How To Become A Human Resource (HR) Manager

Most of us are familiar with human resource (HR) managers from our professional lives. HR managers often oversee our hiring, payment, workplace issues and departures from our jobs. More generally, HR managers plan, direct and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization.

It can be economically and personally rewarding, which may lead you to wonder: How do you become an HR manager? Below, we break down the process step-by-step, covering the education, professional experience and other qualifications necessary to become an HR manager.

 

Job Description Of An HR Manager

Human resources managers plan, direct and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. In particular, they oversee recruitment, consult with executives on strategic planning, and connect management with staff. HR managers may also specialize as: labor relations directors or employee relations managers, who oversee employment policies; payroll managers, who supervise the payment of workers; and recruiting or staffing managers, who lead the search for new talent.

 

Where do HR managers work?

According to the BLS, environments HR managers typically work in External link are:

• Management of companies and enterprises: 14%
• Professional, scientific and technical services: 14%
• Manufacturing: 12%
• Government: 9%
• Health care and social assistance: 9%

The BLS notes HR managers typically work in offices, although those employed by national or international organizations may have to travel to different branches. HR managers may also have to regularly attend professional conferences and recruitment events.

 

What Certification Do I Need To Be An HR.

According to the BLS guide for human resources managers External link , becoming a human resources manager with a bachelor’s degree is possible, but higher level positions require a master’s degree.

The BLS notes that most HR managers hold a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field, such as finance, business management, education or information technology. If a master’s degree is required, it is most often in human resources, labor relations or business administration.

 

How To Further A Career As A HR Manager

According to the Society for Human Resource Management External link , there are six career paths to becoming a certified human resources manager. Although the BLS notes that certification is a voluntary qualification, it can be beneficial and offers standard pathways to becoming an HR manager.

• Earn less than a bachelor’s degree in a HR-related program:
  • Complete some bachelor’s degree coursework, an associate’s degree, or a qualifying certificate from an HR-related program.
  • Serve three years in an HR role.
  • Pass the SHRM-Certified Professional exam.
• Earn less than a bachelor’s degree in a non-HR-related program:
  • Complete some bachelor’s degree coursework, an associate’s degree, a qualifying human resources certificate program, high school, or a general educational development exam (GED).
  • Serve four years in an HR role.
  • Pass the SHRM-CP exam.
• Earn a bachelor’s degree in an HR-related program:
  • Complete a bachelor’s degree from an HR-related program.
  • Serve one year in a HR role.
  • Pass the SHRM-CP exam.
• Earn a bachelor’s degree in a non-HR-related program:
  • Complete a bachelor’s degree from a non-HR-related program.
  • Serve two years in an HR role.
  • Pass the SHRM-CP exam.
• Earn a master’s degree in an HR-related program:
  • Complete a master’s degree from an HR-related program.
  • Serve currently in a HR role.
  • Pass the SHRM-CP exam.
• Earn a master’s degree in a non-HR-related program:
  • Complete a master’s degree from a non-HR-related program.
  • Serve one year in an HR role.
  • Pass the SHRM-CP exam.

Note that the SHRM considers the following programs HR-related: human resource management, human resources, industrial and organizational psychology, management and business administration.

 

What Skills Are Needed For HR Management?

According to the BLS guide for human resources managers External link , the skills needed for human resource management are:

• Decision-making: Assess a situation and select the right course of action.
• Interpersonal: Build relationships between colleagues and other stakeholders.
• Leadership: Direct staff and operations with confidence and efficiency.
• Organizational: Coordinate team members and tasks.
• Speaking: Clearly and effectively communicate information and directives.