1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Human Resources

Human Resources Basic Information - HR FAQ

Considering a career in Human Resources? Looking for basic information about Human Resources? Thinking of changing careers? Need human resources career development and career education information? Get an HR occupational outlook. Make this your first stop for Human Resource management and Human Resource career development.
Transition to a Career in Human Resource Management
People take widely divergent paths on their journey to working in Human Resource management. They enter Human Resource management by luck and by design and they stay because they enjoy the work and the people. Common themes emerge when you listen to the stories people tell about their transition into Human Resource management.
Human Resources - Guide to the Site
Looking for information on any aspect of human resources or employee management and development for your organization? Here are the resources you'll need to start, manage and develop your human resources department and all the people aspects of your business. Find personal development information. Find policy samples, human resources systems and plans and employee motivation information.
You Know You're in HR When...
Readers write to share the problems they experience with their HR department. The problems shared often involve a failure to communicate, a misunderstanding of employee confidentiality, or a less than satisfactory outcome in the mind of the person writing. Employees just don't get the multiple roles played by HR. Are you misunderstood, avoided, loved, feared?
Please Don't Let HR Be Misunderstood
The most common email I receive recounts a Human Resources horror story. Employees tell me endless stories about how they were treated by their HR staff person. They describe HR officials as uncaring, incompetent, and clueless. They accuse HR staff of being out of touch with the needs of employees and favoring management and the company line over employee concerns.
What Is Human Resources?
Human resources are the people that staff and operate an organization. Read the definition of Human Resources.
Memorable Firsts in Human Resources Management
Anyone who works in human resources management knows that the job comes with great joys and great sorrows. And all along the way, memorable first moments with people occur. Sometimes you feel prepared for the moments; some sneak up and surprise you. Whether you're new to management, starting a department, or just looking for a refresher, these tips will help.
What Are Your Memorable Firsts in HR? Readers Respond
Whether you are a manager, a business owner, or a Human Resources staff person, you have to start somewhere in your firsts with people. Your first hire, your first disciplinary issue, your first loss of a valued employee all leave a memorable impression. Share your memorable Human Resources Management firsts.
Common Mistakes in HR Practices - Common Mistakes in HR Practices
Everyone who works in Human Resources makes mistakes at one point or another in their HR practices. I'm not sure I've ever dealt with an HR question that didn't involve mistakes in HR practices. Common mistakes, too, since they cross my desk repeatedly. Between changes in employment law, supporting company initiatives, and walking the fine line between management and employee advocacy, HR practic…
What Is a Human Resource?
A human resource is a person or employee who staffs and operates a function within your organization. Read the definition of a Human Resource.
What Is Human Resource Management?
Human Resource Management is the function within an organization that focuses on recruitment, management, and the direction of the people in the organization. Human Resources management is also performed by line managers.
Employee - What Does an Employee Do?
An employee is an individual who was hired by an employer to do a specific job. The employee is hired by the employer after an application and interview process results in his or her selection as an employee. Each employee has a specific job to accomplish that is often defined by a job description.
What Is the Human Resource Department?
Departments are the entity organizations form to organize people, reporting relationships, and work in a way that best supports the accomplishment of the organization's goals. Departments are usually organized by functions such as human resources, marketing, administration, and sales. But, a department can be organized in any way that makes sense for the customer.
What Is Human Resource Development (HRD)?
Human Resource Development is the framework for helping employees develop their personal and organizational skills, knowledge, and abilities. Human Resource Development includes such opportunities as employee training, employee career development, performance management and development, coaching, succession planning, key employee identification, and organization development.
Human Resources 101 FAQ
Want basic information about human resources including a definition? Career planning, a career outlook and more? I've answered some of the questions I receive most frequently in email. I trust the responses will be useful to you, too.
Human Resources OneStop Center
Looking for information on any aspect of human resources, work force management and development or people management for your business or organization? You've found the right resource. Here are all the resources you'll need to effectively start, manage and develop your human resources department and all the people aspects of your business. Find policy samples, human resources systems and plans and employee motivation information.
Business, Management, HR Glossary
Here is a comprehensive glossary of Human Resources, management, and business words and concepts online. For people who are beginning careers in business-related fields, the glossary will provide a growing, comprehensive resource over time. For those readers who are currently active HR, management, or business professionals, the glossary is a convenient, easily-accessible resource.
HR Job Descriptions
From the Occupational Outlook Handbook, job descriptions are provided for human resources, training, and labor relations specialists and managers. The nature of the work and working conditions are described.
Poll: Do HR Leaders Need Degrees?
It's a frequently asked question. What do you think?
Why Human Resources Leaders Need Degrees
Human Resources leaders need degrees. If you are considering a career in Human Resources, or trying to advance your current HR career, a Bachelors degree, and even a Masters degree, will assist you to achieve your goals and dreams. As organizational expectations of the contributions of an HR pro have increased, the need for the HR leader to possess both experience and a degree has increased.
Predictors and Promises for the Future of Human Resources
If you wish to jump start your career in the Human Resources profession, these Human Resources books will tell you where to invest your time and attention. These Human Resources books are recent, on-target, study-based and key for Human Resources career growth. These Human Resources books target trends such as becoming a strategic partner for the business and roles to leave behind such as policing. These Human Resources books are a value-added gift for your favorite Human Resources professional.
Progressive Discipline FAQ
Tips and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about progressive discipline are answered.
Human Resources Careers Article Index
Want to find information about your Human Resources career fast? Check out this one-stop directory of all the related articles on this site.
Top 10 Books for Job Seekers and Career Changers
Thinking about your current job search or a career change? For dads, grads and others, these books will help you find your way. Learn about the job market. Translate your most important needs, interests, and goals into a rewarding career. Find techniques for a successful job search. These are my long term favorites. Gift a favorite person with the opportunity to explore their desired future.
One-Stop HR Career Planning Center
Thinking about attending HR school this year? Visit the new One-Stop Career Planning Center for educational resources, basic knowledge about the HR field, and career advancement ideas. Stop by often. This Center was created just for you!
Entry Level Job Center
Alison Doyle, the About Guide to Job Searching, provides a great set of resources for the individual who is looking for his or her first professional job in Human Resources. Visit here to find your first job!
What is an Internship?
  Alison Doyle, the About Guide to Job Searching, describes what an internship can do for you and makes recommendations about how to find one.
How to Find an Internship
  The About Job Searching Guide, Alison Doyle, offers several resources for locating internship opportunities. Her links take you to even more sites that help locate internships. Get the experience you need to succeed!
Assess Your Career Interests
You’ll have to join Peterson’s CollegeQuest site to access this Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential, but the MAPP provides ten careers that might be right for you after you answer the 71 questions. Is HR or a related career in your future?
Designing an Effective Internship Program
InternWeb.com is your online source for internships. Great site with much useful information. Take some time to explore their internship opportunities as well as their excellent articles.
InternshipPrograms.com
You’ll have to register to use this search program, but it’s worth your time. Excellent information about careers and internships.
State of the HR Profession
University of Michigan Professor David Ulrich has been a forward thinking, strategic voice in the HR profession. Read the text of his State of HR speech at the SHRM 2002 conference.
Human Resource Management Basics
Need basic information about Human Resource management as a function or department within a company? What is Human Resource management and what do people who work in Human Resource management do? Learn how Human Resources is organized and the contribution Human Resource staff make in their company. Here is all the basic information you need to know about Human Resource management.
Explore Human Resources
About.com Special Features

Start your new business on the right foot with these helpful tips. More >

Easy steps to take control of your credit card debt. More >

  1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Human Resources
  4. HR Management: FAQs/Basics
  5. Basic Info: Human Resources

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.