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Human Resources Resume Examples: 5 Best Samples & Why They Work

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According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of human resources will grow roughly 7% over the next decade—creating over 16,000 new jobs for HR professionals nationwide.

However, many people who aren’t familiar with the field of human resources may not know how to access these jobs.

To land a position as a Human Resources manager, you’ll need to curate your resume accordingly and use attention-grabbing keywords and terms.

This guide will provide everything you need to land that position–including the best Human Resources resume examples and industry-leading tips and tricks.

Human Resources Resume Examples

Resume writing is a specialized skill.

According to a recent article, there are many considerations to consider throughout the process, mainly since many employers are using resume-scanning software—nearly 99%.

Regardless of your experience writing resumes, you can benefit from reading through the following industry-leading examples of high-level resumes.

Entry-Level Human Resources Resume Example

An entry-level Human Resources manager typically works in-house at a business or organization to provide comprehensive guidance and direction to employers and employees.

If you’re planning on entering the field of human resources, you can use the example below to guide your resume-writing process.

Entry-Level Human Resources Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

This is the ideal example of an entry-level human resources resume because the applicant can discuss their skills and former experiences.

  • Type of Resume: Entry-Level Human Resources Resume Example
  • Best For: Graduates or certificate holders in human resources looking for entry-level jobs
graphic showing entry level human resource resume example

Work Experience 1: Human Resources Intern

  • Job Description: Assisted the Human Resources manager in all his competencies, including coordinating interviews, answering inquiries, collecting and organizing employee information, and more.
  • Results: Coordinated 80 interviews, organized data for 40+ employees, and created and updated 20 job ads across multiple job boards.
  • Additional Competencies: Assisted with basic managerial and office tasks, including document creation and reproduction, data entry, and more.
  • Other: I led a team of three other interns throughout the program.

Work Experience 2: Student Advocate

  • Job Description: Provided advocacy and mentorship services to students at the University of Rhode Island for three years.
  • Results: Resolved students’ questions about campus housing, billing, class registration, scheduling, and more.
  • Additional Competencies: Scheduled and coordinated events to help students learn more about university financial aid and student housing options.
  • Other: Worked over 20 hours per week while maintaining a full-time class schedule and working part-time at a restaurant.

Project Experience

  • Career Club Founder: Founded and managed the Career Club on campus and grew it to include over 60 members of the student community and three support staff members.
  • Voter Registration Efforts: Coordinated and managed over 30 voter registration drives throughout the last election, registering over 10,000 voters.
  • Advocacy: Volunteered with local organizations to promote voter education and ballot literacy among traditionally marginalized communities.

Skills

  • Passionate and empathetic
  • Organized
  • Data-driven
  • Creative
  • Attentive

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management: Obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and completed with a GPA of 3.89.
  • High School Diploma: Graduated from Nantucket High School with a GPA of 4.0 and honors.

Licenses and Accreditations

  • Certified in Organizational Behavior
  • Certified in CPR/AED
  • Certified in Microsoft Office

Why This Resume Works

This is the ideal example of an entry-level human resources resume because the writer can enhance their skills and experiences without being dishonest.

For example, while the writer was a student advocate, they also juggled a full-time class schedule and another part-time job. Mentioning this fact will likely appeal to prospective employers seeking committed employees with multi-tasking abilities.

Additionally, this writer lists most of their accreditations, even if they aren’t entirely relevant to the position. For example, they recorded their CPR certification, which though it may seem unrelated, can appeal to employers since it is a desirable skill.

Even if you lack formal employment in your field of choice, you can discuss other volunteer positions or projects that draw on similar skills.

Director of Human Resources Resume Example

Human Resources directors typically have experience in human resources and have served in various related positions throughout their careers.

Alternatively, some people enter the profession from related fields like business, project management, counseling, or advocacy.

There should only be one Director at each firm since having two managers at work is often a logistical nightmare.

If you’re contemplating applying for a Director of Human Resources position, use the resume below as an example to guide your thinking.

Director of Human Resources Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

This resume is great because it provides quantifiable evidence to support achievements, which is a bonus since many employers are looking for tangible measures of success.

  • Type of Resume: Director of Human Resources Resume Example
  • Best For: Human Resources directors with experience in human resources and who have served in various related positions throughout their careers
graphic showing director of human resources resume example

Work Experience 1: Human Resources Director

  • Job Description: Led a team of six full-time employees in the HR department and planned and oversaw all developments and operations in HR.
  • Results: Improved transparency in the workplace, managed labor relations for over 70 employees, and improved productivity by 15%.
  • Additional Competencies: Introduced and managed the transition to a new HR software service that allowed employees to check their employment status and details quickly.
  • Other: Trained a dozen other HR professionals and interviewed nearly 200 prospective employees over my time at the company.

Work Experience 2: Human Resources Manager

  • Job Description: Served as a strategic, collaborative partner to employers and employees in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Results: Analyzed historical data to improve workflow processes and efficiency by 18%. We have improved workplace transparency by providing open executive meetings and acting as a liaison for over 300 employees.
  • Additional Competencies: Planned and executed employment events for prospective employees and interviewed nearly 40 applicants for one position.
  • Other: Consistently earned awards and accreditations from the company for my exemplary work.

Project Experience

  • Recruiting: Worked as a recruiter at two firms, interviewed hundreds of applicants, and assisted executives in decision-making.
  • Student Union Member: Served as a representative to the Student Union at school and advocated for over 2,000 students.
  • Community Organizer: Consistently volunteer as a community organizer on movements and advocacy efforts related to race and gender discrimination.

Skills

  • Consistent and Determined
  • Strong sense of social justice
  • Organized and Methodical
  • Personable and Cooperative
  • Strong Technical Skills

Education

  • Masters in Business Administration: Currently enrolled in a master’s program with one year left and a 3.9 GPA.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations: Obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina with a 4.0 GPA.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science: Obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina with a 3.4 GPA.

Licenses and Accreditations

  • Professional in Human Resources
  • SHRM Certified Professional
  • Academy to Innovate (AIHR) Certification

Why This Resume Works

This resume works well to highlight this applicant’s many strengths and achievements.

First, the writer includes numbers and statistics to bolster their claims. Providing quantifiable evidence to support your achievements can serve as a dramatic bonus since many employers are looking for tangible measures of success to make their selections.

Additionally, this writer expands on their listed positions by discussing their inter-office relationships and awards. As a Human Resources Director, you’ll be expected to cultivate strong relationships with others in the office. If you can demonstrate evidence of your having done so in previous positions, you’re already at an advantage.

Lastly, this person chose to discuss their non-professional advocacy efforts. Though this may be a risky move, it ultimately demonstrates their passion for advocacy and tending to the needs of others.

Professional Human Resources Resume Example

Human Resources professionals may take on any number of titles. At some organizations, they’re referred to as “officers” or “managers,” though titles may differ depending on the industry.

Ultimately, HR professionals work with employers and employees to bridge gaps in communication and collaboration, creating a more cohesive and tolerant work environment for all.

Professional Human Resources Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

This resume highlights previous experience, skills, competencies, and a track record in technology-related fields. It also leverages volunteer opportunities to show dedication to work.

  • Type of Resume: Professional Human Resources Resume Example
  • Best For: HR professionals looking for new job opportunities
Professional human resources resume example

Work Experience 1: Human Resources Manager in Technology

  • Job Description: Served as a Human Resources Manager at a large company for three years and collaborated across departments and leadership levels to ensure employer-employee communication.
  • Results: Improved retention rates by 15%, hired 12 new members to different teams across departments and led three HR employees.
  • Additional Competencies: Planned and executed special employee events, including insurance presentations and onboarding resources.
  • Other: Volunteered with other employees to support a local homeless shelter during the holidays.

Work Experience 2: Human Resources Coordinator in IT

  • Job Description: As an HR coordinator, to plan and execute interviews, manage to onboard, and collect feedback. Leveraged new technologies to improve workflow.
  • Results: Interviewed over 80 applicants and managed onboarding for six new employees. Collected feedback after final round interviews.
  • Additional Competencies: Created onboarding packages and presentations for all new employees and created compensation structures for employers.
  • Other: Assembled a hiring committee to include other employees at the firm and introduced collaborative hiring.

Project Experience

  • Student Representative: Acted as a student representative in the Student Senate for three years, managed student budgets, and advocated for employee rights.
  • Academic Hiring Committee Member: Served on the Academic Hiring Committee to help the school select new and visiting professors.
  • Marketing Entrepreneur: Created an app to help charities and non-profit organizations benefit from affordable and tax-deductible marketing.

Skills

  • Skilled in Software Development and Implementation
  • Research and Data
  • Forward-Thinking and Planning
  • Industry-Specific Skills
  • Negotiation Skills

Education

  • Masters in Human Resources: Obtained a masters in HR from Claremont Graduate University and wrote a capstone thesis on inter-organizational hiring.
  • Bachelor of Arts in English: Obtained a bachelor’s degree from Pomona College with a 4.0 GPA
  • High School Diploma: Graduated with honors from Berkeley High School with a 4.0 GPA and was class valedictorian.

Licenses and Accreditations

  • Certified in Negotiation with Dale Carnegie (99% Accuracy)
  • Certified in Labor Relations
  • Certified in Conflict Resolution and Restorative Justice

Why This Resume Works

This resume highlights the author’s capabilities well.

It presents relevant experiences across different positions, creating a narrative thread throughout. The author mentions several industry-specific skills and competencies, and their track record shows the most work in technology-related fields.

When writing a resume, you’ll want to ensure that you depict a story rather than a series of disparate bullet points. Your prospective employers want to understand who you are rather than what you aim to provide.

Additionally, this writer leverages their many volunteer opportunities to clearly show their abilities and dedication to this work.

You should capitalize on your existing situation (whether working elsewhere or in school) by becoming involved in as many related projects and efforts as possible.

Human Resources Generalist Resume Example

Human Resource Generalists often participate in organizations’ recruiting, hiring, and training processes. They are generalists because they may not specialize in particular fields or industries but have experience across a broad range of areas.

If you plan to apply for a position as a Human Resources Generalist, you can use the example below to finetune your resume.

Human Resources Generalist Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

This resume is great because it highlights achievements with quantifiable evidence. It is important to add vital statistics and metrics to boost your claims; it helps your resume stand out from the rest.

  • Type of Resume: Human Resources Generalist Resume Example
  • Best For: Those interested in working as a human resources generalist
graphic showing human resource generalist resume example

Work Experience 1: Human Resources Generalist

  • Job Description: I worked as a recruiter, mediator, and budget manager in my position as a Generalist at a tech company.
  • Results: Saved $56k in hiring expenses and reduced the budget by 34%. It improved workflow efficiency by 11% and employee satisfaction by 19%.
  • Additional Competencies: Became the main point of contact between managers and hiring staff.
  • Other: Hauled in more new employees to the company than any other person in the five years prior.

Work Experience 2: Human Resources Generalist

  • Job Description: Served as a Human Resources Generalist at a law firm, managed budgetary responsibilities, hiring, and onboarding.
  • Results: Boosted productivity by 11% after implementing a new work performance monitoring protocol, reduced resignations by 12%, and reduced budget inefficiencies by 67%.
  • Additional Competencies: Reduced new-hire turnover and worked closely with new hires to implement policies and strategies to benefit them.
  • Other: Started an employer-employee committee to improve cross-hierarchical communication within the organization.

Project Experience

  • Recruiting: Previously worked as a recruiter across three different roles, managing over 300 interviews and numerous onboarding processes.
  • Guest Lecturer: Served as a guest lecturer at a neighboring university to help students better understand the field of Human Resources.
  • Advocacy and Outreach: Volunteer with a local laborer rights center to provide advocacy and resources for employees.

Skills

  • Budget Management
  • Hiring Practices and Protocol Creation
  • HR software (Asana)
  • Collaborative Skills
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Education

  • Masters in Economics: Obtained a master’s degree with a 3.56 GPA and completed a capstone thesis on budget management.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management: Obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco with a 4.0 GPA.
  • High School Diploma: Graduated with a 3.78 GPA and was captain of the debate club and president of the student union.

Licenses and Accreditations

  • Certified in Workday and Jobvite
  • Certified in Payroll Management
  • Certified Professional Human Resources Manager

Why This Resume Works

Like other candidates on this list, this applicant provides quantifiable evidence to support their claims of efficiency and success.

For example, the applicant mentioned that they improved employee satisfaction rates by 19% in their first position.

Suppose you include vital statistics and metrics to bolster your claims. In that case, this will enhance your resume and allow employers to visualize your successes rather than relying on your opinions alone.

This writer also discussed their volunteer efforts and effectively tied them to their skills and competencies. If you cannot access high education opportunities or costly certifications, consider volunteering in a field related to the one you wish to join.

Lastly, you can model your resume after this one by ensuring alignment between your skills and your work experience.

Human Resources Manager Resume Example

Human Resource managers are the lifeblood of every organization.

They work collaboratively with employers and employees to improve workflow, reduce inefficiencies, resolve conflicts, hire and acclimate new employees, and provide the resources that people need to succeed in their various positions.

Use the example below to write the best possible resume and land your desired job.

Human Resources Manager Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

This resume is an ideal example for prospective human resources managers since it features many core competencies necessary to excel at the job. It highlights the candidate's extensive experience in managing large amounts of data.

  • Type of Resume: Human Resources Manager Resume Example
  • Best For: A specialist in human resources applying for managerial roles
graphic showing human resource manager resume example

Work Experience 1: Human Resources Manager

  • Job Description: Served as Human Resources Manager at a law firm in DC, where I fostered a data-driven culture and coordinated recruitment and onboarding efforts throughout each department.
  • Results: Researched and adopted a new benefits plan that improved satisfaction by 1% and healthcare enrollment by 41%.
  • Additional Competencies: Coordinated and managed bi-monthly events to help employees learn more about their benefits and opportunities within the company.
  • Other: Assisted executives in implementing and researching new policies, contributing to a 9% increase in employee satisfaction.

Work Experience 2: Recruiter

  • Job Description: Served as a recruiter to a significant hiring and employment services organization and worked with over 500 employees and a team of 25 HR professionals.
  • Results: Coordinated with 27 executives across all departments to lead forecasting efforts and improved average time-to-hire by 22%.
  • Additional Competencies: Researched and implemented new organizational policies and HR initiatives.
  • Other: Participated in an inter-organizational committee to improve employee conditions and resolve communication issues.

Project Experience

  • Soft Skills Training: Hosted a weekly workshop for a year in which employees learned how to develop soft skills.
  • HR Software Developer: Worked on employee data management software and helped create a new software system for HR professionals.
  • Worker’s Compensation Liaison: Volunteered as a liaison for workers’ compensation claims across my recent positions.

Skills

  • HRIS (Workday)
  • Benefits Planning and Administration
  • Employee Coaching
  • Advocacy and Communication
  • Recruiting

Education

  • Masters in Human Resources Management: Obtained a master’s degree from the University of Texas with a 3.89 GPA.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Communications: Obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas with a 3.9 GPA and minored in Philosophy.
  • High School Diploma: Graduated from Houston High School with a 4.0 GPA and founded two student advocacy clubs.

Licenses and Accreditations

  • Certified in Microsoft Office and Google
  • Certified SHRM Professional
  • Academy to Innovate Certified Professional

Why This Resume Works

This resume is an ideal example for prospective Human Resources Managers since it features many core competencies necessary to excel at the job.

For example, this applicant is data-driven and has extensive experience managing large amounts of data. This is an advantage in a field increasingly relying on quantifiable information to make strategic decisions.

As many other applicants do, this applicant also chooses to highlight their industry-specific hard skills rather than discussing soft skills. While soft skills are a distinct advantage, you’ll also need hard skills in your desired industry. These can include training on specific platforms or applications and certifications in HR-related areas.

Common Skills & Action Verbs to Include on a Human Resources Resume

If you’ve applied to jobs before, you likely know that many employers use strict screening practices to evaluate resumes.

To avoid having your resume tossed with the rest, consider adding crucial skills and action verbs that signal competence in your field.

Remember, never include skills you don’t have. Think deeply and ask others what your best abilities are so you can include an accurate, true summary of your skills. Be creative on the skills you include, but make sure they are relevant to the position you are applying for.

You should also be prepared for a recruiter to ask you about the skills in your resume should you make it to the interview stage.

The list below includes your resume’s most valuable skills and action verbs.

Common Skills for Human Resources Resumes

  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Collaboration
  • Active Listening
  • Discretion and Decision-Making
  • Discernment
  • Budget Management
  • Financial Literacy
  • Research Skills
  • Data-Driven Work
  • Critical Thinking
  • Eagerness to learn
  • Leadership
  • Accepting of Constructive Criticism
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Compromise
  • Initiative

Common Action Verbs for Human Resources Resumes

  • To achieve
  • To administer
  • To collaborate
  • To resolve
  • To create
  • To implement
  • To research
  • To approve
  • To lead
  • To propose
  • To change
  • To aspire
  • To assign

Tips for Writing a Better Human Resources Resume

Writing the perfect resume can take time and practice—both of which you may not have at the moment. Thankfully, there are time-tested tips you can use to optimize your resume quickly and effortlessly.

If you need more help writing your Human Resources resume, consider using the tips and industry best practices below.

Consider Including a Personal Statement

A personal resume statement is a short paragraph underneath your resume header that describes who you are, what you do, and how you do it.

These statements are often short. They are jam-packed with keywords that pertain to your industry of choice, and they help your employer remember who you are as they navigate stacks of applications.

Although the resumes on this list do not feature personal statements, you may wish to include one. Remember to restrict your information to one paragraph since recruiters will likely have more to read.

Do Your Research

Although this tip applies to most job applicants, it’s essential in Human Resources.

Business and human resources are constantly changing, and you’ll need to keep up with the times to remain competitive. Consider researching the organization you wish to join to understand what they value and prioritize. Ensure that your prospective employer uses transparent hiring and employment practices and that your position is legitimate.

Additionally, research the latest certifications and technologies in your field so you can speak on them with expertise.

Prepare for Your Interview

Prepare for your interview while you wait for a response to your resume.

No matter where you apply, it’s best to research the company or agency that you’re trying to score a position in. Knowing their history, target clients or industry, and any current projects they’ve worked on will help you not only better understand the role, but impress the interviewer.

Don’t sit down in the interview and rattle off facts about the company- sprinkle information into your responses, and ask questions as needed.

Take a look at sample interviews for the position you’re applying for. For example, if you’re interested in a management position, consider reading some common interview questions for an office manager. Knowing common questions in advance can help you brainstorm your answers and highlight your strengths when the time comes.

Additionally, you can directly reach out to any relevant managers to ask about job specifications and how to maximize your application. While some won’t answer, most will appreciate the foresight.

Cater Your Resume for Each Application

A resume isn’t one size fits all- everyone has different skills, background, and experience that they bring to the table. Your resume should be uniquely yours and have traces of your personality within your listed credentials. Blending your originality with the advice of experts guarantees you will be noticed by employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about getting a job in human resources.

What are HR Hard Skills?

Some hard skills you’ll need to succeed in HR are legal knowledge, financial skills, communication skills, and organizational skills.

What is a Good Example of a Human Resource Resume Objective?

An ideal objective is strong and to the point. Aim to include something that summarizes what you bring to the table and describes who you are as a person.

“Seeking a position in a creative, collaborative environment,” “Looking to step into leadership and implement new policies,” and “Dedicated worker aiming to perform at a higher level” are all great objectives to include on your resume.

Similar Resume Types to Reference

If you enjoyed this article, consider checking out additional resources on various topics related to Human Resources resumes and employment opportunities:

  • Manager Resume: Managers hold entire organizations together and are crucial to any company’s success. Use this guide to optimize your management resume.
  • Recruiter Resume: Recruiters and HR professionals often work hand in hand. You can use this guide to write a recruiter’s resume and land a job in this field.
  • Consulting Resume: Consultants help organizations and businesses improve their internal operations and external relations. Use this guide to create the perfect consulting resume.

Wrapping Up

Human Resources professionals are integral to the smooth functioning of any organization. You can leverage this guide to optimize your resume if you’re ready to join this lucrative and empowering field.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with others. Feel free to include comments below with your questions or opinions.

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