Human resources officer

Career path and progression

You could move from a smaller organisation to a larger public, private or voluntary sector HR department to further your career.

At work, you could train part-time or do an apprenticeship to become a HR manager.

You might also be able to:

• work as a HR specialist in an area like policy development, training or dispute mediation
• set up your own consultancy to offer recruitment services and advice
• work as a HR specialist in the Army or the Royal Air Force

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• administration skills
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• excellent written communication skills
• business management skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Business - Human resources officers work at the heart of how organisations are managed, from workforce planning to developing company policies. Understanding business structures, management principles, and organisational strategy helps them align HR decisions with wider company goals.
• Psychology - Human resources officers need to understand what motivates people, how to manage conflict, and how to support employee wellbeing. Psychology helps them handle sensitive situations like disciplinary procedures, counselling referrals, and performance issues with insight and empathy.
• Law - Human resources officers regularly deal with employment law – from contracts and redundancy procedures to discrimination and disciplinary processes. Understanding legal principles helps them advise managers correctly and ensure the organisation stays compliant with workplace regulations.
• English Language - Human resources officers write job adverts, company policies, formal letters, and reports on a daily basis. They also need to communicate clearly and sensitively in meetings, interviews, and difficult conversations with employees.

Also relevant

• Mathematics - Human resources officers work with payroll data, budgets for training programmes, and staff absence statistics. Being comfortable with numbers helps when calculating pay, analysing workforce trends, and presenting data to senior managers.
• Sociology - Human resources officers deal with issues like workplace equality, diversity, and organisational culture. Sociology's focus on how groups function, social structures, and inequality provides useful context for developing fair policies and inclusive working environments.
• Economics - Human resources officers advise on pay negotiations and benefits packages, which are influenced by labour market conditions and economic trends. Understanding supply and demand in the jobs market helps them make informed decisions about recruitment and retention.
• Accounting - Human resources officers manage payroll processes, training budgets, and the financial side of employee benefits. A basic understanding of accounting helps them work with finance teams and ensure staff are paid correctly.