Is HR is the right career for you?

Let us answer all your HR career questions, with a step-by-step guide on how you can start a career in HR . 

Is HR a good fit for me?

First, ask yourself if the areas within HR would interest you .

Working in HR means having an understanding of employment law You have to keep up to date with legislation around equality, employment, health and safety and more. 

HR professionals deal with people., Employee wellbeing, sickness and flexible working will be dealt with by you and your HR colleagues. Supporting colleagues with disabilities, liaising with Trade Unions and company recruitment may all be part of a day’s work  . 

Weighing up the pros and cons of HR can be beneficial if you’re wondering if the role is suitable for you. Although it can be great to have a role where you’re interacting with people every day, the role requires good record keeping and the ability to pay attention to detail is a definite asset. 

How to get started in HR

So, now you've figured HR could be a potential career option we need to discuss how you land your HR role . 

A HR job will typically require you to have a bachelor's degree or a Certificate in HR such as our CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate In People Practice. Although a degree in Business Management or HR is typically preferred, any degree is often suitable. You may also be able to land a HR assistant position through an apprenticeship, where you can work your way up to more senior roles such as HR Business Partner.  

Typically, more senior positions require higher qualifications such as a CIPD Level 7 Certificate, a master’s degree, or many years of experience. A great way of finding out if working in HR is right for you is by volunteering for work experience in a HR department or networking with people who work in HR to gain a better insight. 

What’s  the average HR salary?

A salary in a UK human resources role typically starts at around £18,000, with a more experienced HR role attracting a salary of up to £40,000, although this can vary depending on whether you are in or out of London. 

An apprenticeship role may pay less,  however you’ll gain valuable experience, and this is a great way to kick start your HR career.   

HR career progression

Progression in a HR role is great. You can become a HR specialist and work in a certain area, such as staff training. There are many different HR sectors to choose from. 

You can start in an entry level position such as a HR assistant, and then work your way up to HR Administrator, Organisational Development Oofficer or Learning Administrator. By completing our CIPD Level 3 Foundation Course In People Practice, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of each area of HR so you can decide which is most suited to you. . 

Try researching the different HR sectors you could specialise in. Perhaps a Training and Development is something you’d be interested in, or even a Talent Manager role? Either way, there are many different interesting specialist sectors to explore in HR.   

A fast paced, dynamic work environment

Due to the wide range of responsibilities of HR professionals, every day HR will be different. One day you could be dealing with a case of workplace misconduct, and the next you could be conducting recruitment interviews or training staff. For anyone who enjoys variety in their role the dynamic environment of HR is something to consider.  

Frequently asked questions

Is HR a stressful job?

A HR role can be quite demanding when considering the level of responsibility involved . However, just like any other job, there can be periods of high or low stress-intensity, and if you enjoy what you do, you’ll enjoy your HR role!

How long does it take to  gain an HR role? 

Depending on the route you take, the answer to this can vary. By completing our Level 3  course in people practice, you will gain your first qualification in HR in just 6-12 months. Taking the apprenticeship route may take between 1-2 years; while completing a batchelor’s degree to land a senior HR role can typically take around 3 years. 

Completing a master’s degree, to land a more specialist, high paying HR role, can take an extra 1-2 years.  

Can you be a part-time HR employee? 

Yes, there are many opportunities for part-time HR roles including job sharing and flexible working.

Does a career in the HR world sound like it’s for you? Enquire now about CIPD Level 3 and start your HR career today.