- The Shape of Work
- Posts
- Still relying on luck to save your HR career?
Still relying on luck to save your HR career?
If your career strategy is still “send resume, pray for reply,” it’s time to 2026 glow up.
Sadia Vali
December 11, 2025
In partnership with
Hey there,
2026 wants you to buddy up with AI before it steals your job, flex those soft skills like they’re your superpowers, build a personal brand louder than your morning coffee, snag job titles that sound like comic book characters, and create employee experiences so good people will fangirl over work (yes, really).
Ready to stop being basic and start being legendary? Let’s go!
Advertisement
The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.
That’s what this newsletter delivers.
I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.
Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.
Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.
🎉 Announcing the Napplied × TSOW Partnership!
We’re excited to announce that The Shape of Work (TSOW) has officially partnered with Napplied to revolutionize how HR professionals discover jobs and connect with employers. 🤝
This collaboration brings together India’s largest HR community and AI-powered job matching technology — giving every TSOW member a smarter, faster way to grow their career. 🚀
🌟 Why We’re Doing This
Because we believe job search shouldn’t feel like guesswork. With Napplied’s AI + the strength of our 25,000+ HR leader network, you can now:
Get personalized HR job matches that actually fit your experience.
Connect directly with top employers hiring HR talent.
Access mentorship, masterclasses, and community insights to accelerate your growth.
Enjoy an exclusive 30% discount on Napplied subscriptions as a TSOW member. 💼
Advertisement
Powered by the next-generation CRM
Connect your email, and you’ll instantly get a CRM with enriched customer insights and a platform that grows with your business.
With AI at the core, Attio lets you:
Prospect and route leads with research agents
Get real-time insights during customer calls
Build powerful automations for your complex workflows
Square One Media Earns the TSOW Best Workplace Certification (2025–2026) 🏆
We’re delighted to celebrate Square One Media, now officially recognized as a TSOW Certified Best Workplace. Their culture stands out for its creativity, openness, and commitment to people-first growth.
👏 Special congratulations to Sayali Bapat for steering the journey.
🤝 Connect, Share, and Grow with Fellow HR Pros
Dive into #opentowork-only-hr-function channel — a space where HR folks swap job leads, share tips, and celebrate wins. One meaningful connection here can beat a hundred cold applications.
📢 Stay Updated!
Check #announcements for all the latest news, team-wide updates, and must-know community info.
✨ Got questions or ideas?
Head to #general-qna-forum — your go-to spot for advice, feedback, and collaboration with people who truly “get” HR. 💡🙌
Don’t miss insights from 26,000+ HR pros, cutting-edge trends, and the real scoop on what’s working (and what’s not) in HR today.
