The smallest businesses assign Human Resources functions to a payroll clerk as those tasks were a necessary evil. Because everyone in a small business is within shouting distance, HR is often approached as an administrative job. The problem is the function does not grow with the business.

Still, the Human Resources obligation has grown and transformed into a strategic position with considerable impact on businesses with global ambitions. As compliance mandates increase and talent acquisition becomes tougher, corporate stakeholders expect more from their Human Resources department.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth of HR positions varies with job title, the geographical location, and the industry sector. But, if you are looking for a job in an HR department, here are some things to keep in mind.

4 things to keep in mind:

Keep the “human” in Human Resources. Employers do not expect you to be an employee advocate. But, employees would prefer you to have a certain empathetic touch. So, you should assess your emotional intelligence. You have time to explore the idea to see what it takes “to read souls, balance a cast of personalities, speak different emotional and professional languages, and strategically place people where they can be the most effective” (Forbes).

Build an effective resume. Whatever your HR job, you will handle resumes. You will see the best and the worst presentations job hunters can come up with. If you are looking for a job in an HR department, you cannot wait to learn about resumes on the job. You want to make your best presentation from the get-go. And, you might be surprised by the coaching you will get from LiveCareer (https://livecareer.com/resume-builder).

Review your behavior. Job interviews will start with your resume, but they will lead to behavioral questions. Interviewers are interested in how you have handled issues in the job experiences on your resume. They will ask you handled difficult situations, so you should study the work history you put on the resume because those experiences may lead to questions. You should also consider how you present yourself as employers will expect you to evaluate how other people present themselves. Check out Get Shave Advice for tips on looking professional at your interview.

Pick your path. Jobs differ widely within an HR department. Clerks and assistants are not strategists, but they must excel in administrative and public relations skills. Managers and directors need skills in descriptive and prescriptive analytics. They must leverage strategic- and future-driven talents. You will not move fluidly from one position to another without maturing in education and experience.

Looking for a job in an HR department?

HR clerkships attract open and caring people, anxious and able to handle concerns of internal customers. HR specialists might pursue paths in payroll, employee benefits, risk management, or talent acquisition. Understanding that even HR employees move on, Mark Feffer of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) recommends, “You need on-the-job experience, even if you majored in HR.”

So, if you have both the will to and patience to deal with people on a constant basis, balancing their needs and the business’s objectives, too, you can make your job hunting plans now.