Industry Outlook for Human Resources Jobs

Human resources jobs is an excellent area for college graduates to go into, as this field is expected to grow faster than the average growth rate of many other industries.

This growth spurt is caused in part by corporate concern over the growing amount of litigation in which companies and organizations have been held financially responsible in cases of workplace safety issues, equal employment opportunity, wage and benefits issues as well as discrimination on all fronts.

This expectation is mainly due to the fact the basic entry level requirements for the human resource field is a four-year degree and at the present time there is an abundance of job seekers who meet the minimum qualifications-and in some cases, more.

Persons employed in the field of human relations typically work a forty hour work week in a comfortable office. In some cases, particularly at hectic times, it may be required for human resources personnel to put in overtime. Some travel may also be involved in the job duties of a human resource personnel, as most are required to attend conferences and seminars in order to keep up with the changing face of labor laws in the U.S.

The primary job duties of persons working in the field of human relations involves minimizing employee turnover and increasing production, while insuring that the company or organization is following all applicable workplace, safety and labor laws. While these are the primary duties, many individuals choose to specialize within the field of human relations.

A general human relations personnel handles everything related to human relations work. Depending on what the employer wishes, a person in this capacity may be involved in …

• Interviewing
• Hiring
• Terminating
• Handling layoffs
• Managing employee benefit programs
• Working with the training and development of new and seasoned employees

An employment manager mainly works with the placement end of matters. This type of work usually involves interviewing job candidates, making selections, taking care of initial hiring practices and when the occasion calls for it, terminations and layoffs. These individuals must have very specialized and in-depth knowledge of all labor law regulations and practices.

In very large corporations and organizations, there may be a position in the human relations department that is dedicated solely to the subject of Equal Employment Opportunity. This person hears grievances and complaints, makes responses and files reports according to the regulations of Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations.

Employee assistance plan managers have the responsibility of overseeing all matters related to occupational safety as well as health standards. This involves the following:

• Working closely with OSHA
• Handling accident reports
• Insuring that all staff are kept up to date on occupational safety regulations

The following are frequently administered under this branch of the human relations field:

• Employee assistance programs
• Help staff with any problems that could prevent them from being productive
• Child and elder care
• Substance abuse programs

Training and development managers and specialists have the job of developing as well as administering training programs for all staff within the corporation or organization. This encompasses training new recruits as well as updating seasoned employees on changes that are taking place.

A labor relations manager with management before, during and after a labor dispute takes place.

Employment Prospects for Human Resources Jobs

There are approximately 700,000 human relations positions within the U.S.; of those almost one-third are related in some way to training and development.

A small number of individuals with education and experience in this field eventually become private consultants, working either on a contract basis with large corporations or in terms of mediators.

Job Search for Human Resources Jobs

As human resources positions are found in almost every industry sector, open positions can be found in multiple ways. Networking continues to be the number one way to find a job in any field and human resources is no different. Open positions may also be posted in classified newspaper advertisements as wells as job board and through employment and recruitment firms.

Resumes for Human Resources Jobs

A chronological or combination resume is the best type of resume to use when applying for employment in this field. Both of these resume types focus on education and work experience, key areas to be considered for employment in human resources.

Cover Letters for Human Resources Jobs

The cover letter used by job seeker looking for work in human resources should reflect the individual’s commitment to integrity as well as their ability to follow and administer regulations.

Qualifications & Training for Human Resources Jobs

While it’s not really necessary to major in any particular field in order to obtain a position in human resources, it is customary for an applicant to possess at least a four year degree.

While no one field is recommended, certain courses and fieldwork is considered to be beneficial:

• Public administration
• Communications
• Business related courses
• Instructional technology
• Organizational development
• Psychology
• History and sociology

  There is significant room for growth within the field of human resources, particularly for those individuals with advanced degrees and several years experience. Persons who meet these qualifications may eventually move into management as well as take on the roles of arbitrators and mediators.