The Basics of Working in Human Resources

Working in HR takes a special type of person who is comfortable solving problems, improving processes, measuring achievements, developing systems, dealing with an organization's culture and, most importantly, working with people. 

Whether you're thinking about a career in human resources or simply want to understand what HR employees do, here's everything you need to know.

Human Resource Management Basics

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Human resources (HR) is a huge career category with multiple job titles, functions, and responsibilities. Here's everything you need to know about HR jargon, practices, acronyms, and abbreviations. In addition, take an in-depth look at what people who work in human resource management really do and how HR departments are organized.

What Does a Human Resource Manager, Generalist, or Director Do?

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A human resources generalistmanager, or director plays a wide variety of roles in organizations. Depending on the size of the organization, these HR jobs may have overlapping responsibilities. In larger organizations, the HR generalist, manager, and director have clearly defined, separated roles in HR management.

Sample Human Resource Management Job Descriptions

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Are you interested in writing human resources job descriptions or just curious about what the employees in HR do? These sample HR job descriptions provide a comprehensive look at what HR staff members do in each of these roles. You may be interested to learn the diverse responsibilities that HR provides in organizations.

Why Human Resources Leaders Need Degrees

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Human resources leaders need degrees. If you are considering a career in HR or trying to advance your current career, a bachelor's degree and even a master's degree will assist you in achieving your goals and dreams. 

What You Need To Know To Begin an HR Career

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Many people are eager to start careers in human resources because it is a fast-growing field with many lucrative opportunities for people who work in the field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 10-year job outlook for HR jobs—specifically HR specialists and managers-is faster than average and the median annual income can range from $63,000 to over $120,000, respectively. You'll find information here about starting a career in HR and transitioning into HR from another career field.

Find Jobs in Human Resources—Fast

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Finding jobs in human resources presents a special challenge. Too many HR job searchers apply for the too few available jobs. Employers' expectations of professionalism from people who apply for HR jobs are sky high—with reason.

Whether you planned an HR career from the beginning or are transitioning into HR from another field, you can speed up your HR job search by following some best practices.

Can You Immigrate for Jobs in HR?

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Anyone who wants to remain permanently in the U.S. must obtain an immigrant visa regardless of the field in which they want to work—and human resources is no exception. Applicants must petition U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to request permission to apply for an immigrant visa. They're most readily available for individuals who are immediately related to a family member living in the U.S.

Employer-sponsored immigrant visas are also available for foreigners who wish to become U.S. residents.

Do you have additional questions about working in the field of HR? Find out the answers to frequently asked questions about HR.