How to Write a Great Resume for a Job in Human Resources

So, you want a great HR job? You need a killer resume. It's more than just listing your qualifications. It's about showing you're passionate about people and have the skills to back it up. This guide will help you write an HR resume that grabs attention and gets you that interview.

How to Make Your HR Resume a Winner

Your resume needs to show off your HR skills. Here's how to make it stand out.

1. Pick the Right Resume Format

First impressions matter! The format shows off your best stuff. Here are a few to choose from:

Chronological: List jobs newest to oldest. Great if you've always worked in HR.
Functional: Shows off your skills, not job history. Good if you have gaps or are switching careers. But, some recruiters don't love these. They might think you're hiding something!
Combination: Mixes skills and job history. Good if you have a lot to offer!

Usually, chronological or combination is best for HR folks.

2. Make Your Header Pop

This is easy! Include:

Your full name. Phone number. Email (aprofessionalone!). LinkedIn link (if you have one). City and state.
For example:
Jane Smith
(555) 123-4567 | [email protected] | LinkedIn.com/in/janesmith | New York, NY
3. Write a
PowerfulSummary (or Objective)
This is your chance to shine! Just a few sentences to show off your
bestqualities.
Summary: If you have lots of HR experience, use a summary. Talk about what you've done and what you can do for the company.
Objective: If you're new to HR, use an objective. Focus on your skills and what you want to learn.
Summary Example:
"HR pro with 5+ years in hiring, employee stuff, and managing performance. I can create HR plans that help employees
lovetheir jobs and make the companybetter. Looking for an HR Manager job at ABC Company to use my skills."
Objective Example:
"New grad with a HR degree who wants to help create a good work environment. Looking for an HR Assistant job at XYZ Corporation to learn about hiring, training, and helping employees."
4.
Show OffYour HR Experience
This is
superimportant! For each job, list: Company name. Job title. Dates you worked there. What you did (use bullet points!).
Use strong action words! And
quantifyyour results! Make it about the HR job you want.
Example:
HR Generalist | ABC Company | New York, NY | 2018 – Present
Hired 50+ people a year, which cut down on hiring time by 20%.
Made employee programs that made people 15% more satisfied.
Helped managers and employees with HR stuff.
Took care of benefits like health insurance and vacation time.
Investigated complaints and fixed problems.
Don't just say "Managed employee benefits." Say "Managed employee benefits, saving 10% on healthcare!"
Showwhat you did!
5.
HighlightYour HR Skills
Make a list of your skills, both the technical stuff and the people skills. This helps recruiters find you!
HR Skill Examples:
Hard Skills: Hiring, Training, Employee Relations, Pay & Benefits, HR Systems, Labor Law.
Soft Skills: Talking to people, Solving problems, Leading, Teamwork, Time Management, Listening.
Match your skills to the job description!
6. Education and
Certifications
List your schools, degrees, and graduation dates. If you have HR certifications, like SHRM-CP, list those too!
Example:
Master of Science in Human Resources Management | New York University | New York, NY | 2016
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | 2014
SHRM-CP (SHRM Certified Professional)
7.
OptionalSections
Add these if they apply to you:
Volunteer work (especially HR-related).
Awards.
Publications or presentations.
Other languages you speak.
Learnfrom HR Resume Examples
Look at other HR resumes for ideas! See what works. Pay attention to the words they use. Just make sure yours still show off
yourexperience!
ExtraResume Tips for HR Pros
Here are a few
morethings to keep in mind:
Customizeyour resume for each job.
Use
keywordsfrom the job description.

Quantifyyour results (use numbers!).

Proofread! No typos!

Use strong

action words.
Keep it
short(1-2 pages).
Use a
professionalfont.
Save as a
PDF.
Nailthe Job Application
Your resume is just the
start. Here's how to get the job:
Network! Talk to other HR people.
Write a
cover letter.

Preparefor the interview.

Follow upafter the interview.
Acethe HR Interview
You got the interview! Now what? Here's how to
rockit:
Researchthe company.

Understandthe job.

Practiceanswering questions.

Highlightyour wins.

Askgood questions.

Dressnicely.

enthusiastic!

Follow upafter.
AvoidThese Resume Mistakes
Don't do these things!
Typos.
Generic stuff.
Not showing results.
Irrelevant info.
Too long.
Bad email address.
Lying!
Conclusion*: Your Resume is Key!

A good HR resume is worth the effort. Follow these tips, and you'll get noticed. Tailor it, use keywords, show your wins, and proofread! Good luck!

Good luck with your job search! You've got this!