Human Resource Manager

Your Fit

Income

$117K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

5.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Human Resource Manager?

Human Resource Managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of employee management and relations within an organization. They develop policies, coordinate administrative functions, and strategize on hiring, training, and workforce management.

Sample job titles:

Employee Relations Manager, HR Administration Director (Human Resources Administration Director), Human Resources Director (HR Director), Human Resources Manager (HR Manager)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Human Resource Manager.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Human Resource Manager earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Human Resource Manager.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$75K per year	$95K per year	$117K per year	$144K per year	$176K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $52K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Human Resource Manager do?

Work environment

Human Resource Managers typically work in an office environment, often within the human resources department of a company. They interact regularly with employees, management, and sometimes external partners like recruitment agencies or benefits vendors.

Quick task list

Develops and implements HR strategies and initiatives.
Manages recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes.
Oversees employee relations, welfare, and conflict resolution.
Coordinates training and development programs.
Ensures compliance with labor laws and employment standards.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Recruitment and Talent Acquisition: Specializing in sourcing and hiring qualified candidates.
Employee Relations: Managing workforce relations and maintaining a positive work environment.
Training and Development: Overseeing employee training programs and professional development.
Compensation and Benefits: Focusing on the design and administration of employee compensation and benefits packages.

Description

Human Resource Managers play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce and culture of an organization. They must understand both the strategic and operational aspects of human resources, ensuring that HR practices align with the company's goals. This involves not just managing existing employee relations and HR policies, but also planning for future workforce needs, identifying talent gaps, and implementing solutions.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as HR Managers are often the point of contact for employee concerns and queries. They need to be empathetic yet decisive, capable of handling sensitive issues like grievances and disciplinary actions. Being up-to-date with employment law and HR best practices is crucial to provide accurate guidance and maintain legal compliance.

The role requires a strategic mindset to develop effective HR strategies that can attract, develop, and retain talent. HR Managers need to be proactive, adaptable to change, and skilled in conflict resolution. They also often play a role in fostering a positive organizational culture and promoting employee engagement and satisfaction.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Positively impacting employee morale and career development.
Playing a strategic role in shaping the workforce of the organization.
Solving diverse and dynamic challenges in human resources.

You might make a good Human Resource Manager if you are...

A people person with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Interested in organizational development and workforce management.
Ethical and discreet when handling sensitive information.
Capable of making informed decisions and resolving conflicts.
Keen on staying updated with labor laws and HR trends.

Pros:

Impact on Organizational Culture: HR Managers play a key role in shaping the workplace environment and culture, positively impacting employee satisfaction and retention.
Diverse Responsibilities: The role encompasses a variety of tasks, from recruitment to training and compliance, offering a diverse work experience.
Opportunities for Growth: There is significant potential for career advancement within the HR field, including senior management positions.
Interpersonal Engagement: Regular interaction with employees provides opportunities to develop strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Cons:

High Responsibility: Managing employee relations and ensuring legal compliance comes with a high level of responsibility.
Sensitive Situations: Handling conflicts, layoffs, and sensitive personal issues can be challenging and emotionally taxing.
Keeping Up with Regulations: The need to stay updated on labor laws and employment regulations requires continuous learning and adaptation.
Potential for Stress: Balancing the needs of employees and the organization, especially in conflict resolution, can be stressful.

How to become a Human Resource Manager

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field is usually required. Some positions may prefer a master's degree or specialized HR certifications.

High school preparation

Courses:

Psychology: Understanding human behavior and motivation is crucial in HR roles.
Business Studies: Provides a foundation in business operations and management principles.
Economics: Offers insights into labor markets and organizational dynamics.
Communication Studies: Essential for developing effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Leadership Roles in School Clubs: Develops management and leadership skills.
Participate in Debate or Drama Clubs: Enhances public speaking and persuasive skills.
Volunteer Work: Builds empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives, important in HR roles.

Preparation after high school

Bachelor's Degree: Pursue a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
Internships: Gain practical experience through internships in HR departments.
Professional Certifications: Consider obtaining HR certifications such as PHR (Professional in Human Resources) or SHRM-CP (SHRM Certified Professional).
Networking and Continuous Education: Join HR professional associations and attend workshops and seminars to stay updated on HR trends and best practices.

More resources

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - Offers resources, certifications, and networking opportunities for HR professionals.
HR Certification Institute (HRCI) - Provides globally recognized certifications for HR professionals.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Contains detailed information about the Human Resource Manager occupation, including skills, job outlook, and educational pathways.
National Human Resources Association (NHRA) - A network for HR professionals offering career development and networking opportunities.
Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) - Focuses on the development and dissemination of research and theory in human resource development.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.