Is this an allusion to the famous buy one get one free slogan? Are HR directors trying to cut corners by demanding a specialist and generalist in one package? Will staff leading employee engagement need engaging themselves?
Seemingly a hot topic throughout this year, employee relations still remains an untouched issue for many employers. But as demand for HR specialists re-gains momentum, many flustered businesses now expect new staff to have a wealth of wide ranging HR experience – stretching further than their specialist skills.
Candidates should consider promoting their all round experience
Business partners are the most sought after HR professionals, bought in to improve interfaces across the whole business. Training and coaching is a key focus of recent job advertisements along with the ability to influence at senior management level.
Firms that have made large scale redundancies are now starting to review the remaining structure in light of a hopeful upturn and, as a result, change managers are in hot demand.
Pay and benefits are also on the agenda as an increase in reward roles indicates that employers are keen to ensure their staff are receiving the right financial benefits. Big bonuses will not be the only focus as reward managers will also be reviewing sales commissions, pay reviews and supplier relationships.
So, as the market for HR specialists picks up, candidates should consider promoting their all round experience; coaching, influencing and, of course engagement, are the buzz words of the moment.
