While much of this blog focuses on professional development in the nonprofit sector, an important part of thriving in the sector is knowing what you can/should and cannot/should not do on the job. Yes, the day to day interactions and the larger legal and social protectations and expectations that affect your experiences at work.

I’m talking about Human Resources, people.

Mention HR and people assume you are talking about folks who hire and fire. However the folks in HR often have a birds eye view on organizational culture, general practices in hiring and firing, and understanding of legal protections to employees and employers. This kind of information is always helpful for job searching, identifying organizations to work for, and most importantly, what you are and are not entitled to as an employee (in your quest to save the world dont forget that you do have rights).

Here are my favorite HR blogs:

Ask a Manager: Alison Green answers questions from readers while sharing great advice on what it takes to be a great manager, all with a bit of snark There is also something juicy about her blog.  Specifically, the kind of questions readers ask make me wonder “Wait–this really happens at people’s jobs?!”  She also blogs at US News. My favorite posts:

• It’s time for a job seekers’ bill of rights
• What’s the deal with informational interviews?
• Bad interviewer behavior (these posts can be therapeutic for folks who have been hurt by dismissive and rude employers)

Evil HR Lady: Like Alison, Suzanne Lucas answers questions from readers. She combines her advice with timely comments on job searching practices and social issues that affect employees and their organizations in a straight-no-chaser style. She also blogs on BNET.  My favorite posts:

• Should you get naked with your boss? (no, it’s not what you think.  Great post on org culture and being heard)
• Why lying is a career killer
• Five signs that you’re the problem

See You Guys, I’m Going Home: If the title alone doesn’t make you want to read the blog, Donna Ballman’s wit and insight on legal issues in the workplace will. She also blogs at AOL Jobs.  My favorite posts:

• About to be terminated?  Ten things you must to do protect yourself
• Unpaid interns: Learning Experience or Illegal Exploitation?
• 10 workplace rights you think you have, but dont (in other words, stop getting legal advice from TV.  You cant really just “sue the bastards”)

Are there any HR blogs you read?  Share them below!

Photo Credit. And I am obsessed with The Office–couldn’t talk about HR and not have a picture of Toby!  And there’s your random Allison Jones fact for the day.