Also called:
Employee Relations Manager, HR Administration Director (Human Resources Administration Director), Human Resources Director (HR Director), Human Resources Manager (HR Manager)
Whether they’re negotiating a contract with union leaders, or interviewing a hopeful job applicant, Human Resources Managers combine the qualities of leadership and initiative with steadiness and perseverance. It’s not a job for the faint of heart, since the responsibility for overseeing layoffs, or firing an employee, usually lands in their hands. These managers work both to attract qualified candidates, and to ensure they are productive and fairly-treated once they’re hired. They also develop recruiting and training programs, and administer employee pay and benefits. Human resources managers make sure employment policies are followed throughout an organization. They help managers and employees understand work contracts and resolve discipline issues or conflicts. They may facilitate important conversations about equal opportunities, and preventing sexual harassment. Sensitivity to others’ perspectives is important. Human resource managers work in business, government, education, and non-profits. Some positions require travel, especially to recruit applicants from college campuses, or to attend conferences. Typically, though, this is an office-based career with 9-to-5 hours and the possibility of good benefits. A career as a human resources manager usually begins with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business, communications, or a related field. A good human resources manager is pivotal to the morale and success of an organization.
What they do:
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
On the job, you would:
Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering contracts and helping resolve work-related problems.
Advise managers on organizational policy matters, such as equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment, and recommend needed changes.
Analyze and modify compensation and benefits policies to establish competitive programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Business
human resources (HR)
management
Arts and Humanities
English language
Safety and Government
law and government
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
use rules to solve problems
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Math
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.