Jobs, Careers and Occupations

Human Resource Jobs, Occupations and Careers

Human Resources (HR)

Human resources companies provide staffing and consulting services in areas including recruitment, compensation, retention and benefits.

Human resources occupations include human resource managers, personnel managers, personnel officers, compensation and benefits specialists, labor relations officers, recruitment specialists, pension administrators, payroll officers, career counselors, outplacement consultants, employee development personnel, trainers, recruiters, executive search staff.

Attracting the most qualified employees and matching them to the jobs for which they are best suited is important for the success of any organization. However, many enterprises are too large to permit close contact between top management and employees. Human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists provide this link.

In the past, human resources workers have been associated with performing the administrative function of an organization, such as handling employee benefits questions or recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new personnel in accordance with policies and requirements that have been established in conjunction with top management.

Today’s human resources workers juggle these tasks and, increasingly, consult top executives regarding strategic planning. They have moved from behind-the-scenes staff work to leading the company in suggesting and changing policies. Senior management is recognizing the importance of the human resources department to their financial success.

In a small organization, a human resources generalist may handle all aspects of human resources work, and thus require a broad range of knowledge. The responsibilities of human resources generalists can vary widely, depending on their employer’s needs.

In a large corporation, the top human resources executive usually develops and coordinates personnel programs and policies. A director or manager of human resources and, in some cases, a director of industrial relations, usually implements these policies.

The director of human resources may oversee several departments, each headed by an experienced manager who most likely specializes in one personnel activity, such as employment, compensation, benefits, training and development, or employee relations.

Employment and placement managers oversee the hiring and separation of employees and supervise various workers, including equal employment opportunity specialists and recruitment specialists.

Employment, recruitment and placement specialists recruit and place workers.

Recruiters maintain contacts within the community and may travel extensively, often to college campuses, to search for promising job applicants. Recruiters screen, interview, and sometimes test applicants. They also may check references and extend job offers.

Human Resources Related Industries

• Administrative
• Consulting