How HR pros can get noticed – and advance their careers

In HR, you work hard to help people manage and advance their careers. Why not give yours the same attention? 

HR professionals often worry about all the people, policies and protocols in their control, and they don’t foster their careers.

Let’s focus on that today: How HR professionals can get their work noticed and advance their careers.

We know you’re smart, ambitious and effective. Your boss knows it. But does your boss’s boss – the one who you really want to notice, applaud and promote you – know it?

Here’s expert advice for HR professionals to get noticed and get ahead.

Know and own the numbers

First things first: Know your part of the business inside out. Be ready to discuss performance metrics and business analytics, short-term projects and long-range goals at any moment with anyone.

Know where you stand within the organization and have an eye out for areas where you can help others succeed, suggests Melissa Raffoni, CEO of The Raffoni Group, in Harvard Business Review research.

The key is to always know the value of your contributions and your potential impact. That said, also own your mistakes with a “no excuse” attitude.

Show your commitment

Make it clear you’re committed to growth and the company. Invest time outside of work honing skills important to your job (or the job you want) or learning new, valuable skills.

You might take online courses or attend technical school. Ask your boss or the big boss to recommend books. Get involved with special projects.

Keep team success in focus

Your success isn’t all about you. Your efforts and accomplishments are worth touting. But, if you produce a team that succeeds, you will, too.

Executives notice someone who gives time and advice to help make others successful. The more you can improve the people around you, the better you are.

Think strategically

Thinking strategically doesn’t come naturally to most people or easily to even more people. Managers and supervisors like you are distracted by day-to-day duties and emergencies.

But being a strategic thinker is imperative to advancing your career. You have to train yourself to see the big picture when making decisions.

Challenge conventional ways

The more strategic thinking you do, the more likely you’ll see new or creative approaches to problems within your organization.

When you have an innovative solution, share it diplomatically – that is with appreciation for past efforts and an explanation of why and how you approached it differently.

Do, and do well

Every great leader knows it’s important to do what you say you will (otherwise, you’ll disappoint and dismay others).

Equally important to gaining the big boss’ attention: Do it well.

Commitment to your people, the work and the organization are only amplified by a job done exceptionally well. Only then will you be asked to take on more meaningful work.

Build communication skills

Great leaders communicate their ideas, opinions and emotions clearly and thoughtfully.

Consider your audience before you present or speak up.

For instance, project more confidence and proof of authority in an executive presentation, and be more humble and observant when working on a team with peers.