Human resource jobs: Human resources (HR) managers fulfill many different job functions, from overseeing the recruiting and hiring of employees to managing benefits and compensation. Increasingly, human resources managers are working with senior management on strategic initiatives and corporate policies. They seek out new ways to use employee skills effectively and run training and development programs to help personnel acquire new and enhanced skills. The goal of HR managers is to limit job turnover and promote positive morale, which will increase employees’ productivity and job satisfaction.
[Get Started Now On A Human Resource Management Degree From A Top Online School]
There are many types of human resources managers. In small companies, human resources generalists might be responsible for all HR duties, and would require a wide range of knowledge. In large organizations, a director of human resources may be responsible for supervising several managers who head up specific departments, such as compensation and benefits, employment and placement, labor relations, and development and training.
Human Resource Managers Job Summary
- The educational background of human resources managers varies and depends on the level of responsibility in their jobs.
- The best job opportunities should go to college graduates and those with HR industry certification.
- Strong interpersonal skills are required for this career.
Work Environment for Human Resources Managers
Most human resources managers work in an office setting, while those who work independently may work from home offices. Some must travel frequently, especially if recruiting is part of their job. Recruiters often participate in job fairs, visit college campuses to interview potential employees and attend professional meetings. Human resources managers who handle mediation and arbitration must travel to the site where the negation will take place. HR managers may also travel to satellite, regional or international offices to meet with those who do not work at corporate headquarters.
Although many human resources managers work a 40-hour week, some work much longer hours, especially if they are handling mediation and arbitration or labor relations negotiations.
Education, Training and Licensing
A bachelor’s degree is usually required for human resources managers, and employers typically look for candidates who have majored in human resources or in human resources administration. Some employers will hire college graduates with a liberal arts education or a business or technical background.
Many colleges and universities offer master's degree programs in human resources or personnel administration at the graduate level. However, individual courses and concentrations in human resources management or human resources administration are often available at the undergraduate level. Candidates hoping to enter this field should take courses in industrial psychology, principles of management and organizational structure. Classes in finance and accounting are also becoming increasingly desirable.
[Get Matched With Top Human Resource Management Schools and Degree Programs]
Human resources managers should have very good speaking and writing skills, because they work closely with others while interviewing and training. They must be able to write reports, design training programs and explain policies to employees. They must also be able to use computer systems efficiently, so they should know how to use a wide array of digital communications devices as well as storage and retrieval software. In addition, human resources managers work with a diverse population, so they need to have excellent interpersonal skills. The ability to speak a foreign language is also an asset since many companies have overseas offices.
There are many certifications available through human resources organizations. The Society for Human Resource Management offers several different designations, including the Professional in Human Resources (PHR®), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR®). Other industry organizations offer certifications in specialized areas, such as benefits or compensation.
Human Resources Job Projections, Outlook and Earnings
Human resources managers held about 62,990 jobs in May 2009, according to research published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There were also many more HR managers with specialized titles, including 35,630 compensation and benefits managers and 29,320 training and development managers.
The BLS forecasts employment in this field to grow 22% between the years 2008 and 2018, which is much faster than average for all jobs. As government regulations continue to change, there will be an ongoing need for human resources managers to address these laws at the company level.
[Let Us Match You With Top Ranked Business Schools and Colleges]
As of May 2009, BLS records indicate that the median annual salary for human resources managers was $96,550. The middle 50% of HR managers earned between $74,480 and $127,270, while the lowest 10% earned around $58,490. The highest 10% had an annual salary of $164,270 or more.