Career Profile: Human Resources Manager

Why Is Human Resources Management a Job of Tomorrow?
As businesses expand, human resources managers will be needed to handle the hiring of employees. Employment opportunities for human resources managers are expected to increase 11 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Human resources managers earn an average salary of $88,510 annually.

What Does a Human Resources Manager Do?
Human resources managers work with companies to search for the best possible employees for a particular business. As the top employees of many large companies do not have the time to personally seek and interview potential new hires, human resources managers help businesses by narrowing the job candidate selection down to a few qualified individuals. Human resources managers can have a wide range of duties, depending on the size of the company and the specific needs of the employer. For example, managers may handle only prospective employees and coordinating initial interview rounds, or they may also be responsible for supervising several departments, including employment, compensation and benefits, and training and development to ensure that larger companies run smoothly. Managers working in the employment field are responsible for recruitment and placement, often traveling to job fairs and career days on university campuses. Compensation and benefits managers handle salary plans. Training and development managers oversee new hires, creating a program that improves skills, loyalty and productivity. Employee relations managers work with current employees to discuss raises and complaints.

What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become a Human Resources Manager?
Human resources managers must have at least a bachelor's degree in human resources, personnel or other related field. Some employers will also consider applicants with a college degree in business or a technical background. A bachelor's degree takes four years to earn, and courses include compensation and recruitment. Those who wish to increase their chances of advancement within a company should earn a graduate degree in labor relations or human resources, which would take an additional two to four years to obtain after a bachelor's, depending on the school and degree level desired. To increase marketability, prospective human resources managers can also earn certification.