Human resources officer : Entry requirements

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1. Job description
2. Salary and conditions
3. Entry requirements
4. Training
5. Career development
6. Employers and vacancy …
7. Related jobs

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Case studies

• Human resources business partner: Maria
• Human resources supervisor: Sara
• Human resources graduate: Anita

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With over 135,000 members, the CIPD is the world’s largest chartered professional body to represent individuals working in human resources (HR). CIPD internationally recognised HR qualifications are a fantastic way of demonstrating to potential employers that you can add real value to an organisation. Explore careers with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Although this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, the following subjects may be particularly relevant:

• human resources management;
• business/management;
• business with languages;
• social administration;
• psychology.

There are various entry routes into human resources (HR) work but competition for entry is generally keen for all routes. Applying to an HR graduate training scheme is one possibility.

Some graduates move into HR after having experienced placements in several areas of an organisation as part of a general management training programme. Starting in an administrative role in an HR department provides useful experience and it may be possible to gain promotion into HR management if suitable positions arise.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification in HR/personnel management, while not essential, might be useful. Many postgraduate courses require a degree for entry but some may consider other qualifications such as an HND, perhaps with relevant experience.

Although it is possible to enter HR work without being professionally qualified, a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)  accredited qualification is often preferred by employers, especially for middle and higher management posts. It is almost always expected that you have a CIPD qualification when applying for high-level roles. You should check with individual employers regarding sponsorship for studying towards a CIPD qualification. There are various study methods available, including full-time, part-time and distance learning. A wide range of educational institutions deliver CIPD courses.

Relevant experience gained during a course placement, previous employment or vacation work greatly improves your chances. You may also develop appropriate skills whilst at university by taking on positions of responsibility, whether in a voluntary or paid capacity, or through student groups and organisations. Talking to staff already working in HR and reading appropriate journals, e.g. People Management   and Personnel Today , helps you make well-informed applications.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• business awareness and management skills;
• organisational skills and the ability to understand detailed information;
• basic IT and numeracy skills, with strong IT skills required if managing/operating computerised payroll and benefits systems;
• interpersonal skills to form effective working relationships with people at all levels;
• a proven track record of 'making a difference';
• the ability to analyse, interpret and explain the legal framework regulating employment;
• integrity and approachability, as managers and staff must feel able to discuss sensitive and confidential issues with you;
• the ability to compile and interpret statistical data and communicate it in a professional and understandable manner;
• influencing and negotiating skills to implement personnel policies;
• the potential to handle a leadership role.

New graduates entering the profession need to be flexible in terms of geographical location and/or the type of work they want as competition for vacancies is usually intense.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.