Learn to establish a compensation structure and variable pay plans, start by evaluating jobs, managing merit increases, and crafting executive compensation. Develop benefit strategies and benchmark both benefits and cafeteria plans.

Identify HR’s strategic, operational, and administrative roles within an organization.

Know key employment laws, prevent discrimination and harassment, minimize legal risks, classify jobs under the FLSA, and understand union basics and avoidance. Include essential policies in the Employee Handbook.

Learn to write job descriptions, manage HR records, and ensure compliance with reporting, equal opportunity, and affirmative action plans. Understand the value of HR audits and key evaluation areas.

Use effective recruiting strategies and sources, build a strong employment brand, and create compelling advertisements. Establish a robust hiring process, promote from within, and know the legal dos and don'ts of interview questions. Handle challenging hiring topics with care.

Establish critical competencies for positions, develop behavior-based interview questions targeting these competencies, and use interviewing strategies to assess cultural fit and values.