as your job is gone!
Moreover, always lock your computer screen when stepping away to ensure that your files are never left unattended.
Networking is the key
Don’t just sit behind your desk processing paperwork. Reach out to employees in different departments. You cannot support the company and its people if you don’t know them. Understanding the daily challenges of a sales rep or a software engineer helps you become a more empathetic and effective HR professional.
Double check every detail
A misspelling in a legal contract or an incorrect digit in a salary offer can lead to massive compliance issues. It’s good to take a ‘measure twice’ approach when it comes to work. It’ll make you indispensable at work.
Ask for feedback
Don’t wait for your end-of-internship review to find out if you’re doing a good job. Ask your supervisor questions on how to handle things better. This shows a growth mindset and a genuine interest in the work.
The Don’t: What to avoid during your HR internship
Office Gossip
People will naturally be curious about what happens in HR. If you participate in rumors at work, you are showing that you aren’t ready for the responsibility your role carries. Take a neutral approach at all times and during all social interactions.
Don’t be afraid to say ‘I don’t know’
Employees may come to you asking questions about company policy, labor laws or insurance. Giving incorrect information can have serious consequences. It is better to say, ‘Let me verify with my manager and come back to you’ than to provide wrong information.
Don’t forget the ‘human’ in Human Resources
Always lead with empathy when rejecting a candidate or helping an employee with a problem at work. A cold or robotic HR creates a toxic environment. Your goal should be to help bridge between the company’s needs and the employees’ well-being.
Don’t ignore boring tasks
Every HR department has a backlog of filing, data entry and tasks that no one wants to do. Show that you can handle small tasks effectively, and you’ll be trusted with the big things sooner.
The transition from an HR intern to an HR professional is defined by your ability to balance professionalism in the workplace. Stay disciplined with data and people. This way you wouldn’t just finish your internship but also launch a solid career.
Focus on being the best version of yourself in the workplace that everyone feels comfortable talking to!
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