Human Resources Officer

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What skills does a human resources officer need?

• Organisational skills
• Commercial awareness
• Numerical skills - a strong set of IT skills is needed if you’re required to manage or operate payroll and benefits systems
• A thorough approach to work and strong attention to detail
• Good interpersonal skills that enable you to form effective working relationships with people at all levels of an organisation
• Knowledge of HR and employment law
• Sensitivity and understanding
• Integrity and approachability so that people feel they can discuss confidential issues with you
• Administration skills
• Customer service skills
• Ability to interpret statistical data
• The ability to form working relationships with people at all levels
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Willingness to challenge organisational culture where necessary.

What are the responsibilities of a human resources officer?

Human resources officers add value to the company they support and deal with staff at all levels in organisations. 

They could:

• Plan and put into place employee training and development activities
• Help recruit new employees
• Liaise with a range of people involved in policy areas such as staff performance and health and safety 
• Undertake regular salary reviews
• Give advice on pay negotiations, redundancy and employment law  
• Maintain confidential employee information 
• Keep up to date with equality, health and safety laws
• Arrange employee support services like welfare and counselling
• Give advice on sickness absence, performance and employment relations
• Deal with grievances and implement disciplinary procedures
• Develop HR planning strategies, which consider immediate and long-term staff requirements 

How to become a human resources officer?

There are many ways to become a human resources officer, from completing an undergraduate degree, to an apprenticeship. Sometimes people may work towards this role once they are already employed by a company. There are also specialist courses offered by professional bodies, which could aid career progression.

Recommended courses

• MSc Leadership and Human Resource Management
• MSc Psychology (Conversion)

How much does a human resources officer make?

Entry level human resources roles start from £18,000 to £23,000. HR officers can earn up to £35,000, whereas HR managers can make up to £55,000. Salaries for HR directors can reach £80,000.

Useful links

For more information on jobs and what to expect from this career, please visit some of the most widely used sites for careers support.

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