Succeeding as an HR manager is not about luck.
It’s about exposing yourself to the right information that gives an insight into what the job entails, which you can leverage for success.
This job isn’t restricted to any niche or industry, as every corporate body has at least one HR manager to see its affairs and that of its employees.
HR managers are essential because business executives know that positive culture and human resource development are paramount to business growth.
| Official Job Title | Human Resources (HR) Manager |
| Average Salary | $69,988 |
| Stress Level | Average |
| Work/ Life | High |
| Job Satisfaction | High |
| Career Advancement | Average |
HR Manager Job Description
An HR manager is someone shouldered with the responsibility of playing critical roles in the changing of culture, development, and reinforcement of a corporate body.
Aside from also paying, managing performance, and conducting recruitment in organizations, they are also the ones that make careful efforts to ensure that the values of the employer are maintained.
Although what most people know about HR managers is that they determine the fate of other employees by promotion, firing, and hiring, it is more than that.
What is the HR manager’s main focus?
HR managers focus on managing people and their capacity in a corporate environment.
Managing employee benefits, including paternity leave and bonuses, is another top-notch priority.
What does the HR manager do each day?
The daily routine of an HR manager in a corporate entity is enormous.
So, it isn’t easy to define, but the main daily tasks are listed below.
- Proper documentation of company activities.
- Approach talents for the company’s growth and human capacity development.
- Settle disputes among other employees.
- Process salaries and wages for staff.
- Pens staff contracts.
- Schedule departmental and individual training.
- Continuously ensuring other employees are happy with their jobs.
- Ensure employees are satisfied with the working culture and business ambiance.
- Recruit talents on behalf of a company’s management and board.
- Schedule and assist with the conduct of interviews for approached talents.
- Organize parties and other fun-filled activities to create excitement for the employees.
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Manager
In a corporate environment, it is the HR manager who handles governance.
This includes ensuring that other workers comply with certain standards.
The HR manager also ensures there is an existence of healthy communication between the company’s management and employees.
HR Manager Salary
Like every other professional in another department in a company, an HR manager is entitled to compensation.
Below, you’ll find the yearly accrued payment of the salary, depending on the job level.
Average Salary
In the United States, the average salary of an HR manager is $69,988 per annum.
Starting Salary
As a fresh college graduate, companies are likely to engage an HR manager on a yearly salary of $43,200.
Senior Salary
As lucrative as the job of the HR manager is, one’s salary can go up as much as $126,100 every year.
How to Become an HR manager
If you have an interest in pursuing a career in HR, some skills are pertinent for you to have, and they include communication and problem-solving.
However, while it may not be mandated, educational background and certificates in the field can leverage your chances of landing your dream HR job.
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
Unlike other professionals like doctors and lawyers, HR does not have specific requirements that were put in place by regulatory bodies and the government.
That said, it does not translate to the fact that education is not needed to secure a job as an HR manager.
To pursue a career in HR, you should have at least an associate’s degree in the field or related fields.
However, to have a better edge, securing a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree will give you better chances in a competitive situation.
So, to set your career path in HR, you should consider the following:
- Secure at least an associate’s degree in HR or a related field.
- Experience is also another thing that can give your career a boost. For HR, no less than one year on the job is needed to qualify you for certifications.
- You must also prioritize getting certifications as your career progresses.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
- Coaching, Consulting, or Mediating Skills
- Recruitment and Selection
- HRIS Software Knowledge (Human Resources Information System)
- Professional and Interpersonal Communication
- Teamwork-Driven
- Emotionally Intelligent
How Long Does It Take To Become An HR Manager
A U.S. professional human resources membership association, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), reported that it takes five years to obtain the education and work experience to become an HR manager.
Is It Hard To Become An HR Manager?
This is one of the easiest fields to explore on a global scale.
As long as you have an interest in getting the necessary education and experience, making your dream as an HR manager a reality is accessible.
HR Manager Career Paths
The Roadmap
It is pertinent for an HR manager to consider working smartly.
And to do so, one needs to identify and define the stages at which one can function effectively and improve on the role.
If you are good at interacting with people irrespective of their background, passionate about a healthy working environment, and always concerned about people’s happiness at their work, you are surely on the right track as an HR manager.
Projections For Growth In HR Jobs
In HR, job headlines may be different from one another, but there are many similarities when it comes to the responsibilities attached to these roles.
Regardless, the human resource industry is the one that recognizes social stratification -a situation where everyone managing company employees is not the same.
To be clear, there are levels to this profession.
For instance, as an HR assistant, the basic responsibility of one will be to respond to employees’ concerns in an organization.
Amongst others, one will also manage the hiring process when it’s needed.
And aside from securing a B.Sc or B.A. degree in human resources or a related field, one does not need experience for this entry role.
But to become a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), which is the peak of this profession, you must practice no less than ten years.
At such a high level, academic qualification is likely going to be an M.A. or M.S. in HR or an MBA degree.
Unlike the HR assistant, the responsibilities for this role are high-level (although similar).
They include overseeing organizational change and leadership development.
Is an HR manager a good career path?
Considering the fact HR is a highly-ranked career option on a global scale, it is safe to say it’s a smart choice to make for people who enjoy working with others.
Working Conditions
Can An HR Manager Work Remotely From Home?
Yes, HR managers in some companies have the opportunity to work remotely.
However, many opt to make themselves known in the office, and whether or not HR managers can work remotely is ultimately based on the company.
How Many Hours Does An HR Manager Work?
Usually, the HR manager in a company is engaged as a full-time employee.
As a result, he would most likely work six to eight hours each day.
Some of them work more than 40 hours every week.
Can an HR Manager Work Part-Time?
Although it is not common for HR managers to be engaged on a part-time basis, it happens.
So, depending on a company’s business approach and the individual involved, one may be engaged to work in a firm as an HR manager on a part-time basis.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of An HR Manager?
An HR manager in a private company who has completed one year of service typically receives ten days of paid vacation.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to an HR Manager
- Product Manager
- Security Manager
- Purchasing Manager
- Case Manager
- Branch Manager
- Public Relationship Manager
- Hotel Manager
- Administrative Manager
- Brand Manager
- Office Manager
Resume Tips
Because one does not have a second chance to make a first impression, an HR manager must present well via the resume.
To qualify for an HR manager job, there are certain things one needs to have a skillset, some of which are mentioned below.
So, the tips below can help you in writing your resume:
- Detail your academic qualifications.
- Take pride in your experiences and highlight them.
- You have to take advantage of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Highlight the things that characterized your professionalism as an HR manager.
- More so, explain to your potential employer your unique selling proposition.
- Your tech-savviness has to be included in your resume.
Interview Questions
Q1: How best can you introduce yourself?
Why it works: This is a common question for HR managers during an interview session because it not only offers potential employers the opportunity to know your background and career journey but also exposes your communication skills and poise to them.
Q2: Can you tell us about your most recent experience as an HR manager?
Why it works: Throwing this question at you during an interview session will make them understand your working culture and if you take pride in your activities, especially as it relates to deliverables.
If you are someone whose performance was satisfactory in previous related roles, this is the time to blow your trumpet.
Q3: What interests you the most about human resources?
Why it works: Employers need to engage someone who loves what they do.
That’s because a happy HR manager can often translate to a healthy business environment.
So, don’t be surprised when asked what you enjoy the most about the job.
Considering your previous role(s), it shouldn’t be hard to discuss it with them.
Jobs Related to HR Manager
- Office Manager
- Admin officer
- Labor relations expert
- Recruitment specialist
- Careers coach
- Operational manager
- Mediator
- Employee performance manager
- Training Coordinator
- Human resources consultant
- Welfare manager
- Chief operating officer
- Office Coordinator
For HR Manager: Tips For Hiring
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Job-seeker
There are many things an HR manager is expected to watch out for in his or her recruitment process, one of which is a tailored resume.
This is because it is the only way an employer can see if you are fit for any advertised vacant role.
Aside from checking out if a resume is tailored to an available role, an HR manager is most likely going to run a background check on each candidate.
In this world of social media, it is easy to know if a job-seeker has good manners and to ensure there are no public scandals that can drown a business.
Minimum Level Of Education & Experience
This depends on the industry and available positions.
Usually, education and several years of corresponding work experience are necessary to become a human resources manager.
Most positions require a bachelor’s degree, but some demand a master’s degree.
References
- http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-business-jobs
- https://www.indeed.com/career/human-resources-manager/salaries
- https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-news/pages/hr-managers-rethink-their-work-coronavirus-pandemic.aspx
- https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/