Download AIHR’s HR cheat sheet PDF for a quick overview of key HR functions, foundations, metrics, skills, and certifications. Use it as a practical reference for HR conversations, learning, onboarding, or supporting junior HR team members.
Contents
HR cheat sheet PDF: What’s included
Who this HR cheat sheet PDF is for
How to use this HR cheat sheet PDF
AIHR’s HR cheat sheet PDF: What’s included
This HR cheat sheet PDF gives you a quick reference to essential Human Resources topics in one place. It includes key terms, short definitions, and examples across core HR areas.
The PDF below includes:
- Key functions of HR: HR planning, recruitment and selection, performance management, learning and development, career planning, rewards, employee relations, and more.
- HR foundations: Workforce strategy, organizational design, HR services, and HR technology.
- HR KPIs and metrics: Common measures for absence, turnover, engagement, retention, quality of hire, training effectiveness, HR cost per employee, and other HR activities.
- Recruitment and selection: A quick overview of the recruitment process, from preparation to sourcing, screening, interviewing, and hiring.
- Performance management: Common methods such as goal setting, continuous performance management, 360-degree feedback, appraisals, and coaching.
- Compensation and benefits: Key comp and ben terms, including gross wages, fixed pay, pay mix, total rewards, and variable pay.
- HR skills: HR-specific skills, soft skills, business acumen, and digital and data literacy.
- HR certifications: A short list of well-known HR certifications and certificate programs for professionals who want to keep developing their expertise.
Who this HR cheat sheet PDF is for
This HR cheat sheet PDF is designed for HR professionals who want a quick, practical reference they can return to when learning or refreshing core HR concepts.
It is especially useful for:
- Entry-level HR professionals building foundational HR knowledge
- HR generalists who need a quick reminder of key terms, metrics, and processes
- HR students or career switchers learning how different HR areas fit together
- HR leaders who want a simple resource for junior team members
- People managers or business partners who need a high-level overview of HR basics.
How to use this HR cheat sheet PDF
Use this HR cheat sheet PDF as a practical reference tool, not a full HR manual. It gives you a high-level overview, so you can quickly check definitions, compare concepts, or identify areas where you want to learn more.
You can use it to:
- Refresh your HR knowledge: Review key HR functions, terms, and metrics before meetings, interviews, or training sessions.
- Support junior HR team members: Share it with new HR professionals to help them understand the basics faster.
- Guide learning plans: Use the skills and certification sections to identify areas for professional development.
- Prepare for HR conversations: Refer to the metrics, recruitment, performance, or compensation sections when discussing HR processes with stakeholders.
- Print it out: Keep a printed copy at your desk, in a team workspace, or in onboarding materials for quick access.
The cheat sheet is a starting point. Use it to build confidence with HR basics, then go deeper into the areas most relevant to your role, team, and career goals.
