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Human resources officer

Alternative titles for this job include Personnel officer, HR officer

Human resources (HR) officers hire, develop and look after employees in a company.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in any subject. You could then apply for a graduate human resources (HR) training scheme.

You may have an advantage if you study for an HR related subject like:

  • human resources management
  • business management and human resources
  • psychology

If you already have a degree, you could do a postgraduate qualification in human resource management, though this is not essential.

Graduate jobs

You can find graduate HR opportunities with:

  • small and medium sized private sector companies in most industries
  • large multi-national companies
  • charities and education organisations
  • public sector employers like the NHS and Civil Service

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

College

You can study for human resources qualifications at college, such as the Foundation Certificate in People Practice, offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Courses like these are aimed at helping people to get some of the knowledge and skills needed to find their first job and get started in the profession.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship, for example:

  • HR Support Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • People Professional Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Work

You could start as a human resources assistant or a business administrator in a company's HR department and work your way up through training and promotion.

Other Routes

You can study a range of professional qualifications in human resources, either online or at a training centre approved by the CIPD.

More Information

Career tips

Take a look at the CIPD Profession Map to find out more about the values, knowledge and behaviours needed by HR officers.

Further information

You can learn about a career in human resources from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Personnel Today.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a human resources (HR) officer, you could:

  • help to recruit new employees
  • plan staff training and development activities
  • make sure employees have the right pay and benefits
  • arrange employee support services like welfare and counselling
  • handle complaints and disciplinary procedures
  • deal with work absence and staff performance issues
  • advise on pay negotiations, redundancy and employment law
  • develop company HR policies and procedures
  • maintain confidential employee records

Working environment

You could work in an office, from home or remotely.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

HR and Recruitment Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: BRIT HOUSE, HIGH STREET EAST, SCUNTHORPE

V03108 - Higher Apprentice Human Resources

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: 1st Floor, Main Shipyard Offices, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

CIPD in Human Resources - Adult Level 3

  • Provider: TELFORD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 05 September 2025
  • Location: Telford

Human Resources | CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice | Level 3

  • Provider: CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 09 September 2025
  • Location: Brighton
Find courses near you

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