Get started on your career journey in Human Resources

THE number of candidates applying for new jobs has hit the highest rate since the pandemic struck in 2020. 

And when workers are on the move, it means more HR jobs are on offer too, as firms need to hire to process extra applications.

A career change could be around the corner

With almost 44,000 open vacancies across the UK, Human Resources offers unrivalled career advancement and the chance to work across absolutely any sector you enjoy.

With an average salary of £37,442, HR also offers good pay and great job security.

So if you’re ready to be an HR hero, here’s what you need to know.

What is HR? 

Formerly known as ‘personnel’, Human Resources used to deal mainly with payroll, shift rotas, hiring and firing.

However over recent years, the discipline has expanded to cover Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, career progression and coaching, training, plus in some firms, company culture and employee engagement.

What attributes will I need? 

With younger generations taking a different approach to work, HR experts need fresh thinking.

Consider yourself to be a ‘talent manager’ looking after the needs of your staff and ensuring they can perform at their best.

As well as practical skills such as time management, organisational skills, team working and the ability to understand and implement HR policies, you’ll need high levels of empathy and emotional intelligence.

You’ll need to have problem-solving skills and the ability to see the bigger picture.

How do I get into the sector? 

There are multiple ways depending on the type of job role you’re seeking. Senior jobs usually requote a degree.

While you can study a specialist HR degree, most firms will consider degrees such as business management, economics, finance or psychology too.

For entry-level jobs, brush up on your business skills and apply as an administrator. You can then take internal and external courses to work your way up.

How can I find out more? 

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development is a great place to start. Find out more at https://pmjobs.cipd.co.uk/careers/

Time to put your talents to work? Here are the top Sun Jobs picks this week.

Employee Relations Specialist (EMEA), TikTok, London

Be the HR specialist for the hottest brand on social media.

The Job: Social media platform TikTok is recruiting an Employee Relations Specialist to join the team in its London offices.

What You’ll Do: You will help ensure that employees are given the appropriate resources and support needed, in areas including disciplinary, grievance, probation, performance and long-term sick leave, among others.

You’ll Need: The ideal person for this role will have a high level of emotional intelligence.

A minimum of five years of employee relations experience is preferable, along with a demonstrated strong understanding of European, Middle Eastern and African employment law and regulatory frameworks.

Apply Now: For more on this Employee Relations Specialist role, and more opportunities at TikTok, click here.

Talent Acquisition Specialist, PE Global, London

Headhunt for the headhunters in this exciting HR role.

The Job: International recruitment agency PE Global is hiring a Talent Acquisition Specialist to work from the firm’s Central London offices.

What You’ll Do: You’ll attract and engage experienced candidates suitable for PE Global’s large roster of brands, supporting full life-cycle recruitment needs for the business and maintaining a pipeline of candidates for internal recruitment within PE Global.

You’ll Need: Previous experience in healthcare, IT or life sciences recruitment, with experience producing content for social media and writing job adverts is needed.

This role requires strong negotiation, problem-solving and communication skills, along with knowledge of recruiting tools, applicant tracking systems, data management and reporting techniques, and online resources.

Apply Now: Fill out your application for this Talent Acquisition Specialist role here, and check out further vacancies at PE Global.

HR Administrator, Equans, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Looking for the perfect first job? You’ll be energised by this new role.

The Job: Energy services company Equans is looking for a HR Administrator to join its team in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on a full-time basis. 

What You’ll Do: You’ll be responsible for all HR administrative activities, engaging with employees, line managers and HR operational leads to ensure quality and timely service delivery.

You’ll Need: A working knowledge of Microsoft Office, an understanding of current GDPR legislation along with the ability to demonstrate excellent customer service skills.

Great attention to detail and the ability to prioritise your workload to achieve set deadlines are also required.

Apply Now: See further details of this HR Administrator role, along with other opportunities with Equans, here.

Discover thousands more open roles all across the UK on HOAR Job Board.