Human resources manager job

How to Work Your Way Up to the Position of Human Resource (HR) Manager

The majority of us have had professional interactions with human resource (HR) managers, so we are acquainted with them. Our hiring, payment, complaints about the workplace, and exits from our positions are often monitored by HR managers. In a broader sense, HR managers are responsible for the planning, direction, and coordination of administrative operations inside a business. Because of the potential for both financial and personal gain, you could find yourself wondering how to break into the field of human resources management. The steps involved in becoming an HR manager are outlined in the following paragraphs, along with a discussion of the required education level, years of relevant work experience, and other credentials.

How to Get a Job in Human Resources Management

1. Obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree in human resources.

According to a guide published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for human resources managersExternal link:open in new, the minimum level of education required to enter the field of human resources management is a bachelor's degree in either human resources or a field that is closely related to it, such as finance, business management, education, or information technology. However, the BLS does agree that higher level occupations need a master's degree in either human resources and labor relations, business administration, or business administration and labor relations. In addition, the BLS emphasizes that certification in HR management, despite the fact that it is optional, might be advantageous to a person's career chances. According to the Society for Human Resource ManagementExternal link:open in new, an organization that provides this kind of certification, those who have a master's degree in a field related to human resources can obtain certification up to two years sooner than those who only have a bachelor's degree.

2. Think About Getting an Internship.

Those who are interested in working in human resources management should give some thought to doing an internship within the industry, even if it is not strictly necessary to get the job. Not only are interns able to obtain job experience, which the BLS guidance for human resources managers states is an essential requirement, but they also have the opportunity to network with professionals in the field. External link:open in new However, if you are interested in pursuing optional certification, an internship could be beneficial as well. Students who have completed an internship totaling at least 500 hours are one example of those who are qualified to take the certification test offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (external link: open in new).

3. Acquire the Necessary Amount of Work Experience

According to the BLS guidance for human resources managersExternal link:open in new, in order to become an HR manager, one has to have a certain amount of work experience in a similar profession, such as a human resources specialist. However, the quantity of work experience required varies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HR experts are responsible for recruiting, screening, conducting interviews, and placing individuals, in addition to executing responsibilities relating to employee relations, remuneration, benefits, and training. HR experts may be generalists who are responsible for all elements of HR work; recruitment specialists, personnel recruiters, or "headhunters" who concentrate solely on recruiting fresh talent may also be considered HR specialists. Administrative services managers; compensation and benefits managers; compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists; human resources specialists; top executives; training and development managers; and training and development specialists are all examples of occupations that are comparable to those of HR managers.

4. Put Yourself Forward for the Position of Manager

Obtaining the necessary job experience, most of the time in the role of an HR expert, is necessary to become an HR manager. The progression from expert to manager does not have to include migrating from one company to another; rather, it may be seen as an internal promotion process that takes place inside the same company, rising up the ranks from specialist to manager. It is possible for this to take place spontaneously as a result of promotions, but it is far more probable that a specialist will seek for a position as a manager if one becomes available. One of the qualifications that may assist a candidate move up to a management position is possessing a master's degree in human relations. Another qualification that can help is holding a voluntary certification.

5. Give Serious Thought to Getting Certified

The BLS handbook for human resources managers emphasizes that certification is an optional qualification for HR managers, but it may increase the career chances of HR managers. External link:open in new Although certification is voluntary, it can boost employment prospects. This organization is known as the Society for Human Resource Management. This credential, known as the SHRM-Certified Professional, is made accessible to HR managers of varying educational and professional levels by External link:open in new. In order to get this certification, HR managers must qualify for and then pass a specialized test. The HR Certification Institute, WorldatWork, and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans are the three organizations that provide additional certificates to those who are interested in obtaining them.

Tasks and Responsibilities of a Human Resources Manager

According to a handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for human resources managersExternal link:open in new, human resources managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the administrative tasks of a business. Specifically, they are responsible for overseeing the recruiting process, consulting with executives on strategic planning, and connecting management with personnel. It is also possible for HR managers to specialize in the following areas: labor relations directors or employee relations managers, who are responsible for monitoring employment policies; payroll managers, who are in charge of monitoring how workers are paid; recruiting or staffing managers, who are in charge of leading the search for new talent.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the usual industries in which human resources managers are employed include the administration of firms and enterprises; manufacturing; professional, scientific, and technical services; government; and health care and social assistance. According to the bureau, human resources managers often work in offices, although those who are hired by national or multinational organizations may be required to travel to various branches. It is possible that HR managers may be required to attend professional conferences and recruiting events on a regular basis.

This is the BLS guidance for managers of human resources.

The academic requirements, years of relevant work experience, and skill sets required to become an HR manager are all outlined in further detail at the following external link: open in new. It is mentioned that the majority of HR managers have a bachelor's degree in human resources or a field that is closely related to it, such as finance, business management, education, or information technology; however, higher positions require a master's degree in human resources, labor relations, or business administration. The job demands a certain level of work experience in a field that is connected to the task that will be performed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies the abilities of decision-making, interpersonal communication, leadership, organizational structure, and public speaking as required.

Why Should You Become a Manager of Human Resources?

Becoming a manager of human resources is rewarding for a variety of reasons. According to BLS pay statistics, wages are much higher than average. According to estimates found at External link:open in new, the annual salary for HR managers is $113,300. When compared to careers that are analogous to human resource managers External link:open in new according to the BLS, despite having the same entry-level education requirement as most other jobs—a bachelor's degree—HR managers fetch a higher median salary than most other jobs. In addition, the BLS estimates that employment of HR managers will expand by 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, but the average growth projection for all professions is 5 percent over the same time period. Due to the fact that HR managers are responsible for ensuring that an organization's employees and operations are running well, the role may also be personally satisfying, in addition to the financial benefits that come along with it.

It's true that working in human resources management has its rewards, but that doesn't mean it's the perfect job for everyone. Qualifications include either a bachelor's or master's degree in human resources (HR) or a discipline that is closely connected to HR; this may be a deterrent for those who aren't interested in pursuing formal education. According to the bureau, the role also needs a variable amount of work experience in a profession that is similar, which may not be appropriate for those who want a more defined career path.

Several HR-related career options

There are six different career options available, as stated by the Society for Human Resource ManagementExternal link:open in new, in order to become a credentialed human resources manager. In spite of the fact that the BLS specifies that certification is a non-obligatory qualification, obtaining one might be advantageous and provides conventional routes to the position of HR manager.

Earn a degree in a field linked to human resources that is lower than a bachelor's degree:

Coursework equivalent to a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree, or a certificate of completion from an HR-related school are all acceptable forms of education.

Spend three years working in human resources.

To become a SHRM-Certified Professional, you must first pass the test.

Earn less than a bachelor's degree in a program that is not connected to human resource management:

Coursework equivalent to a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree, completion of an approved human resources certificate program, high school graduation, or a passing score on the general educational development test are all acceptable alternatives (GED).

Put in a full four years' service in the HR department.