How to Start Your Career in Human Resources

So, human resources, what is it, and is it a good career path? What are some day-to-day HR functions undertaken by an HR officer or other professional. Human Resources (HR) refers to the management and care of employees within an organisation.

The aim of all human resource managers is to attract, develop and retain talented, happy employees that contribute to business objectives and help boost productivity.

Human resources are needed in every business, great and small, so the demand for talented professionals in this field is always present in the UK. While the actual job description for these professionals varies across industries, most HR managers are involved to some degree in most areas of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and training through to termination.

One of the benefits of this profession is the number of career pathways and core HR areas that you can take if you have your heart set on it. So, what qualifications do you need to work in HR in the UK? 

It’s a common misconception that you need to have a Bachelor’s Degree to enter Human Resources. But if you don’t want to dedicate the time and money it takes to attending University, one of the other great ways of entering this field from an entry level is through a Level 3 or 5 Certificate in HR, which can be attained through online HR courses.

If you want to ensure you get the very best education in this field that will allow you to step into many areas of HR, a CIPD recognised course is a must. Meanwhile, Learning Development courses can also be another way to improve your knowledge in the realm of HR.

This professional association is the most regarded in human resources both in the UK and around the world. CIPD courses offer you a pathway to getting internationally recognised qualifications in Human Resources, so you know that the skills and knowledge you gain align with the skills needed in the industry.

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “why do I want to work in HR?” Well, there are many reasons why there are tons of HR jobs out there!

The reasons why a career in HR is worth it is seemingly endless and a great career choice for anyone who enjoys working with others. There are lots of different areas within HR you can work in, with human resources jobs available all over the country and the world.

If you’ve always wanted a fast-paced career, this area is unlike other business departments, offering you the ability to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and supportive role.

So what exactly does an HR professional or human resources manager job description look like? HR professionals are usually involved in different stages of the employment cycle, which can include talent acquisition, onboarding, training and development, people management, career development, employee relations, and business administration tasks. 

The level of involvement in these tasks will depend on your position, whether more of a supporting role or management. If you’re wondering how to become an HR manager, how to become a learning and development officer, and what responsibilities you might face, researching these roles online can be a great way to find out whether they’re right for you.

So, what does a human resources salary look like in the UK? According to the National Careers Service, Human Resource Officers can earn between £18,000 and £40,000 a year, depending on their level of work experience. If you take on larger teams or work from more prestigious companies, your earning potential within HR roles can rise significantly. Earnings within HR can vary, so with hard work and determination, you could be on track to take home a lucrative salary. 

If you want to know how to become an HR manager or excel in another HR-related role, there is a unique skill set you’ll need to get to grips with. Unlike other areas of business, working within an HR department requires a high degree of human-focused skills, such as the ability to empathise, understand and work with a variety of people and personalities.

HR skills also include communicating with people from the heart of human resource professions, as you help them through one of the biggest areas of their lives; their jobs. Being able to communicate effectively and having employees’ best interests at the centre of decisions is important.