Based on your feedback, we're launching weekly articles to provide more detailed information on securing some of the best jobs out there for veterans, along with a list of four things you need to secure these jobs. This week's hot job: human resources manager.
Traits
Working in human resources means serving as a liaison between the company and its employees. You will be the link between corporate interests and private concerns, and it's not a task to take lightly. One of the biggest elements of a successful human resources manager is people skills. If you don't like people, can't tolerate idiots and find yourself frequently lacking in social graces, this probably isn't a position to consider. Working in human resources means handling all manner of human faults with an amicable tone.
Education
HR managers usually need a bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration. Alternatively, as not all undergraduate programs offer a degree in human resources, candidates can get a bachelor's degree in another field and take courses in HR subjects, such as labor or industrial relations, organizational development or industrial psychology.
Some positions are also filled by experienced individuals with other backgrounds, including finance, business management, education and information technology. Some higher-level jobs require a master's degree in human resources, labor relations, or a MBA degree.
Marketable Skills
Most HR positions aren't entry level, so it's important to work in fields related to the position before seeking it out. Usually working as a manager will suffice; even if you can wrangle a managerial position at a retail store, each job is a steppingstone. Another option is to become certified through the Society for Human Resource Management. Some employers even prefer to hire certified candidates, so check out different programs and get cracking.
Helpful Resources
If you feel prepared and are ready to plunge into the job search, search for human resource manager jobs on Monster.com.
Society for Human Resource Management
International Organization for Professional Qualifications
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