Human resources personnel are responsible for providing support, and effectively using personnel within an organisation. They are involved in recruiting appropriate staff for employment, ensuring the person is the right fit for the job, and making sure there is a balance of skills and experience throughout the staff. Different sized companies may have different roles, but some of the activities that HR officers will typically be involved in include:
• recruitment
• pay rate
• employment conditions and job descriptions
• Performance monitoring
• writing and implementing personnel policies
• basic counselling
• working practices
• staff training and development
• working practices
• equality and diversity
Opportunities:
In the past HR officers were primarily involved in recruitment, staff welfare, and administration. These days, HR officers may also be involved in strategy and planning to ensure the organisation’s objectives are meant. This means the HR officer will need to ensure the right staff are hired, trained appropriately, and retained.
These days most bigger organizations have one or more HR officers, so there are many opportunities for HR officers. In smaller organizations, the HR officer may be responsible for all matters pertaining to personnel, however in larger organizations the HR officer may specialise in a particular area, such as training, wages, or recruitment.
To be a good HR officer you will need to have excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills as your primary role will be dealing with staff. You will also need to have good planning and time-management skills, and be able to effectively analyse and solve problems.
Risks and challenges:
As an HR officer you will be dealing with staff problems, complaints and issues. This may be stressful at times. Staff may also confide in personal problems which may be emotionally stressful. You may also be involved in staff dismissals and letting people know they weren’t successful in gaining employment, so you may be dealing with people who are emotional and disappointed.
How to become an HR officer:
Most people will complete studies to become an HR officer. Studies may or may not directly include studies in HR, but may include a combination of psychology, management, business, counselling and more. Other people may find their way into an HR officer through work experience. For example working first as a recruitment officer or employment consultant to develop some of the skills then moving into an HR position.
Regardless of how the skills are developed, some of the skills and knowledge you will need as an HR officer include:
• Knowledge of relevant legislation
• Counseling, mentoring, and coaching skills
• Supervising and managerial skills
• Knowledge of tools to assess prospective staff and staff performance
• team building and problem solving skills
• Computer skills
• Effective communication skills – written and oral
• Interviewing skills
• Time management and organisational skills
Other related jobs might include:
- Recruitment consultant
- Administration
- Workplace Health and Safety Officer
- Occupational Health and Safety Officer
- Training Officer
- Industrial Relations Officer
- Organisational Psychologist
Suggested Courses:
Associate Diploma in H.R. Management
Personnel Management