Which Human Resources Jobs Are in the Highest Demand?

The field of HR is broad with various opportunities to develop specialized skills, but you should consider the human resources jobs in high demand before committing to a specific field of study.

Students aspiring for a career in HR need to understand that the skills and the knowledge learned from completing an undergraduate degree in this field are valuable in almost any industry. The human resources department performs key administrative tasks that ensure smooth operations for businesses and non-profit organizations, and none of these ongoing concerns can operate without an HR department or an outsourced provider of HR services. However, some HR roles are in greater demand than others.

HR Assistant

An HR assistant is an entry-level position in the hierarchy of jobs in human resources. HR assistants are all-around workers who may be asked to assist with the company’s recruitment process, doing tasks such as creating files for new employee records, assisting in the employment and reference verification. Payroll processing and tasks associated with training programs may also be assigned, which means an HR assistant will have some exposure and experience just about every HR function.

HR Recruiter

A recruiter takes charge of managing the company’s incoming talent pool. Recruitment includes developing the talent pool, appropriate placement and feedback management. Recruiters can work as in-house employees of a business or as employees of a professional recruitment company whose sole operation is focused on recruitment and placement. Many of the functions of the HR department have been outsourced, and recruiting talent is a function that is better served by a neutral third party. The changing economic environment, along with other factors, guarantees constant turnover of staff, indicating a consistent need for recruitment services.

Training and Development Specialist

Training services are needed at every level in the organization, beginning with onboarding new hires to all of the phases of training current employees for enrichment and promotional advancement. Training and development specialists collaborate with supervisors and other staff to establish performance standards and define strategies to improve employee performance through information sessions, on-the-job training or mentorship. Training specialists may work in-house, or they could build up their expertise on a specific area to provide consultancy services, which is the logical progression of human resources jobs in high demand.

Compensation and Benefits Specialist

Legislative measures that affect employee-employer relationships are changing constantly. Businesses need to remain compliant with state and federal guidelines for compensation and benefits packages for all employees regardless of their employment arrangement. Ensuring that the company’s compensation and benefits package is competitive with that of the industry reduces turnover and boosts retention of valuable employees.

HR Manager

The HR manager has a solid work history of HR-related jobs that demonstrate professional growth and leadership. Depending on the size of the company, the HR manager occupies a mid-level or higher position that contributes to meeting departmental and company-wide goals. Bigger companies may appoint an HR manager for each of the primary HR functions that include recruiting, compensation and benefits and training.