Career Information - Human Resources
Almost every hiring and firing starts with the human resources department. Human resources (HR) are in charge of interviewing, screening, and hiring new employees for a company. It is an occupation that usually appeals to extroverted individuals who enjoy working with others (hence the name, "human" resources).
Varied and interesting work
There's never a dull day at the office in this field. When the economy is up, you're constantly screening new candidates. When the economy is down, you're laying them off. Obviously, you need a great deal of diplomacy and tact in this field.
More than hiring and firing
In addition to hiring and firing, you are also in charge of labor relations. Interoffice disputes sometimes require conflict management and crisis resolution. You often act as a liaison between management, employees, the public and the press. Again, diplomacy is essential. Not surprisingly, many human resources specialists have degrees in social work, human resources, conflict resolution, and education.
In an ironic twist
It is interesting to note that the U.S. Department of Labor predicts that this particular field will grow more quickly than the national average for other occupations. So human resources will get hired more quickly than those they eventually intend to hire. The reason is that increased college attendance makes for increased competition in the workforce. Companies are keen to hire the best and brightest for all positions. For this reason, human resources specialists will be in high demand. However, a lot is at stake when you make hiring decisions. Companies hold you responsible for the employees you hire (or don't hire). Thus training is a wise investment.
Salary outlook
Your exact salary will depend on your level, position, industry, and location. Headhunters, for example, make extremely comfortable salaries since they recruit top executives for high-end firms. The Department of Labor indicates that the median salary for HR managers was around $65,000 in 2002.
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