explore your career in human resources

Human resources, or HR, manages employees by handling recruitment, training, employee relations, compliance, and strategic planning. They hire and develop talent, resolve conflicts, ensure legal compliance, and align the workforce with organizational goals. HR plays a vital role in overall organizational success. Additionally, human resources plays a critical role in fostering a positive and inclusive work culture. 

HR professionals are responsible for promoting diversity and equality within the organization. They implement policies and initiatives that encourage a supportive and respectful work environment, where all employees feel valued and included. Human Resources also addresses issues related to employee well-being, such as promoting work-life balance, mental health support, and employee assistance programs.

Entry-level human resources jobs start around $40,000. This includes HR jobs like clerks and coordinators. Intermediate HR jobs have salaries closer to the $60,000 range, while managers and senior roles can be even higher.

Overall, the salary structure in HR jobs ranges from approximately $40,000 to well over $100,000 for highly experienced professionals. Your compensation will depend on your location and employer. Some HR jobs work on commission, which means you can make even more if you're highly skilled.

Human resources jobs are best suited to individuals with people skills. You must communicate effortlessly with candidates, clients, and employees. Tasks you might perform include: 

• interfacing with clients or candidates 
• shaping HR practices and policies 
• ensuring compliance with employment laws 
• writing or distributing employee handbooks 
• handling hiring initiatives and job postings 
• scheduling and performing job interviews 
• onboarding or training new hires 
• maintaining employee files and records 
• managing insurance and benefits for employees

Human resources professionals are in high demand in Canada across diverse industries and organizations. Whether in major cities or smaller towns, HR roles can be found in sectors such as finance, marketing, healthcare, telecommunications, and technology. With a range of employment options available, HR professionals have the opportunity to contribute their expertise and make a meaningful impact in their chosen field.

Most HR jobs require a post-secondary degree or diploma in human resources, business administration, or a related field. Depending on the industry you work in, a related degree (for example finance) may also be seen as an asset. Prior experience in HR is often required, as well. 

The ability to speak more than one language is also an asset in many HR jobs. In Canada, English/French bilingual speakers are in particularly high demand, however, there are many other languages which are also in demand. 

Human resources jobs also require a deep understanding of people. To connect with candidates you need to understand their needs and goals. Successful HR professionals have: 

• exceptional communication skills 
• interpersonal and relationship building skills 
• planning and organization skills 
• ability to collaborate and work on a team 
• basic administrative skills 
• ability to prioritize and meet tight deadlines 
• ability to adhere to confidentiality and ethical rules, laws, and guidelines 
• skill with delegation and leadership

Human resources careers can provide opportunities for advancement into supervisory and managerial positions such as HR manager, HR director, or VP of Human Resources. These roles necessitate strong leadership abilities to effectively guide and oversee the HR function.

Furthermore, human resources jobs offer a broad range of possibilities, allowing professionals to transition into various fields such as marketing, sales, or other related areas. The skills and knowledge acquired in HR can be valuable assets in these new roles, enabling individuals to bring a unique perspective to their work.

Additionally, some HR professionals choose to leverage their expertise by starting their own consulting firms. This entrepreneurial path grants them the freedom to select their projects, work with a diverse range of clients, and enjoy greater control over their schedules.

Securing a job in human resources without prior experience can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Here are some steps to help you increase your chances:

• Pursue relevant education or certification.
• Seek HR internships or entry-level positions.
• Highlight transferable skills on your resume.
• Network and seek mentorship from HR professionals.
• Volunteer or offer assistance to gain practical experience.
• Emphasize motivation and willingness to learn in interviews.
• Stay updated on HR trends and be adaptable.