How to Write a Resume for a Human Resources Job

From recruiters to labor relations specialists, the field of human resources has a variety of job opportunities from which to choose. Keep in mind that while the job outlook is good for human resources, the competition is keen for the available jobs. To stand out from the competition, make your resume effective by tailoring its content for human resources employers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Research the qualifications required to fill human resources positions. Look at job advertisements on Careerbuilder or Monster websites. Job ads typically list requirements such as a Bachelor's degree in human resources, and the job duties to be performed such as answering employee questions about health benefits. Include in your resume the skills, education and experience you have that match what the employer needs. Incorporate relevant key words from your work history such as EEO, pension plans and grievance resolution.
2. Choose a resume format. Choices include chronological, functional and combination. Pick the format that best highlights your strengths. For example, if you have a solid background of experience in human resources, a chronological resume is suitable. If your experience is mostly in fields unrelated to human resources, a functional format is a better choice.
3. Put your contact information at the top of your resume. Include your name, address, phone numbers and email address.
4. Write an objective that includes the name of the human resources position you are seeking and a key skill you possess that makes you competitive for the job.
5. Describe your work history. List the name of your employer, city and state where it is located and dates of employment. Use bullet points or paragraphs for the job duties you performed starting each sentence with an action verb. Incorporate numbers whenever possible and make your job duties sound like accomplishments. For example, "Managed payroll accurately, ensuring that all 100 employees were paid on time."
6. Insert an education section in your resume with the name of the school you attended, city and state where it is located and credential obtained. Include all relevant training and certifications such as a PHR (Professional Human Resources) certificate.

Tips & Warnings

• Add more sections to your resume only if they make you more competitive for your target human resources position.
• Print your resume on actual resume paper before you send it to an employer.
• Limit your resume to one to two pages.

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