Is HR A Good Career Option? (Jobs List Plus Duties)

Updated 4 August 2023

If you are looking for a career that involves working with people and developing internal business policies, you might consider a career in human resources (HR). HR is an important department in a business that helps manage the personnel, pay, benefits and social components. Learning about what a career in HR entails can help you determine if it is a good choice for you. In this article, we answer the question 'Is HR a good career option?', explain some duties and skills necessary for an HR role, and provide examples of job options in the field.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background, and location.

What Is HR?

HR is a function within an organisation that handles the management of its workforce. This involves recruiting and hiring new employees, administering benefits and compensation, managing employee relations and grievances and ensuring compliance with labour laws and regulations. The HR department helps create a productive and harmonious work environment that supports the organisation's objectives, while also considering the needs, and well-being of its employees.

Is HR A Good Career Option?

Learning the answer to ‘Is HR a good career option?', can help you determine if it is the right profession for you. Working in this field provides the opportunity to gain experience across various sectors and develop specialised skills, and knowledge in areas that align with your personal interests. HR personnel play a pivotal role in maintaining company culture and enhancing the employee experience. They are responsible for devising policies and programmes that support employee development, engagement and well-being while also facilitating conflict resolution and improving communication within an organisation.

The demand for HR employees usually remains steady or rises, as companies recognise the strategic importance of effective talent management and retention. This presents promising prospects for career advancement and job security. A career in HR can also offer a competitive salary and the opportunity to work in several industries. These are all compelling reasons to enter the sector.

Qualifications for an HR career

Some positions may require specific training and education but there are some basic requirements that many employers expect. A bachelor's degree is typically a requirement and some companies prefer candidates who have a specialisation in HR, business administration or psychology. A Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management can also be valuable to recruiters as it shows a higher level of proficiency and knowledge. Most employers also require experience in HR. Workforce management requires a deep understanding of how HR departments operate, which only comes from extensive experience. Internships or entry-level positions can provide valuable exposure to the field.

Employers may also prefer candidates with a thorough understanding of labour laws and regulations, as HR personnel are often responsible for ensuring that organisations are in compliance with these laws. Familiarity with HR software and technology can also be an advantage, as many organisations are now using digital tools to manage HR functions. Depending on the position a wide range of soft skills may be necessary. These abilities help you work effectively with people and perform basic HR duties successfully.

HR Duties And Skills

Duties and skills for HR personnel can differ based on the industry and role, but there are some general abilities and responsibilities to consider if you want to work in HR. Below are some examples:

HR duties

The following are some duties that HR personnel may complete:

Recruiting and hiring new employees
Conducting job interviews and assessments
Developing and implementing employee benefit programmes
Managing payroll and compensation structures
Monitoring employee performance and conducting performance evaluations
Ensuring compliance with labour laws and regulations
Managing employee relations and resolving conflicts
Developing and implementing employee policies, and procedures
Facilitating employee training and development programmes
Managing employee retention and turnover
Conducting exit interviews and off-boarding processes
Managing employee grievances and complaints
Overseeing health and safety programmes
Handling disciplinary actions and terminations
Maintaining and updating employee records, and databases
Facilitating company-wide communication and collaboration
Conducting workplace investigations as necessary
Managing employee benefits
Providing HR support to other departments when necessary
Staying updated with industry trends and best practices in HR
Developing and implementing HR metrics
Managing the HR budget
Overseeing the administration of employee performance appraisals
Advising managers on HR best practices and providing guidance on employee relations issues
Managing employee recognition and reward programmes

HR skills

Here are some examples of typical HR skills:

Effective communication
Interpersonal skills
Problem-solving skills
Analytical skills
Organisational skills
Attention to detail
Discretion and confidentiality
Empathy
Conflict resolution
Negotiation
Leadership
Adaptability and flexibility
Time management
Customer service
Information technology
Legal knowledge
Project management
Coaching and mentoring experience
Strategic thinking
Emotional intelligence

HR Jobs

Here are six examples of HR positions with information on each role's responsibilities and national average salary:

1. Human Resources Intern

National average salary: ₹1,62,150 per year

Primary duties: A human resources intern provides administrative support to the HR department. They may assist with recruitment efforts, maintain employee records and schedule interviews. They may also help develop and implement HR policies and procedures and provide support to other areas of the business when necessary.

2. Human Resources Assistant

National average salary: ₹2,31,719 per year

Primary duties: A human resources assistant handles a range of administrative tasks within the HR department. This can include managing employee records, maintaining databases, scheduling interviews, screening job candidates and providing general support to the HR team. The role may also involve assisting with the development of HR policies and procedures and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.

3. Human Resources Specialist

National average salary: ₹2,54,120 per year

Primary duties: A human resources specialist is a senior-level HR employee who is responsible for managing employee relations, overseeing recruitment and talent acquisition, developing and implementing HR policies and procedures. They also ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations. The role may also involve providing guidance and support to other HR staff and liaising with other departments and senior management to ensure that HR strategies align with broader business objectives.

4. Senior Human Resources Associate

National average salary: ₹3,65,016 per year

Primary duties: A senior human resources associate is a mid-level HR role that typically involves supporting HR operations by providing administrative and operational assistance. This can include tasks such as managing employee records, processing employee benefits and coordinating recruiting, and on-boarding efforts. This individual may also work on HR projects, such as policy and procedure development, employee engagement, and performance management.

5. Senior Recruiter

National average salary: ₹3,66,222 per year

Primary duties: A senior recruiter is responsible for managing the end-to-end recruitment process for an organisation. This can include conducting job analyses, developing job descriptions and identifying suitable sourcing strategies to attract top talent. A senior recruiter also manages candidate screenings and interviews and works closely with hiring managers to ensure that candidates match with the right roles. They may also provide guidance and support to other recruitment staff and develop and implement recruitment policies and procedures.

6. Human Resources Manager

National average salary: ₹4,08,018 per year

Primary duties: A human resources manager is responsible for overseeing the HR function within an organisation. This can include managing HR policies and procedures, developing strategies to support organisational goals and overseeing the recruitment and retention of employees. They serve as the official leader of the HR department and typically report to the company's senior management to ensure HR practices and internal policies align with the business's broader objectives.