Human Resources Jobs

Human Resources Officer

A Human Resources Officer develops, advises on and implements policies relating to the effective use of personnel within a company.

HR work comprises a varied work load, all of which is required by any organisation whatever the size or type of business. This includes areas such as working practices, recruitment, pay, conditions of employment and diversity.

What does the job entail?

The exact nature of the work activities varies according to the organisation, but is likely to include:

• Working closely with departments and line managers to understand and implement policies and procedures
• Promoting equality and diversity as part of the culture of the company
• Liaising with organisations involved in areas such as race relations, disability, gender, age, religion and health and safety
• Developing job descriptions, preparing advertisements, checking application forms, shortlisting, interviewing and selecting candidates
• Developing policies on issues such as working conditions, performance management, equal opportunities, disciplinary procedures and absence management
• Advising on pay, promotions and benefits
• Negotiating with staff and their representatives on issues relating to pay and conditions
• Administering payroll and maintaining records relating to staff
• Planning training and inductions for new staff

Typical Career Routes

Recent graduates are likely to begin their career in Human Resources by working in a more general capacity. Others decide to pursue a more specialist career within HR, for example, as Compensation and Benefits Managers, Employee Relations Officers or Recruitment Managers. A number of these specialist roles are more likely to be found in the head office of organisations.

Longer term, HR managers may move into more senior roles within an organisation and may be promoted to an HR Director role, possibly as far as board level.

Key Skills

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• Fantastic organisational skills and the ability to understand detailed information
• Strong interpersonal skills to form effective working relationships with people at all levels
• The ability to analyse, interpret and explain legal issues regulating employment
• Integrity and approachability
• Influencing and negotiating skills to implement personnel policies
• Potential to handle a leadership role

Training and Qualifications

Although candidates do not need a particular degree to become an HR Officer, subjects such as HR Management, Administration or Psychology may improve your chances.

Human Resources may be entered in a number of different ways but competition for entry is high. Applying for an HR graduate training scheme is one possibility.  Starting in an administrative role in an HR department is also recommended as it provides useful experience and it may be possible to gain promotion into HR management if suitable positions arise.