To get that great job you are so passionate about can be challenging. However, you must understand the various job opportunities and career paths available to help you identify areas of great interest and align with your skills and experience. One of these opportunities is to secure an entry-level job in human resources!
It is an area of business that manages the workforce and its distinctive needs. Human resources is an increasing field, just like other occupations. Therefore, securing an entry-level job in human resources is simpler. In this article, you will learn more about securing an entry-level job in human resources, their salaries, and some job-hunting tips.
What is Human Resources?
Human resources (H.R.) is an aspect of a business that focuses on employee affairs. The H.R. department is responsible for handling the employment side of a company, such as hiring and firing employees, compensation, workplace culture, and employee relations.
In addition, these professionals train and control employee payroll and adhere to government regulations and compliance. Other responsibilities of H.R. personnel include moderating and assisting in resolving employee conflicts. As well as handling employee’s concerns and fostering organizational success and productivity.
Suppose you want to secure an entry-level job in human resources. In that case, you may earn a degree in a related field of study to prepare you for the duties of an H.R. Meanwhile, many colleges and universities offer programs and degrees focused on human resources. Once you’ve completed your degree, seek employment opportunities to gain work experience in this field.
Steps to Secure an Entry-level Job in Human Resources
Whether you already have human resources experience or are just starting up, follow these steps to maximize your chances of securing an interview and getting selected for an H.R. position.
1. Earn a Degree
To secure an H.R. position, you must first earn a degree. If your school offers a human resources program, you will learn courses focused on organizational theory, legal issues, and compliance. As well as performance management, employee development and training, and other areas of the H.R. field.
Meanwhile, other related degrees can help you secure a job in H.R., such as business and organizational or industrial psychology.
2. Enroll for Internships
Before completing your degree, look for opportunities to enroll in an internship provided through your school to gain first-hand experience. You may get paid for an internship or not, but it will provide you with valuable experience. Over time, these experiences will come in handy and help you better understand the field of H.R. and also form connections in the industry.
3. Get Certified
Specific certifications are highly valued and respected in the field of human resources. Therefore, becoming certified will portray you as a professional and show your achievements and proficiency in a specific area of human resources. You’ll need to take an exam to demonstrate your skills and knowledge to obtain a certification.
However, the requirements needed for each certification differ. Some of the top certifications for H.R. professionals will also allow you to network with professionals and find mentors in the field.
4. Build a Network
Working in H.R. will allow you to interact with many people directly. Therefore, ensure you build a solid network to help you when looking for a job in the field. You can also join various H.R. organizations and associations and look for others in the human resources field to form and nurture your network.
Networking is valuable when looking for a position; you will hear of job openings and learn of the latest trends and topics. Join your local Society for Human Resource Management (S.H.R.M.) chapter to meet H.R. people.
There are other ways to strengthen your network, such as connecting with your professors already connected in the field. Also, contact alums of your educational program and H.R. professionals working for companies that interest you!
5. Work on your Resume
Before applying for any job, always ensure that your resume is updated with the skills and experience related to H.R. Though you may have yet to gain experience in a human resources position. However, you can highlight some skills you’ve gained through your other work experience that make you a better candidate for an H.R. job.
Tips to Get a Job in Human Resources Without Experience
As you search for open positions and H.R. job opportunities, follow these tips to maximize your chances of getting your dream job.
1. Take on Other Roles
If getting a human resources job is challenging, you can search for other opportunities. As such, you can potentially build the skills you need to transition into H.R. But if you are currently employed, talk to your manager about taking up specific tasks, like assisting with payroll or leading a training session.
This will help you learn more about such responsibilities and gain hands-on experience. Most human resources roles are diversified, and having expertise in specialties like payroll administration, equity, and inclusion can give you more advantage.
Additionally, working in a supervisory role can help achieve the goal of working with human resources. People in charge of managing others are often involved in recruiting, hiring and firing, and managing employee relations.
2. Volunteer your Time
Another great way to gain experience is by volunteering for a non-profit or community organization and supporting their H.R. efforts. It is always valuable to include volunteering experience on your resume.
You can also learn more about how human resources operate on the non-profit side of the business. You can use several online resources to find volunteer opportunities that align with your skills and interests.
3. Look for Temporary Opportunities
Companies often recruit temporary workers in human resources, which can help you gain experience and interact with people who could bring you on as a permanent employee.
4. Look out for Internal Opportunities to Advance
It may be easier to move up the ladder if you are currently working in a company. This is because the people involved in hiring and promotion decisions already know you and your capacity as an employee. So, ensure you look for internal opportunities at your current company that can allow you to transition into the H.R. department.
In addition, you can discuss with those working in H.R. to express your interest in a human resources career and learn more about what the company requires of its human resources professionals.
5 Entry-level Human Resources Jobs
1. Human Resources Coordinator
Salary: $59,516 per year.
Human resources coordinators are responsible for performing administrative tasks for the H.R. department. Some of their responsibilities may include maintaining employee records, processing paperwork, scheduling meetings and interviews.
They may also answer employee questions about payroll/benefits, assist H.R. specialists and managers with recruiting tasks, and organize onboarding and training programs. Human resources coordinators must be experienced in using payroll programs, entering data, and using office and communication programs.
2. Recruiting Assistant
Salary: $45,580 per year.
As a recruiting assistant, you’ll help the company’s human resources department to find and hire talented applicants. Your responsibilities may also include contacting candidates and preparing and posting job listings.
I also screen applicants, do background checks, schedule interviews, and update employee and candidate records. Recruiting assistants carry out numerous administrative tasks and should be experienced in using recruiting software and maintaining candidate databases.
Salary: $59,300 per year.
Benefits administrators usually manage employee benefits, like health insurance and retirement plans, for the H.R. department. Other responsibilities of benefits administrators include assisting employees to enroll in insurance and retirement programs.
As well as explaining benefits to employees, working with insurance companies, and informing employees about changes to their benefits. They must be experienced in using data entering and tracking systems.
4. Human Resources Assistant
Salary: $45,800 per year.
A human resources assistant often supports H.R. professionals like coordinators, specialists, and managers. They perform administrative tasks such as filing, setting up appointments, and entering employee hours in the payroll system.
In addition, they post job listings and help with the hiring process by communicating with applicants and scheduling interviews. Human resources assistants guide new employees through onboarding, training, and orientation. They also give existing employees information about benefits and retirement plans.
Salary: $57,490 per year.
Payroll administrators carry out some tasks associated with employee compensation for the H.R. department. Their job responsibilities include processing time cards, tracking vacation and personal day requests, updating salary information, and preparing and issuing paychecks.
They must be well-organized and can calculate employees’ hours, tax withholding, bonuses, and commissions. Working with electronic timekeeping systems and employee databases should be fine.
Conclusion
Starting an entry-level job in human resources can be a rewarding journey. You must be well-prepared with the proper education, certifications, skills, a well-crafted resume, and a robust online presence!