Human Resources is about so much more than managing people in the workplace. If you’ve got your heart set on a career in this challenging but often rewarding industry, but don’t know where to start; this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to start you on your career journey.

Human Resources (HR) refers to the management and care of employees within an organisation. The aim for all human resource managers is to attract, develop and retain talented, happy employees that contribute to business objectives and help boost productivity.

Human resources is needed in every business great and small, so the demand for talented professionals in this field is always present in the UK. While the actual job description for these professionals varies across industries, most HR managers are involved to some degree in most areas of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and training through to termination.

One of the benefits of this profession, is the number of career pathways that you can take if you have your heart set on it. It’s a common misconception that you need to have a Bachelor Degree to enter Human Resources. In fact, if you don’t want to dedicate the time and money it takes to attending University, one of the other great ways of entering this field is through a Level 3 or 5 Certificate in HR.

If you want to ensure you get the very best education in this field, a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) recognised course is a must. This professional association is the most regarded in human resources both in the UK and around the world. CIPD courses offer you a pathway to getting internationally recognised qualifications in Human Resources, so you know that the skills and knowledge you gain align with the skills needed in the industry.

The responsibilities and tasks of all types of HR professionals are usually involved in different stages of the employment cycle. The level of involvement in these tasks will depend on your position, whether more of a supporting role or management.

The most common areas of the employment cycle, and the tasks involved in each are:

Working in HR demands a unique set of skills. Unlike other areas of business, human resources requires a high degree of human-focused skills, such as the ability to empathise, understand and work with a variety of people and personalities. Communicating with people form the heart of human resource professions, as you help them through one of the biggest areas of their lives; their jobs. Being able to communicate effectively and having employee’s best interest at the centre of decisions is important.