Human Resources managers act as a liaison between employees and the leaders of the corporation. Within an organization, such as a company or charity, they are responsible for maintaining positive employer-employee relationships and ensuring that workers are happy and satisfied. The path to becoming an HR manager is long, but it can be rewarding.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Get the Right Education
Step 1. Learn about this career path
Spend some time learning about this path before starting it to become a Human Resources manager. Becoming one can be a rewarding and highly paying career path.
- These professionals deal with great responsibility. They plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of the organization and are responsible for hiring new staff, assisting executives with strategic planning, and helping foster positive communication between the organization's management and its employees.
- One positive point about being a Human Resources manager is that this job is always in demand. Almost any type of business or organization needs one of these professionals. The average annual range of your compensation is nearly $ 100,000 per year.
- The demand for HR managers is expected to grow over the years. It may be easier to find a job in this field over time.
Step 2. Take some relevant courses in high school
Take them if you want to become a Human Resources manager. You should also sign up for extracurricular activities that are relevant to your career.
- Take classes in business, marketing, and economics. Similarly, you can take some psychology classes as you will need to be able to work with people. Some background in psychology can give you input on how people think.
- Look for leadership positions in high school. This can look good on your college application and help you start gaining an experience that can help you get a professional internship in this academic period. Be the captain of a sports team; get a position on the Student Council; Volunteer with local charities and nonprofits and seek positions of power.
- Study hard in school and keep your grades high. Strive to do well on standardized tests, such as the North American ACT and SAT tests, as high marks combined with good grades can help you get into a good college.
Step 3. Get a bachelor's degree
You will need to have at least a bachelor's degree to become a Human Resources manager. Strive for one in a relevant subject if you want to become a Human Resources manager.
- Your academic institution may be the best option if it has a Human Resources management subject as a specialty. Other relevant fields of study are business and finance. A minor in psychology can also be helpful as you will be working with people as a career path.
- Try signing up for relevant courses like electives. Take advanced business, management, and marketing courses not required for your degree path. This could impress an employer.
Step 4. Look to get an internship or summer job during college
Getting an internship and work experience during college is extremely important if you want to be a Human Resources manager. Employers will look at your resume to see if you have relevant skills as you search for entry-level jobs. Take advantage of college by gaining experience during your education.
- Any job that requires working with people is great for a job position as a Human Resources manager. Look for a sales job, marketing jobs, and other part-time jobs that require lots of interpersonal interactions with clients and consumers during college.
- Look for an internship as you reach your junior year and senior year. You can speak with a career counselor at your academic institution about where to look for an internship. Similarly, you can let your teachers and fellow students know that you are looking to experience a professional internship. They can share you some information about it.
Part 2 of 3: Gain experience
Step 1. Write a resume
A consistent one is an invaluable marketing tool. Before graduation, compile a consistent resume that you can use to promote yourself as you look for a starter job.
- The resume format must be consistent. Use some vignettes to talk about the next job if you use them to explain your experience for each work case. Keep font sizes and options consistent. Go for easily readable fonts over flowery and italic type.
- Be sure to include your email, address, full name, and a link to your personal website if you have one.
- Express your experience in as impressive terms as possible. For example, don't say "I helped customers pick out some clothes" if you worked as a sales associate at Macy's during college. Instead, say, "Advised customers on a wide range of stylistic choices given by Macy's corporations by providing courteous and informative product reviews." You can find a list of resume buzzwords online that can help you express yourself on your resume.
- A fun resume design can help you differentiate yourself. You can search for a list of creative resume designs online for inspiration. A fun resume can really boost your chances of getting an interview if you apply for a job at a more creative company.
- Take advantage of the resources at your university while you are still a student. Have a career counselor look at your resume and give you some feedback. Go to the resume workshops that your university offers.
Step 2. Look for an initial job position
When you graduate, use your resume to find a starting experience. Typically, one year of experience is required for a job position as a Human Resources manager, so look for a few jobs in business, management and Human Resources. You will have to work your way up from below to become a Human Resources manager.
- Go to job fairs your college offers. Make sure to pass out your resume to recruiters. Relationships are often essential to find a job.
- Talk to your previous colleagues. Tell your previous supervisors of your jobs and your internships that you are looking for a job. Talk to your previous teachers. Let your fellow graduates who have a job know that you are looking for one.
- Job boards, such as Indeed.com and Monster, also post jobs occasionally. Consider applying for a job through these places. However, you may not be able to get an answer as many people apply for these jobs through these means.
Step 3. Practice having consistent interview skills
Practice them if you are called for an interview. Being respectful, professional, and impressive during an interview can help you land a job.
- Always dress well for interviews. Wear a conservative blouse and dress pants or a professional dress or a women's tailor if you are a woman. However, wear a suit and tie if you are male. Make sure your shoes are professionally appropriate as well. It may be advisable to hide any tattoos or piercings you have.
- Use consistent non-verbal communication. Make eye contact with the interviewer. Smile and nod to show that you are listening. Stand tall to convey confidence. Offer a firm handshake at the beginning and end of the interview.
- Research the company before going to the interview. Similarly, you must show that you are interested in the job and that you have invested your interest in it. Spend some time reviewing the company's website and learning about its mission, ethics, and history.
- Always ask questions at the end of the interview. Don't ask some logistical questions, such as remuneration or the date when you will expect an answer. Instead, ask a few questions that elicit better information, such as "What is the company culture like?" and "What do you like about working here?"
Step 4. Consider a master's degree
Consider getting one after working in the fields for a year or so. While it is true that this is not required for all jobs as a Human Resources manager, it certainly helps to differentiate yourself from the competition. For some jobs, the additional training that comes with a master's degree may be required.
- This may be required for some specific fields of Human Resource management, such as industrial and labor relations. There are many areas in which you can earn your master's degree to prosper in the field of Human Resource management.
- You can simply achieve a master's degree in human resource management. However, a master's degree in business administration can also help. Talk to HR managers you know who have master's degrees and ask for advice and recommendations. This can help you make an informed decision.
Part 3 of 3: Continuing Your Career
Step 1. Find a job in a Human Resources department
Start looking for Human Resources jobs when you've earned your master's degree or worked in the field for a while. Working in Human Resources can allow you to advance to a management job position.
- Use the links from your college, internship, or bachelor's program, or look for available positions in general job postings.
- If you currently work in a place, you can apply for jobs in the Human Resources department of your company. Most companies are more likely to hire an employee who already works for them, rather than hiring a stranger.
Step 2. Work in the field for a few years
Typically, accreditation is the next step in the HR management career. However, the exams for this usually require one year of professional experience. More experience can increase your likelihood of being approved for the exam. It may be advisable to work in the field for a few years before seeking accreditation.
Step 3. Seek to get accreditation
Do it when you have a few years of experience. Accreditation can set you apart from the competition during the hiring process.
- You can apply to take the exam through various accreditation programs. The best program for you depends on your status and your career goals. Fees and the application process vary, but most accreditation programs require a master's degree and at least one year of professional experience.
- You can find an accreditation manual for the exam of your choice online. This manual will give you a comprehensive overview of the exam process and procedures. It will also provide you with a study guide that you can use to take the accreditation exam.
Step 4. Pass the accreditation exam
When you schedule your state exam, take it at the required time and place. The length of the exam varies by state and accreditation program. In some programs, you will get your grade right away. In some others, you will have to wait a few weeks for it to arrive in the mail. When you pass the exam, you will receive a type of certificate.
Step 5. Keep looking for a higher paying job
After accreditation, you can start looking for higher-paying management positions. You should have an advantage over your competition by having an accreditation, a master's degree, and a few years of experience. As with some previous job searches, look for a job by connecting with your former employees and your peers. Similarly, you can search for a job on the job notice boards.