13 Feb 10 Roles In Human Resources That You Should Explore
For any company to thrive in its respective industry, it needs a strong human resources (HR) department to keep operations running smoothly. The role of this department goes beyond recruiting the best talents; it also involves managing the onboarding process, distributing employees’ salaries, training new employees, and so much more.
Thanks to the leadership, hard work, and people sense of those who work in HR, companies are able to create workplace environments where employees are in sync, treated fairly, and given the best opportunities for furthering their personal growth. That’s why it’s not surprising that good HR professionals are always in demand, and that more university and career upskilling programs involve HR roles.
Today, there are many onsite and online jobs from home available to job seekers who are open to working in HR. But a fresh grad or someone whose experience is limited to a different type of department may not know exactly what positions are open and what they entail, as HR is quite a broad field itself.
If this is your situation, here’s a guide to ten roles in human resources and their accompanying responsibilities. This information should help you apply for a position that suits your skills and job experience.
1) Recruiter
Recruiters play a crucial part in the hiring process, from creating compelling job descriptions to screening resumes and conducting interviews. Their goal is to identify candidates who not only possess the required skills and qualifications for particular roles, but whose attitudes and beliefs also align with the company culture. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are key in this role, as recruiters often serve as the initial point of contact between the organization and potential hires.
2) Human Resources Associate
A human resources associate is an entry-level position in HR that involves providing support across various HR functions. HR associates are instrumental in the day-to-day operations of the HR department as they can assist with a variety of tasks, such as onboarding new employees, maintaining personnel records, and handling general inquiries from staff.
This position serves as a foundational step in an HR career, allowing individuals to gain exposure to different aspects of HR and to develop a solid understanding of HR processes.
3) Human Resources Assistant
Human resources assistants work closely with HR professionals to execute administrative tasks that are essential to the smooth functioning of the HR department. These tasks may include the upkeep of employee records, processing paperwork related to hiring and terminations, and organizing HR-related events.
HR assistants often serve as a liaisons between the HR department and other employees of the company, addressing routine queries and providing necessary information related to records, promotions, transfers to other departments, and the like. This role requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure accurate record-keeping practices and full compliance with the company’s HR policies and procedures.
4) Human Resources Coordinator
The human resources coordinator position is a mid-level role that requires individuals to oversee and coordinate various HR activities. These may include organizing training programs for employees, managing employee relations initiatives, and ensuring the smooth company-wide execution of new or evolving HR policies.
An HR coordinator is expected to act as a point of contact for employees and may also assist in resolving HR-related issues. Thus, strong project management, organizational, and communication skills are essential for success in this role.
5) Human Resources Generalist
One HR role that’s emerged in contemporary times, especially in remote work or hybrid setups, is that of the human resources generalist. The human resources generalist is a professional who handles a broad range of HR functions, from developing HR policies to implementing employee engagement initiatives. This position requires a well-rounded skill set and the ability to adapt to various HR challenges, including those that are unique to small businesses or startups.
6) Human Resources Manager
The role of a human resources manager is to oversee the entire HR department and ensure that wider HR strategies align with the organization’s goals. This position plays a strategic role in workforce planning, talent management, and organizational development.
HR managers are also responsible for handling complex employee relations issues and collaborating with senior management to align HR practices with business objectives. Advanced leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are crucial for someone who wants to be appointed in this role.
7) Recruitment Manager
A recruitment manager is a specialized HR professional focused on leading and managing the recruitment process within an organization. This role involves strategic planning to meet staffing needs, overseeing the recruitment team, and implementing effective hiring strategies.
Individuals who are in this profession often work closely with other HR professionals and department managers to get to know workforce requirements and ensure that the organization can both attract and retain top talent. They may also analyze recruitment metrics to optimize the company’s recruitment processes and enhance overall efficiency for hiring and retention.
8) Employee Relations Manager
An employee relations manager is responsible for cultivating a positive and harmonious work environment in the office. They’re tasked to manage employee relations programs and initiatives, address workplace conflicts, and ensure the fair and consistent application of the company’s HR policies.
Employee relations managers should strive to create a workplace culture that promotes open communication and that resolves issues effectively. They may even conduct investigations, provide guidance on employee matters, and collaborate with HR and organizational leadership to implement key strategies that enhance employee satisfaction and engagement.
9) Labor Relations Specialist
The role of a labor relations specialist involves staying abreast of labor regulations, negotiating with union representatives, and ensuring that the organization’s practices align with labor standards. They may also be involved in handling grievances, participating in contract negotiations, and advising management on labor-related issues.
To succeed in this position, aspirants must have a strong knowledge of the country’s labor laws and effective communication skills as applied to a broad spectrum of personalities.
10) Director of Employee Experience
The director of employee experience is a senior-level and strategic HR role focused on creating a positive and enriching workplace for all employees. Going beyond traditional HR functions, this position ensures that employees have a meaningful and satisfying experience throughout their tenure in the company.
Directors of employee experience may be involved in designing employee engagement programs, enhancing the workplace culture, and implementing broad initiatives to support employee well-being. They work collaboratively with HR and organizational leaders to create an environment that all employees can be proud to be a part of.
With human resources talent constantly being in demand at all levels, it’s possible to have a successful and fulfilling career in this field. To get the right start on this path, select a position that matches with your skills and job experience, and apply to a company whose workplace culture you both respect and want to change for the better.
About The Author
Germaine Ignacio is a freelance writer. As a Psychology major, she is interested in how investing in personal growth and happiness can improve professional productivity. She is also an avid baker who lives with two cats.
