What you need to succeed
Five years’ HR experience and the CIPD qualification are fairly standard requirements, along with a good degree. If you have gained practical experience in a similar type of company, this will very much be to your advantage.
How to get into it
An HR manager normally starts out as an HR officer or adviser, gaining experience in a number of key HR areas, such as disciplinary proceedings or tribunal hearings. Previous experience of staff management will improve your chances of landing this type of role.
What is involved
This will obviously depend on the size and type of organisation, and the structure of the HR department itself. You will be probably be expected to give advice and guidance on all areas of HR, help develop your company’s policies and strategies, and, ultimately, be responsible for the effective running of the HR department.
Prospects
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Good, especially if you are considering a move into the public sector in the future. Public sector organisations are often keen to bring in those people with commercial backgrounds, and they value the HR function very highly. Not only are salaries increasing in the public sector, but the benefits often tend to be better, too.
