entry level positions

[moinak bhattacharya]

what are the absolutely imperative skills that an entry level HR aspirant must possess other than interpersonal skills and may be knowledge of MS office?... Since HR in some major companies has a lot to do with operations as well....would a knowledge of total quality management or six sigma techniques give a buddying HR professional competitive edge over others.......??? How relevant is my query in the context of indian job market....???
Is it adviceable for a HR professional to be trained on six sigma or TQM?

[Michael L. Gooch, SPHR]

That is an extremely good question. You may be surprised at my answer but for me, a new person in HR should possess a solid background (or a strong desire and aptitude for) in business management with an emphasis on accounting or statistics. As we continue to move HR in the direction of having a real seat at the table, we must continually improve our methods and processes whereby we show a ROI. The value of HR to an organization should never be a nebulous quantity but rather an objective number that goes to the bottom line of the profit and loss statement. Certainly, the other things you mentioned such as TQM and Six Sigma would enhance the aspiring neophyte; nothing will set the person on the right career path faster than a firm grasp on the value of the position as it relates to the organization’s success. I believe this concept is as valid in India as in the USA. www.michaellgooch.com

[moinak bhattacharya]

thank you sir for the valuable insight. I am on the verge of completing my Masters in Human Resource Management from London School of Economics but as the course comes to an end...I realize that I have gained substantial knowledge in the behavioral aspects of HRM but not much substance when it comes to adding value to my knowledge of business in general or statistics or accounting in particular.
I seriously want to get into HR consulting, if not now, may be some years down the line, but having a background in law and not commerce or stats makes it difficult. Do you have any suggestions for me such as doing an MBA or taking the GPHR exam..?
I shall be grateful for your assistance and cooperation in the above regard....
thanks ever so much, Moinak

[Jason Borcovsky]

I hope that the studies have gone well since you last post.
While study is invaluable for providing the theoretical basis, there is nothing like the practical when it comes to "HR generalist"skills.... I'm sure that those that are involved in this position would agree with me.

There is nothing like trying to balance "What is best in theory" versus "What is sitting in front of me right now.... and it's crying...."

So much of this question depends upon the job that you are applying for.
If they want TQM, then give them the TQM spiel. I don't believe that TQM is a "requirement " in most HR generalist jobs but it may give you an edge. Likewise with Six Sigma.
At entry level you are looking for someone that can balance a good knowledge of HR management with good empathy for the employee AND balance that with the business needs, and practical business skills ;ike numerical accuracy.

As for the Indian market? Sorry, no knowledge of that area myself.

[Shraddha]

Yes according to me it is adviceable for HR professional to be trained or its good to have knowldge of quality procedures. for entry level position interposonal skill and MS office is ok but the person must be aware about the letest trends in HR.