How to Become an HR Manager: 6 Steps

Human resources (HR) managers play a key role in companies and organizations, ensuring employers and employees alike follow HR policies. These professionals also oversee recruitment and retention efforts.

Succeeding in this role takes excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. You’ll also need expertise in conflict resolution, organizational strategy, and labor laws.

Most HR managers work their way up from entry-level positions, such as HR assistants. Their responsibilities include managing employee relations and overseeing workforce planning. They also develop fair hiring practices, ensure competitive compensation, and create initiatives to foster a positive work environment.

Learn more about the steps and requirements to work in this role.

Below are the general steps you need to take to become a human resources manager:

First, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree. You can pursue a bachelor’s in human resources degree if offered by your school. However, earning a degree in psychology, business, communication, or a related field can also help you break into the HR field.

Some of the courses you’ll likely take in an HR bachelor’s program include conflict resolution and negotiation, employee and labor relations, and employee life cycle management.

These courses will help you develop the skills needed for effective workforce management, from employee recruitment and retention to driving overall organizational success.

To become a human resources manager, you’ll first need to gain experience in entry-level roles such as HR assistant or HR coordinator.

These roles involve handling various administrative tasks that support your organization’s HR department, including processing paperwork, maintaining employee records, onboarding employees, and screening resumes.

Many companies provide on-the-job training, but having strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills will help you better qualify for these roles and perform them successfully.

Earning certifications like the Society for Human Resource Management-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) can potentially boost your credibility when searching for a job.

By passing these exams, you can demonstrate to employers that you have the expertise needed to effectively manage HR departments.

Keep in mind that the SHRM-CP is the first certification to pursue. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, you’ll need the SHRM-CP certification and three years of HR experience to be eligible for the SHRM-SCP certification.

Try to look for opportunities to lead projects or small teams in your current role. These real-world experiences can help you build valuable skills, increase your visibility, and enhance your resume.

Taking these initiatives shows your eagerness to grow and your ability to handle increased responsibilities — an essential requirement of management roles.

Connect with senior HR professionals in your workplace and try to find a mentor who can help you navigate the field.

You can also join professional organizations such as the SHRM, the National Human Resources Association (NHRA), or the HR Leaders community to discover networking opportunities and stay updated on best practices.

Additionally, consider attending conferences and joining mentorship programs like the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).

While experience is key to qualifying for managerial positions, earning a master’s degree in human resources can also greatly improve your career outlook. You can also consider earning an MBA degree or an MBA in human resources management degree.

These programs provide advanced training in strategic HR management, leadership, and organizational behavior.

Additionally, a key benefit of these programs is that you’ll get opportunities to analyze real-world case studies and principles of employment and labor law, which can help develop the skills to make data-driven decisions.

To become an HR manager, you’ll need around four years of undergraduate education plus at least five years of related work experience, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

However, the exact amount of time it takes can vary based on several factors, such as education, experience level, and the size of the organization in which you work.

Many HR professionals start in entry-level roles, like human resources assistant, human resources specialists, or labor relations specialists, and then work their way up to managerial roles.

Here are some of the day-to-day responsibilities of an HR manager:

According to the BLS, human resources managers earn a median annual salary of $136,350 as of May 2023.

Keep in mind that this figure can vary depending on factors such as location, industry, and experience level. For example, HR managers in larger companies can earn more than those in startups.

Additionally, managers with specialized certifications or advanced degrees may earn higher salaries.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when considering whether or not you should pursue the role of HR manager: