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Table of contents

HR manager resume examples
Related resume examples
Choose the right resume format for your HR manager resume
How to write an HR manager resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your HR manager resume
Commonly asked questions about resume writing

As a human resources manager, you’re a skilled leader who knows how to bring out the best in others. To land the perfect role where you can put your skills to work nurturing a strong company culture, you need a resume that does the same for you.

We’ll help you pull it off. With the help of our guide and inspiration from our resume examples, you’re already well on your way to a resume that shows off what you can do.

This guide will cover:

Inspirational HR manager resume examples.
A step-by-step process for creating a compelling HR manager resume.
Optional sections to enhance your resume and showcase your HR expertise.
Tips for crafting a powerful cover letter tailored to the HR field.
Key insights for your resume.

Looking to build a professional resume quickly? Try our AI Resume Builder. Choose a template that aligns with your style and receive expert guidance for each section, ensuring your resume genuinely reflects your expertise in the field of human resources. Your journey to demonstrating your value as an HR manager begins here.

HR manager resume examples

Entry-level HR manager resume

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Why this entry-level HR manager resume works:

Stylish template
This resume uses a professional template with a clean modern style that effortlessly conveys the candidate’s personal brand as an HR professional.
Uses a resume objective
This candidate is transitioning from a benefits specialist role and seeking a management position. Because of this, her resume profile is a goal-oriented resume objective.
Focuses on skills
This candidate’s work history is relatively short and she lacks managerial experience. For these reasons, she has structured her resume around her impressive transferable skills.

Experienced HR manager resume example

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Why this experienced HR manager resume works:

Uses measurable achievements
It’s one thing to describe your achievements and it’s another to demonstrate them. This candidate’s experience feels especially concrete because he includes numerical data to back up his accomplishments.
Showcases certifications
Certifications are a great way to show competence and commitment. This candidate features them in their own section.
Highlights experience
With over 16 years of experience, this candidate puts his best foot forward by featuring his work history in reverse-chronological order as the star of his resume.

Choose the right resume format for your HR manager resume

As you know, selecting the right resume format is a crucial early step in creating your HR manager resume. How your information is organized can significantly influence how it’s perceived by potential employers. So, it’s essential to choose a format that effectively highlights your strengths:

The chronological resume format is ideal for seasoned HR managers, as it emphasizes work history, showcasing your years of experience in the field.
The combination resume format strikes a balance between skills and work history, making it a great choice for midcareer HR managers with an extensive background in various HR functions. This choice is the one we recommend for experienced HR professionals looking to transition into a management role.
The functional resume format spotlights your HR skills, allowing you to demonstrate your capabilities without relying heavily on past positions. This format is particularly beneficial for entry-level HR managers and those transitioning from different fields who may not have as much relevant experience to show off in the role.

After determining the most suitable format for your experience, the next step is to select your resume template.

Choose the right resume template for your HR manager resume:

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Your HR manager resume template should present your professional image and personal branding effectively.

For HR managers seeking to create a polished and professional resume quickly, a simple resume template is a sound choice as it adheres to essential formatting principles without adding unnecessary distractions.

If you wish to inject a bit more personality into your resume, you might consider using a creative or modern resume template. These templates are characterized by their stylized and visually appealing designs. As an HR manager, you know how important it is to have a strong professional brand. Adding some personality to your resume can help you accomplish that. When opting for such a template, ensure it aligns with the expectations of the HR field and the organization you’re applying to.

Our resume templates are available in various file types, including Word resume templates and Google Doc templates, which can be easily downloaded and customized to meet your unique requirements.

Now that you’ve selected the style and format for your resume, it’s time to dive into the writing process.

How to write an HR manager resume in 5 simple steps

A resume needs to make a strong impression to ensure you land your ideal HR role. That’s why each section should be customized to match the role you’re after and make the most of your strengths as a candidate. If this sounds daunting, don’t worry! We’ll walk you through it.

Step 1

Review the HR manager job description for keywords

Begin the writing process for your HR manager resume by carefully reading the job listing for the role you’re pursuing. The job listing contains valuable insights that can help you tailor your resume to fit with the role’s specific requirements and expectations. Read the listing a few times and try to keep your eyes open for important phrases that the employer uses to describe the responsibilities of the role or the abilities of the ideal candidate.

In today’s competitive job market, many employers employ applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen applications, seeking out particular qualifications and keywords. To create a resume that holds up against ATS screening, you need to match the keywords that the listing uses.

For instance, if the job posting emphasizes “talent acquisition expertise” or “employee relations,” endeavor to incorporate these precise phrases when detailing your relevant experience. By using such terminology, you demonstrate that you are the candidate that best meets the department’s HR needs. However, don’t lie — it’s imperative to ensure that the qualifications you highlight accurately represent your background and skills.

Step 2

Summarize your career achievements

Your HR manager resume should start off with a brief introduction of your career, known as a resume profile. There are two primary types of resume profiles to consider: professional summaries and career objectives. Your choice should consider your experience level.

A professional summary provides a comprehensive overview of your career as an HR manager, making it ideal for those with extensive experience in the HR field. This format is particularly effective for HR managers with achievements like successful HR strategy implementation or team leadership.

On the other hand, a resume objective outlines your career aspirations and is suitable for HR managers who may be new to the role, such as HR professionals transitioning into management for the first time. This format emphasizes your enthusiasm, transferable skills and dedication to contributing to a dynamic work environment.

Here are examples of each:

HR manager professional summary:

Experienced HR manager with a decade of strategic HR leadership in various industries. Proficient in talent acquisition, employee relations and HR policy development. Demonstrated track record of enhancing workplace culture and optimizing organizational effectiveness through HR best practices. Committed to upholding the highest standards of HR management.

HR manager resume objective:

Aspiring HR manager with a background in business administration and a strong desire to excel in the field of human resources. Eager to leverage my strong analytical skills, adaptability and commitment to employee well-being. Dedicated to contributing to a positive workplace environment and supporting organizations in achieving their HR goals.

Step 3

Highlight your essential HR manager skills

Your skill set is fundamental to your success as an HR manager. It’s essential to showcase a wide range of skills to demonstrate your effectiveness in the field of human resources. HR managers need to possess a diverse set of skills to excel in their roles, particularly because the HR manager role is so dynamic and people-centric. These skills can be broadly categorized into two groups.

First, there are hard skills. These are the practical and technical abilities that enable you to get things done in your role as an HR manager. They encompass your expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, HR policy development and compliance with labor regulations. These skills are typically gained through education, training and professional experience.

The second category is your soft skills. These relate to your personal attributes and interpersonal abilities, including effective communication, leadership, adaptability to evolving HR practices, and the capacity to provide support and guidance to employees. These skills are often inherent and shape your overall effectiveness as an HR manager.

Here’s a list of some hard and soft skills that accomplished HR manager candidates incorporate into their resumes:

Hard Skills

Talent acquisition
Employee relations
HR policy development
Labor law compliance
HR software and technology
Data analysis

Soft Skills

Communication
Leadership
Adaptability
Problem-solving
Empathy
Employee support

Your role as an HR manager is pivotal in ensuring effective talent management, employee engagement and organizational success. Your skills should reflect your ability to build a positive workplace culture, support employees and contribute to the overall well-being of the organization.

Here’s an example of a robust HR manager skills section:

Proficient in talent acquisition strategies and recruitment techniques.
Experienced in fostering positive employee relations and conflict resolution.
Skillful in HR policy development, ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations.
Competent in utilizing HR software and data analysis to inform strategic decisions.
Effective communication and leadership in promoting a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
Demonstrated ability to provide empathetic employee support, enhancing overall job satisfaction and retention.

Pro tip

While hard skills can be learned and developed through training and education, soft skills such as effective communication and empathy are intrinsic qualities. That’s why they are especially valuable in the field of human resources, where the well-being of employees and effective leadership are paramount. So, ensure you include a balanced mix of both types of skills.

Step 4

Describe your HR manager work history

Human resources management is a demanding field, requiring a unique blend of strategic skills, adaptability and effective leadership in personnel management. Your resume should underscore how your dedication and expertise shine in challenging real-world scenarios. When you construct your work history section, you’re not just describing your professional background; you’re also presenting your significant accomplishments and abilities.

Describe specific HR experiences, leadership roles you’ve undertaken and innovative strategies you’ve employed. Utilize action verbs in your resume, such as “implemented,” “strategized,” and “led,” to underscore your impact and enthusiasm.

Here’s an example of a robust HR manager work history section:

HR Manager, Tucker Staffing Solutions

Tucson, AZ

June 2019 – November 2022

Led strategic recruitment efforts, resulting in a 30% reduction in time-to-hire and improved quality of talent acquisition.
Collaborated closely with department heads and executives to develop and implement HR policies and practices, ensuring legal compliance and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Spearheaded employee engagement initiatives, resulting in a 15% increase in overall job satisfaction and reduced turnover.
Implemented HR software and data analytics tools to inform evidence-based HR decision-making, leading to cost savings and improved HR program effectiveness.
Adapted quickly to evolving HR practices, staying informed about industry trends and best practices to drive organizational success.
Provided empathetic employee support and conflict resolution, enhancing overall employee well-being and retention.

Pro tip

When your resume features repetitive phrases like “responsible for,” it can make your achievements feel more like a task list than an impressive set of accomplishments. By employing action-packed verbs, you can infuse vitality into your HR management background, highlighting your achievements with enthusiasm rather than just listing responsibilities.

Step 5

Showcase your education

An HR manager leverages comprehensive expertise and training to drive optimal organizational outcomes. To show that you have what it takes, present your educational background and training in a concise education section. Emphasize any pertinent training, workshops or certifications you’ve earned in addition to your formal education.

Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management

New York University

New York, NY

May 2016

HR Certification – Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Awarded in June 2019

Pro tip

In the HR field, continuous learning and professional development are highly regarded. By highlighting your education and additional training, you demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field and contributing to the organization’s success.

Additional sections for your HR manager resume

Languages

Effective communication in various languages is a valuable asset in the field of human resources. If you are multilingual, it’s advantageous to highlight this on your resume. The ability to communicate with employees from diverse linguistic backgrounds can enhance workplace inclusivity and communication.

Example of how to showcase languages on your HR manager resume:

Fluent in English and Spanish
Proficient in German

Hobbies and interests

Including your interests on your resume can provide employers with insights into your character and personality, demonstrating well-roundedness and a balanced approach to life. Ensure that the hobbies you list are both relevant to the role and appropriate for the professional workplace setting.

Example of how to showcase interests on your HR manager resume:

Leadership development: Active participant in leadership development programs and seminars, furthering my skills in effective team management and personnel development.
Diversity and inclusion initiatives: Enthusiastic about promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, actively involved in diversity network groups, and advocate for creating an inclusive work environment.

Community involvement

Active engagement with the community can demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility and employee well-being, which can align with HR initiatives for corporate social responsibility.

Example of how to showcase community involvement on your HR manager resume:

Volunteer for Employee Assistance Programs: Engage in employee assistance programs to support the well-being of colleagues, providing assistance and resources during challenging times.
Workplace Wellness Initiatives: Collaborate with local organizations to promote workplace wellness and health education, offering workshops and mentorship programs aimed at enhancing the overall well-being of employees. This includes facilitating wellness workshops and sharing insights on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Now that you’ve written a job-winning resume that makes the most of your experience and skills, you need a persuasive cover letter to seal the deal. It may seem like extra work, but trust us — a cover letter is an opportunity you don’t want to neglect.

Your cover letter gives you the chance to win over potential employers by explaining your enthusiasm for the role, adding context to your resume and drawing extra attention to relevant achievements.

For expert guidance on cover letter-writing, explore our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter and draw inspiration from our extensive library of cover letter examples.

To maintain a cohesive visual identity between your cover letter and resume, consider using a professionally designed cover letter template from our Cover Letter Generator.

Key takeaways for your HR manager resume

Customize your HR manager resume for each job application
Tailor your resume to align with the specific requirements of each HR role, emphasizing your skills in talent acquisition, employee relations and HR strategy. Look for keywords that can help you pass through ATS (Applicant Tracking System) screening processes.
Highlight your HR management experience
Showcase your hands-on involvement in HR management, from leading recruitment efforts to fostering positive employee relations. Demonstrate your ability to excel in the dynamic and people-centric HR environment.
Emphasize your commitment to continuous improvement
Highlight any advanced courses, certifications or workshops you’ve completed in the field of human resources, underscoring your dedication to staying informed about the latest HR practices and best industry standards.
Express your passion for organizational development
While your resume provides an overview of your skills, a well-crafted cover letter can convey your genuine passion for driving organizational success and your motivation for pursuing a career in HR management. Employers like to hire employees who show some passion for the role.
Highlight measurable achievements
If you’ve contributed to reduced time-to-hire, improved employee engagement or implemented effective HR programs, emphasize these accomplishments with specific metrics and results.
Showcase collaboration and teamwork
In the field of human resources, effective teamwork is critical. Highlight instances where you’ve collaborated seamlessly with department heads, executives and other HR professionals, showcasing your ability to foster a cooperative and efficient HR environment for optimal organizational success.