How can you apply Interpersonal Communication skills to a career in Human Resources?

1 Know your audience

One of the first steps to communicate well in HR is to know your audience. Different situations and people require different approaches and styles of communication. For example, when you are interviewing a candidate, you want to be friendly and professional, but also ask probing and relevant questions. When you are giving feedback to an employee, you want to be clear and constructive, but also empathetic and supportive. When you are negotiating with a vendor, you want to be assertive and persuasive, but also respectful and cooperative. To know your audience, you need to do some research, listen actively, and adapt accordingly.

2 Use multiple channels

Another way to communicate effectively in HR is to use multiple channels of communication. Depending on the context and the purpose, you may choose to communicate verbally, nonverbally, or in writing. For example, when you are announcing a policy change, you may send an email to inform everyone, but also hold a meeting to explain the rationale and answer questions. When you are conducting a performance appraisal, you may use a written form to document the results, but also have a face-to-face conversation to discuss the strengths and areas for improvement. When you are dealing with a conflict, you may use body language and tone of voice to convey your emotions, but also use words to express your thoughts and feelings. To use multiple channels, you need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each mode, and combine them appropriately.

3 Build rapport and trust

A third way to communicate well in HR is to build rapport and trust with your interlocutors. Rapport is the sense of connection and harmony that you establish with others, while trust is the belief that they are reliable and honest. Both are crucial for effective communication in HR, as they foster cooperation, collaboration, and mutual understanding. To build rapport and trust, you need to show interest and respect, use positive and polite language, share relevant and personal information, and follow through on your promises and commitments.

4 Manage conflicts and emotions

A fourth way to communicate effectively in HR is to manage conflicts and emotions. Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, and emotions are natural and powerful reactions to situations. However, if not handled properly, they can damage relationships and impair communication. To manage conflicts and emotions, you need to be calm and composed, acknowledge and validate the other party's perspective, use problem-solving and negotiation skills, and seek win-win solutions. You also need to be aware of your own emotions, and express them in a constructive and respectful way.

5 Seek and give feedback

A fifth way to communicate well in HR is to seek and give feedback. Feedback is the information that you receive or provide about the quality and effectiveness of your communication. It can help you improve your skills, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your behavior and strategies. To seek and give feedback, you need to be open and receptive, ask specific and relevant questions, use examples and evidence, and focus on the behavior and not the person.

6 Learn and grow

A sixth way to communicate effectively in HR is to learn and grow. Communication is a dynamic and complex process that requires constant practice and refinement. To learn and grow, you need to reflect on your experiences, evaluate your outcomes, and identify your areas for improvement. You also need to seek opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills, such as reading books and articles, taking courses and workshops, and joining professional networks and communities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?