HR Graduate or Administrator
Imagine working in a job where you help make workplaces better for everyone. That is what Human Resources (HR) is all about! If you' are young and interested in HR, here's a simple introduction:
What HR People Do:
- take care of the people side of businesses
- help find the right people for jobs
- make sure everyone gets trained properly
- solve any problems at work
- make sure everyone gets treated fairly
Entry-level jobs in HR are usually in administration or a Graduate trainee role. It is a competitive area so it helps to have a good degree, in any discipline.
A person working in HR will:
You could:
- help recruit new employees
- handle complaints and disciplinary procedures
- give advice on sickness absence, performance and employment relations
- plan and put into place employee training and development activities
- make sure employees have the right pay and benefits
- arrange employee support services like welfare and counselling
- keep up to date with equality and health and safety laws
- give advice on pay negotiations, redundancy and employment law
- develop HR policies, handbooks and procedures
- maintain confidential employee records
Useful skills for a career in HR and recruitment include:
- administration skills
- knowledge of human resources and employment law
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- excellent written communication skills
- business management skills
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Industry Qualifications
To develop your career in HR, it is likely that you will study a qualification from the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development). This organisation runs courses from a foundation certificate through to advanced diplomas.
There are three options for getting a CIPD qualification:
- You take a master’s degree that is mapped to CIPD qualifications
- You pay and study on your own time
- You are supported by your employer
For more information visit www.cipd.org/en