Job Description

Manages the HR department and advises on and implements policies relating to the effective use of personnel within the organisation. They ensure that the right balances of staff are employed with the right skills to meet the company's needs. They will also ensure that the appropriate training and development opportunities are available to employees to enhance their performance.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Business.

You'll usually need:

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

The following local colleges offer courses in Business:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

Apprenticeship

You can get into this role through a HR consultant or partner higher apprenticeship.

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

University

You'll need a a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree course in:

human resources management
business management and human resources
psychology
business with languages

You could also do a postgraduate course in human resource management if you have a first degree.

You'll usually need:

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Click here to search for a suitable course.

Work

You could start as an assistant in a human resources department and work your way up through training and promotion.

Other Routes

You can do professional qualifications in human resources, either online or at a training centre, approved by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Some companies also have general management or human resources graduate training schemes.

More Information

You'll find more advice about careers in HR through The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Career Path and Progression

With experience, you could set up your own consultancy offering recruitment services, training, or advice on HR strategy and policy planning.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Recruitment consultant
Trade union official
Training manager
Training officer

Required Skills

Excellent recruitment skills
Good IT and numeracy
Excellent interpersonal skills
The ability to analyse, interpret and explain employment law to others
Able to keep a confidence
Organised
The ability to counsel people and deal with difficult situations
Good influencing and negotiation skills

Salary Range

£35,000 to £150,000

Human Resources Manager