How to land your next role in HR

ARE you a ‘people person’? Then check out the ultimate career to help others thrive.

Human Resources – also known as HR or personnel – is the company department tasked with hiring and training new applicants, administering payroll and other benefits plus helping existing staff to develop their careers through training, mentoring and coaching.

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Since 2011, the HR profession has grown four times faster than the workforce average and with companies still locked in a war for talent, HR specialists can build an impressive career in the sector.

With almost 30,000 open vacancies across the UK, HR also gives you the chance to work in any sector as it’s essential to every firm.

So if you’re looking to put your talents to work in HR, here’s how to do it with Sun Jobs.

What does the HR department do?  

Formerly known as ‘personnel’, Human Resources used to deal mainly with payroll, shift rotas, hiring and firing.

However, over the last decade, HR has developed to become much more involved in creating careers for existing staff and ensuring fair opportunities for all at work.

Most HR departments now cover Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, career progression, mentoring and coaching, training, plus in some firms, company culture and employee engagement.

What kind of jobs are on offer? 

HR offers a full range of roles from entry-level administrators and payroll clerks right up to C-suite Director of HR positions.

Even small businesses with a handful of staff need HR employees and a large global corporation may employ thousands of HR specialists worldwide, as employment rules vary from country to country.

With an average salary of almost £40,000, HR also pays well above average.

What attributes will I need? 

As well as practical skills such as time management, organisational skills, team working and the ability to understand and implement HR policies.

You’ll also need high levels of empathy and emotional intelligence, problem-solving and the ability to see the bigger picture.

Modern HR specialists see themselves as ‘talent managers’, looking after the needs of their staff and ensuring they can be at their best.

How do I get a job in HR? 

This will depend on the level you want to come in on.

For entry-level jobs, brush up on your business skills and apply as an administrator. You can then take internal and external courses to work your way up.

Senior positions usually require a degree and some universities offer specialist HR degrees, most firms will also consider related subjects such as business management, economics, finance or psychology too.

How can I find out more? The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development is a great place to start. See pmjobs.cipd.co.uk/careers.

Ready to be an HR hero? Here are the top three HR jobs on offer this week from Sun Jobs.

HR Business Partner, Pinsent Masons, London

Step up to a senior role with this top-flight law job.

The Job: Pinsent Masons is hiring a HR Business Partner to provide HR support.

What You’ll Do: You will establish and maintain influential relationships with relevant stakeholders, and provide support for wider HR projects.

You’ll Need: At least three years experience in a HR generalist role is required. You’ll need a strong understanding of the objectives and overall strategy of Pinsent Masons, a passion for HR, and an excellent work ethic.

Apply Now: See further details of this role, along with other opportunities at Pinsent Masons.

HR Advisor, Metropolitan Thames Valley, Nottingham

Share your advice and help others thrive with this housing specialist position.

The Job: Metropolitan Thames Valley is seeking a HR Advisor for its Nottingham location.

What You’ll Do: You will work directly, with and through other HR colleagues, to get things done and deliver results.

Through this, you’ll strengthen MTVH’s culture, embed its values into how it delivers services, and create the right environment for improved organisational performance.

You’ll Need: Prior experience in delivering great customer service in a HR environment and you will have great relationship-building and stakeholder management skills. You will also have a curious, analytical, and pragmatic approach.

Apply Now: Find out more, or discover more opportunities via Metropolitan Thames Valley.

HR Adviser, Thistle Foundation, Craigmillar

HR is vital for charities too so use your skills to support society’s most vulnerable.

The Job: Thistle Foundation, a charity supporting people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, seeks a HR Adviser in Edinburgh.

What You’ll Do: Successful case management, including disciplinary, grievance, absence and performance management and providing advice and guidance to managers and employees.

Employee life cycle administration will also be a function of this role.

You’ll Need: A strong generalist HR background, the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, varied role where you can make a real difference and you’ll enjoy dealing with people.

Apply Now: Apply for this position, along with other opportunities via Thistle Foundation.

Discover thousands of open vacancies for jobs all across the UK now on The Sun Job Board.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk