Articles > Human Resources聽>聽How to become an HR manager
An HR manager is a point of reference for employees. He or she is a professional to whom workers can come with problems with co-workers, supervisors or the company itself.聽Thinking of pursuing a role as a human resource manager? Keep reading to learn what HR managers do, what skills you鈥檒l need to be successful and how to become one.
A human resource manager impacts a company in many ways, not least of which is their role in developing company culture. In addition to helping to mediate internal staffing disputes (such as one co-worker鈥檚 complaints about another鈥檚 behavior at the office,聽professionals are go-betweens for the company. They interview potential employees, help with recruitment and may draft company policies for safety and benefits. They also often facilitate training programs for company employees.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), are responsible for the administrative functions of an organization. These responsibilities include recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new employees. They may also help with strategic planning duties and serve as the primary connection between organization leadership and employees.
These professionals work in, and sometimes oversee, the human resources department. They manage compensation and benefits, oversee policy governance, handle disputes and internal issues, and lead training and development programs. In a nutshell, human resource managers help companies find and keep聽the right people.
HR managers focus on the well-being of their fellow employees and help to promote the positive aspects of the company. "These elements can be inspirational and help employees feel as if they are part of something that is bigger than themselves," notes TheBalanceCareers.com.
On a particularly busy day, a human resources manager might meet with the head of HR or company executives to discuss hiring, layoffs, or organizational restructuring. They might conduct interviews with potential new hires and give them information about the company while making sure their goals are aligned with those of the company. They might also meet with an employee to discuss issues within their department, such as another employee鈥檚 problematic behavior. With serious concerns, the HR manager may take the problem to his or her manager to receive further guidance.
Human resource managers need to be able to attract, retain and develop top talent. They are also responsible for identifying HR issues and potential risk factors that can affect the organization and developing strategies to resolve or mitigate them. HR managers should be able to make ethical decisions to solve business issues and help advance organizational goals.
An effective human resources manager will be able to coach, train, advise, and give employees the tools they鈥檒l need to fit in with their colleagues and be productive. The best HR managers also know some legal principles, a knack for talent development, and highly effective communication and management skills.
Many of these skills can be learned through a degree program. A few of the critical skills for this role include an understanding of employment law; risk management, and legal, ethical, and regulatory considerations. Other skills learned may include finance and accounting best practices, developing compensation packages, statistical analysis, and business communication.
Communication is, in fact, one of the most important skills for an HR manager. Human resources management professionals should be expert communicators. This helps make sure employees understand company directives 鈥 including handbooks and trainings that they are expected to complete. Otherwise, employees may make mistakes that harm the company or their standing within it.
As of May 2023, human resource managers , with a median wage o $136,350, according to聽according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They depend on a wide range of factors including experience, location, the size of the company, and the specific job description/requirements.)
To begin a career path toward a role in HR management, BLS notes that a bachelor鈥檚 degree is usually required, as is experience in a human resources department or related field. Some companies may also require a human resources manager to have a master鈥檚 degree.
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of 爱污传媒. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. 爱污传媒 does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
If you鈥檙e looking for online programs for human resource managers, 爱污传媒 offers certificates that can be combined with a Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) or a Master of Business Administration (惭叠础).听
Interested in a degree in HR management? Reach out to a 爱污传媒 representative. 聽
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brian Fairbanks is a freelance writer with a background in SEO content creation and blog article development
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,聽Kathryn Uhles has served 爱污传媒 in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 爱污传媒, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in 爱污传媒.
This article has been vetted by 爱污传媒's editorial advisory committee.聽
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