Do you want to know how to become a human resource manager? If you enjoy working with people, solving workplace challenges, and playing a key role in business success, a career in human resources might be perfect for you.
Here we'll explore what it takes to become a human resource manager, the skills you need, and the steps to get there. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear idea of how to embark on this exciting career path.
A human resource manager is responsible for overseeing a company’s human resources department. They play a vital role in managing employee relations, recruiting new staff, creating workplace policies, and ensuring a positive work environment. As a human resource manager, you’ll be the bridge between employees and management, helping to build a strong company culture and ensuring everyone works effectively.
It’s essential to know what skills are needed for this role. The following are key skills that can set you up for success in an HR management position:
Let’s look at the educational qualifications typically required for this role.
The first step towards becoming an HR manager is obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Most companies require a degree in human resource management, business administration, or a related field. This foundational education covers topics like employee relations, organizational behavior, labor laws, and management principles.
After completing a degree, earning specialized HR certifications can enhance your credibility and open doors for you in the industry. Some well-known HR certifications include:
These certifications are beneficial for gaining in-depth knowledge and proving your skills to potential employers.
Although a master’s degree is not always necessary, pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master’s in Human Resource Management can help you advance to leadership roles faster. A master’s degree can be particularly valuable if you aspire to work for larger companies or in more specialized HR fields.
If you're wondering how to become a human resource manager, here are the steps to guide you through the journey:
Start by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in human resource management or a related field. Consider enrolling in an accredited program that offers courses in business administration, organizational behavior, and employment law.
Before becoming an HR manager, gaining experience in entry-level HR positions is crucial. You could start as an HR assistant, recruiter, or HR coordinator. These roles will give you hands-on experience with hiring, employee relations, and HR policies.
As mentioned earlier, earning HR certifications can improve your job prospects. Certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR will give you an edge over other candidates and show your dedication to the field.
Work on developing the skills required for a human resource manager role, such as communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills. These skills are critical to performing effectively as an HR manager.
Once you’ve gained sufficient experience in entry-level and mid-level HR roles, you can start applying for HR manager positions. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills, and be prepared for interviews that test your knowledge of HR practices and your ability to manage teams.
To fully understand how to become a HR manager, you should also be familiar with the responsibilities that come with this role. Below are some of the key duties of an HR manager:
A career in human resources offers ample growth opportunities. Eventually, you’ll realize that HR career path doesn’t stop at the managerial level. There are several roles to aim for as you gain more experience, such as:
These higher-level positions usually require extensive experience and possibly an advanced degree in human resources or business administration.
HR jobs are only a beginning. You should also consider why this career might be a good fit for you:
Wondering how to keep advancing in your career. Here are some strategies for moving up the HR ladder:
Continuing education is one way to advance your career. You could pursue a master’s degree or obtain advanced HR certifications. Specialized training in labor laws, workplace safety, or leadership can also be beneficial.
Networking is crucial in the HR industry. Atten
To fully understand how to become a human resource manager, it’s useful to recognize the different HR roles that can provide experience and ultimately lead you to the position of an HR manager. Here are some key HR positions to consider as part of your journey:
An HR assistant is an entry-level role that helps in managing basic HR tasks, including maintaining employee records, assisting in recruitment, and providing administrative support. This is a great starting point if you’re new to human resources.
An HR coordinator is responsible for facilitating HR programs and initiatives such as recruitment, onboarding, and employee engagement activities. This role involves more direct interaction with employees compared to an HR assistant.
A recruiter is tasked with finding and attracting the right candidates for various job openings. Recruiters develop hiring strategies, interview candidates, and often work closely with hiring managers to understand the skills needed for a position.
An HR specialist focuses on a specific area of human resources, such as employee relations, benefits administration, or talent acquisition. Specializing in a particular aspect of HR is a good way to develop deeper knowledge that can help you as an HR manager.
A training and development coordinator works on creating, implementing, and managing training programs for employees. This position is vital for enhancing employees' skills and ensuring their growth, which is an important aspect of an HR manager’s job as well.
One of the most common questions about HR Career is about the expected salary. The salary of an HR manager can vary based on several factors like location, industry, experience, and educational background. Here's a general breakdown:
At the start of your career as an HR manager, you can expect an annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $60,000. Entry-level salaries may vary significantly depending on the company size and location.
As you gain more experience, the average salary for an HR manager can increase to $70,000 to $100,000 per year. Larger companies and metropolitan areas tend to offer higher pay due to the increased responsibilities and higher living costs.
With substantial experience and possibly an advanced degree, senior HR managers or HR directors can earn upwards of $120,000 per year or more. Additionally, senior HR professionals often receive bonuses, stock options, and other benefits.
The industry you work in can also affect your pay. For example, HR managers in industries such as technology, finance, or manufacturing generally earn more compared to other sectors due to the specialized needs of those industries.
Human resources job involves learning about the tools and software commonly used in the role. These tools help HR managers manage employees effectively, streamline HR processes, and improve productivity.
An HRMS is software that combines multiple systems and processes to manage human resources, business processes, and data. Popular HRMS tools include:
These tools assist HR managers in maintaining employee records, tracking performance, and automating HR processes.
Payroll tools help HR managers ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time. They also help in calculating benefits, managing tax withholdings, and tracking leave. Popular payroll tools include:
An ATS is used to manage recruitment and the hiring process. It helps HR managers screen job applications, schedule interviews, and track candidate progress. Some widely-used ATS software includes:
An LMS is essential for training and development. It allows HR managers to create training modules, assign them to employees, and track their progress. Popular LMS platforms include:
Employee engagement tools help HR managers keep track of employee satisfaction and engagement. Tools like SurveyMonkey, Officevibe, and TINYpulse are useful for conducting surveys and getting feedback to enhance workplace culture.
Staying updated on the latest trends in human resources is important. HR should always be relevant in a rapidly changing business environment.
Remote work has become more common, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. HR managers now need to find ways to support remote employees effectively, manage their productivity, and ensure that they feel engaged despite working from home.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used in various HR functions, from screening resumes to onboarding new employees. AI tools can help automate repetitive tasks, allowing HR managers to focus on more strategic responsibilities.
There is a growing emphasis on employee well-being and mental health. HR managers are increasingly focused on offering wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and mental health support to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
Companies today are prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. HR managers need to ensure that their hiring processes, workplace policies, and overall culture foster inclusivity. This includes creating DEI initiatives and ensuring that hiring practices are fair and free of bias.
HR managers are also adopting a more data-driven approach. By analyzing data on employee performance, engagement, and turnover, HR professionals can make informed decisions that improve workplace culture and business outcomes.
Yes, a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business administration, or a related field is typically required. Some positions may also require a master’s degree or professional HR certifications.
The time it takes to become an HR manager can vary. Generally, it takes about 4-5 years to complete a bachelor’s degree, followed by 3-5 years of gaining relevant HR experience before you can move into a management role.
While it is challenging, it’s not impossible. However, most companies prefer candidates with prior HR experience, as they require a solid understanding of HR policies and practices.
HR managers usually work standard 40-hour weeks, but they may need to work longer hours during peak recruitment periods, performance reviews, or when dealing with employee issues.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an HR manager is the ability to make a positive impact on employees' lives. You help foster a supportive work environment, solve problems, and contribute to an organization's success.
Now that you understand how to become a human resource manager, it’s time to take action. Start by pursuing the necessary education, gaining relevant experience, and earning certifications to set yourself up for success. A career in human resources is fulfilling, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on an organization and the lives of employees. If you’re passionate about helping people and creating a positive work environment, this career is perfect for you.
Ready to start your journey? If you need support with your resume writing, interview preparation, or guidance on the HR career path, our HR consultancy services are here to help you. Reach out today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in human resource management!