Human resources jobs
Whether you're drawn to the operational aspects of HR or prefer a more strategic focus, the field provides plenty of opportunities for career growth and advancement
From the fast-paced world of recruitment, where professionals source, screen, and interview candidates, to the strategic realm of HR, including talent management, employee relations, and organisational development, there's a role for everyone.
Human resources officer
This role is focused on the business objectives of your employer and involves the development and implementation of staff policies. Depending on the size of the organisation you work for and the size of its HR department, you could be involved in a range of related activities - including drafting job descriptions and person specifications, handling disciplinary and grievance procedures and processing payroll or employee benefits.
As you progress in your career, a professional CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) qualification will become essential in this highly-competitive industry. Explore what it's like to be a human resources officer.
Recruitment consultant
Your remit will be to attract the right candidates and match them to job opportunities with your clients. Therefore, building relationships with employers to know what they're after is key - as is the ability to screen candidates for their suitability for advertised vacancies.
Long working hours are typically the norm, so be prepared to perform to your maximum to meet targets. In this industry, your degree subject will only become valuable if you're looking to work in an agency that has a specific market focus. Get more information on what it's like to be a recruitment consultant and read 7 essential skills for a successful recruitment career.
Training and development officer
The growing learning and development (L&D) field requires candidates equipped to handle the training and professional development of an organisation's workers. You'll be responsible for ensuring all staff members have the motivation, practical skills and knowledge required to carry out their jobs.
While the position may be industry-specific, you'll need to possess strong HR skills and be prepared to study for relevant CIPD qualifications, especially if you aim to work at a strategic level and possibly move into consulting. Find out more about becoming a training and development officer.
Employee relations adviser
To establish and maintain a positive, trust-based workplace relationship between employers and employees, some organisations hire an employee relations adviser.
This role involves ensuring a consistent and fair approach to the company's policies and procedures, managing conflicts, and negotiating or discussing issues with individuals and groups. The responsibilities include providing administrative and case management support. If you're interested in pursuing this career path, you'll need excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and a good understanding of employee relations and employment law. Previous HR experience is preferred in most roles, as well as a relevant CIPD qualification.
Life/career coach
This role involves more than just providing guidance. It's about forming strong relationships with clients to empower them to make wise decisions. You'll be using your excellent communication skills to identify their key strengths, suggest areas for improvement, and encourage them to set positive goals. In addition to one-on-one sessions, you may also have the opportunity to conduct group workshops.
A background in business, HR, and training could be beneficial in certain areas, such as career coaching. However, its relevance will depend on your chosen area of specialisation and whether you are affiliated with an organisation or are self-employed. You can also get accreditation from professional bodies like the Association for Coaching (AC).
If you're interested in becoming a life coach, learn more about the training required.
Management consultant
HR consulting, or human resource management (HRM), has become a distinct area of management consultancy. Providing solutions to businesses of all sizes, but typically small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the role's all about the processes involved with the management of a company's workforce, to achieve business advantage and improved performance.
With a varied skillset, an HR consultant will usually work with an organisation to ensure its HR department has the right procedures and guidelines in place. This could be to focus the company strategy, deliver organisational change (such as mergers or acquisitions) or to ensure the business is positioned to meet future challenges.
You may be expected to make recommendations in areas including employee benefits and rewards, HR management, L&D, and talent management.
Find out more about what it takes to be a management consultant and consider why you should study HR courses.
Occupational psychologist
Utilise your expert knowledge of psychology to enhance organisational performance and boost job satisfaction among staff. Your role may involve addressing issues related to culture and change, as well as working with individuals and teams.
Occupational psychologists can pursue in-house or consultancy positions, but they must meet the British Psychological Society's (BPS) standards and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to qualify for the role.
Explore the role of an occupational psychologist.
Sales executive
To become an expert in the selling of your company's products and services, you'll need to be enthusiastic and determined. The job may require you to win new business by contacting potential leads and maintaining relationships with your existing clients. Although your exact work activities will relate to your market and setting, you could be selling to other businesses or directly to customers.
Whether applying for advertised jobs or an employer's graduate scheme, relevant sales experience and key personal attributes are usually considered more important than your qualifications.
Discover more about the role of a sales executive and the top 5 skills for a career in sales.
Find out more
- Take a look at the recruitment and HR sector.