How to Become an HR Officer

The Chief Human Resources Officer is the highest-level human resources position within a company. The career path to a human resources officer involves many years of both education and hard work. Nevertheless, getting to this level is not without rewards. The pay is often six figures, and you will be one of the top executives at your company. Responsible for oversight of areas such as employee relations, staffing, performance management and benefits and compensation, the human resources employees use their skills and HR tools to contribute to a business' success.

Instructions

1. Attain your bachelor's degree in human resources management, at a minimum. HR officers often hold master's degrees in human resources. Additional education further increases your chances for top-management positions. The education you receive will lay the foundation to understanding basic HR concepts.

2. Begin your human resources career path in an entry-level position such as HR generalist. A generalist may help HR managers in a variety of administrative capacities including recruitment, staffing, policy documentation and benefits administration among other areas. This job gives you the opportunity to see all aspects of human resources management.

3. Obtain certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). These certifications, obtained through the HR Certification Institute, require classroom time, several years of experience and passing an examination.

4. Move up the corporate ladder through hard work and promotions within the HR department. Before moving into the CHRO role, the individual may have worked as a generalist, recruiter, benefits administrator, manager, HR director and HR vice president.

Tips & Warnings

• Publish papers and articles about human resources topics. Being published earns you creditability and respect within the field. It may also lead to the opportunity to present at conferences and network with others, leading to new job prospects. Joining professional associations also allows for networking, continuing training and industry conferences.

References

• U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Managers and Specialists
• Cornell University: The Chief Human Resource Officer: Shifting Roles & Challenges
• HR Certification Institute: Our Credentials
• Society for Human Resource Management: Careers in Human Resource Management

Resources

• Society for Human Resources Management
• HR Certification Institute