Starting a career in human resources? This guide will help you create a strong resume. We'll share proven examples and offer strategic advice tailored for entry-level HR roles. Learn how to highlight relevant skills, industry jargon, and experiences that catch a hiring manager's eye.
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Here's what we see in the best resumes for entry-level HR roles.
Use Numbers To Show Impact: The best resumes have numbers showing impact, like
Include Skills From The Job Description: Include skills that match the job description. Some popular ones are
Highlight Certifications: Certifications can set you apart in HR. Phrases like
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For an entry-level position in human resources, you should place your education section at the beginning of your resume. This is especially true if you recently graduated or you're currently a student. It shows employers you have the latest knowledge in the field. Make sure to list any relevant courses, as well as any internships or volunteer experiences that involved human resources tasks. This details your exposure to the field, aligning with what hiring managers seek.
Even if you have some work experience, if it's not directly related to human resources, still prioritize your education. In such cases, highlight your degree information and related coursework first to show your commitment and foundation in human correctly. If you have any certifications, like a PHR (Professional in Human Resources), they merit a place near the top of your resume as well, as they can be particularly appealing to recruiters looking for those dedicated to their career path.
Include skills that are specific to human resources. These could be recruitment, employee relations, or HR software proficiency. Employers look for candidates who have a clear understanding of these areas.
Showcase any experience with data management or familiarity with employment laws. These are valuable in HR roles and will give you an edge over other applicants.
Use your resume space wisely. Start with the most important information that applies to a position in human resources. This includes any knowledge of employment law, experience with recruitment, or use of HR information systems. Always opt for clear, legible font and margins that make your resume easy to read.
If you find it challenging to keep your resume to one page without compromising readability, consider revising your content. Remove less relevant details, such as outdated education or unrelated work experiences. Tailor your resume to human resources by emphasizing skills and experience that show your readiness for the role.
Joining professional organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) can enhance your resume. Mentioning these in your resume shows your dedication to the profession.
Also, highlight any HR-related events or workshops you have attended. These experiences demonstrate your ongoing commitment to learning and networking in the human resources field.
When you apply for an entry-level human resources position, it's important to understand that many companies use resume screeners and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems scan resumes for keywords and formats.
Here are some tips to ensure your resume makes it through these filters:
These steps will help your resume get noticed by both the ATS and hiring managers.
When you want a job in human resources, show how you've worked with people or managed info. Your resume should have points that show you can be trusted with private data and understand different jobs in a company. This helps us see you're ready for HR tasks.
When you're starting in human resources, your resume should show you have the right hard skills. Here's a list of skills you should consider if they match your career goals. Remember, you don't need all of them, but it's good to show your strength in a few key areas.
These skills can go in your resume's skills section. An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that many companies use will look for these terms. So, if you know these areas, include them to help your resume pass the ATS check. If you have training in any HR software, like an HRIS, make sure to list it. Also, if you have experience with payroll systems or know employment law, these are strong points to add.
Think about the parts of human resources you like most. Maybe you enjoy helping new employees settle in, which means onboarding is your skill to highlight. Or perhaps you're good at solving problems between staff, so focus on conflict resolution. Choose skills that match your interests and the job you want. This will help you and the employer see if you're a good fit for the role.
When looking at entry-level human resources resumes, hiring managers value signs of leadership and the ability to grow within a role. You can show this even if you have not had a formal job in human resources yet.
Think about times you have taken the lead on a project or task. This could be during volunteer work, in a student organization, or while working on a group project in school. Use these experiences to demonstrate your leadership skills. Here are some ways you might describe these experiences:
Also, consider any time you have been promoted or given more responsibility. Think about how you can show this on your resume. For example:
When you're applying for human resources positions, it's important to show that you can lead and grow within a role. If you've had any leadership roles or promotions, make sure to include these on your resume. Here are some ways to do that:
Think about times when you had to take charge, make decisions, or help others to do better. Even if you're not sure it counts as leadership, include experiences where you had more responsibility over time.
As you seek entry-level roles in human resources, showing any evidence of leadership or promotions can make a big difference. Hiring managers look for candidates who have the potential to grow and take on more responsibility over time.
Think about times when you were put in charge of a project or led a team, even if it was during volunteer work, internships, or in a student organization. If you were promoted, even in a part-time job, it shows that you were trusted and valued.
Remember to be specific about your leadership roles and any promotions. Use simple phrases to describe what you did and how many people were involved. Good examples can show hiring managers that you have the skills to advance and thrive in human resources.
As someone stepping into human resources, showing real impact with numbers on your resume can set you apart. Numbers help me, as a hiring manager, to quickly understand the value you can bring to the team. Think about your experiences where you can apply specific numbers.
Here are ways to think about metrics:
Even without direct HR experience, you can demonstrate skills with numbers from other areas:
Remember, even estimated metrics are better than none, as they provide a tangible sense of your contributions. Use numbers to paint a picture of your efficiency, effectiveness, and impact. This approach will help me see the potential you could bring to an entry-level role in human resources.