Steps to Becoming a Human Resources Manager1. Develop the necessary skills.While some may think that being a natural-born people pleaser is the only prerequisite for working in HR, there are actually many tactical skills required for success. In fact, while social and soft skills are important, they are often less important than having a firm understanding of business operations and how employees within a business typically function.“You need to have a curiosity and interest to learn the business or the operations of whatever organization you’re supporting,” “It’s important for HR managers to understand the business as well as the operations folks. I see HR managers as business-people first, whose functional specialty just happens to being business-minded also means having in-depth knowledge of labor laws, and how they apply to your company and to your job. “The way I describe HR is it is common sense with a foundation in the law,” “You need to understand all of the basics of HR, the law, compensation and benefits, specialties, and a really good understanding of employee relations.”Some other skills that will prove critical in an HR position include:The ability to have an open mindCompassion and empathy that allows you to connect with othersThe ability and discipline to be discreteThe ability to multitaskThe general ability to manage both yourself and others“The other set of skills you’ll need is a willingness to be flexible and think about how things can get done as opposed to if they can get done,” 2. Gain experience in the field.Every manager-level job position requires previous experience. Becoming a human resources manager will typically require that you have between at least three and five years of experience in employee relations and understanding the basics of HR.“That experience can be as an HR coordinator, specialist, or another member of the HR team,” Holding one of these entry-level positions early in your career will allow you to gain a broad understanding of the role that HR plays within a specific type of business, while also allowing you to explore the different functions involved in such a career. Depending on whether or not your role has a specific area of focus, HR specialists may handle work such as:Involvement in the recruitment process of screening, interviewing, and reference checking candidatesLeading employee trainingManaging employee relationsOverseeing compensation and benefits for their teamsGenerally processing confidential information.READ MORE AT MY ARTICLE OF HOW TO BE A PROFICIENT HR