Job HR / Training

Human Resources

Are you interested in a career in Human Resources (HR)? In this section you can find out what occupations in this sector involve along with advice about how to access a career in Human Resources.

Job Description for Human Resources

Human Resources professionals, often known as Human Resources Officers, advise and put in place policies relating to the effective use of employees within an organisation. They help companies employ the correct balance of personnel in terms of skills and experience. HR Officers also ensure that training and development opportunities are available to employees to enhance their performance. The responsibilities of HR Officers revolve around recruitment, pay, working practices and conditions, equality and diversity.

HR professionals must deal with administration, strategy, planning, and be able to come up with and implement policies to select, develop and keep the employees needed in order to meet company objectives. HR professionals work with different departments, helping to implement policies including health and safety, recruiting staff, promoting equality and diversity, advising and reviewing pay, planning training and inductions, and negotiating with staff regarding issues such as salary and working conditions.

Occupations in Human Resources

• HR Officer
• HR Manager/HR Director
• HR Assistant
• HR Administrator
• HR Consultant
• HR Advisor
• Recruitment Manager
• Equal Opportunities Officer
• Employee Relations Manager
• Compensation and Benefits Manager

Skills needed to work in Human Resources

• Organisational skills
• IT and numeracy skills
• Interpersonal skills/Approachability
• Negotiating skills
• Leadership skills
• Business awareness
• Curiosity
• Excellent communication skills

Qualifications needed for a career in Human Resources

A career in Human Resources (HR) is open to candidates with any degree background, but having a degree in business, human resources management or psychology could be useful. For higher level HR roles it's advisable to obtain a qualification from the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development). It is also possible to access entry-level jobs in HR but there is usually a lot of competition for these roles. Graduate training schemes or working your way up through an HR department starting in an administrative role are alternative solutions.

Top universities in the UK for degrees in Human Resources Management

• London School of Economics
• Imperial College London
• University of Manchester
• Lancaster University
• Brunel University
• University of Leeds
• University of Glasgow
• Aston University
• University of Strathclyde
• University of Durham

Employers of Human Resources Graduates / Main Graduate Employers

HR professionals are required in most organisations, from private firms to the public sector and charities. UK employers offering graduate schemes in Human Resources include: Balfour Beatty, Bechtel, Rolls-Royce, BP, KPMG, Barclays, NHS, GlaxoSmithKline, Civil Service, Tesco and Unilever.

Average UK salary for Human Resources

The average UK salary for Human Resources is £32,500 but can range from £23,000 to £47,500. West London is the highest paying location and Sales is the highest paying sector. HR Assistants will usually have a starting salary of £24,000, whereas HR Directors can earn as much as £98,719 per year.

You can find job, internship and work placement opportunities in Human Resources by creating a profile on Wizbii.