How to Become HR Manager (Human Resource): A Step-by-Step Guide

Resource (HR) Management is an important part of any company. It mainly deals with hiring, training, and taking care of employees. HR managers, in fact, make sure that people work as a team. They also help in solving problems between workers. Let us explore how to become an HR manager.

HR management is also about handling salaries, promotions, and company rules. It always makes sure that workers are happy and safe. A good HR team not only helps a company grow but also helps it succeed. Therefore, companies need HR experts to manage their employees.

Why HR is a Great Career Choice in India: 

HR management is surely a good career in India. This is because every company needs HR experts. From small startups to big multinational companies, all of them have HR teams.

HR jobs are also very stable. In fact, the demand for HR managers is increasing every year. People who enjoy talking to others and solving problems can do really well in HR. The job not only offers a good salary but also has many growth options. Moreover, many colleges offer HR courses, making it easy to enter this field.

Job Opportunities and Future Scope:

Many industries offer HR jobs. These include IT, banking, healthcare, and education. HR assistants can grow and later advance to become HR managers. After gaining experience, they may become HR directors. In the end, they can even become Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs).

The future of HR is also very bright. Today, companies focus more on employee happiness and growth. New fields like HR analytics and remote work management are growing fast. As a result, this means more job openings for HR experts in India.

 

Why Choose a Career in HR Management?

• Growth and Demand for HR Professionals in India

HR professionals are always in high demand in India. In fact, every company, big or small, needs HR managers. They help in hiring, training, and keeping employees happy.

The future of HR is also bright. These days, companies focus more on employee well-being. So, many businesses need HR experts to handle remote work and new job trends. With more jobs and better salaries, HR management is truly a great career choice.

• HR as a Career for People Who Enjoy Working with Others

HR management is also perfect for people who like talking to others. In this role, HR managers interact with employees every day.

If you enjoy teamwork and guiding others, then HR is a good career for you. HR managers also work with company leaders to make important decisions. They help in creating fair company policies. So, this job allows you to help people grow and improve their careers.

• High Salary Potential and Job Security

HR professionals also earn good salaries. While freshers start with decent pay, salaries increase with more experience. Senior HR managers and HR directors can even earn high incomes.

HR jobs are also stable. This is because every company needs an HR team. So, the need for HR experts will always be there. Many companies also provide bonuses, health insurance, and promotions. These are some of the extra benefits they offer. This makes HR a secure and rewarding career choice.

• HR Roles in Startups, MNCs, and Government Organizations

HR jobs are also available in different types of companies. Startups need HR experts to hire new employees and build strong teams. On the other hand, in MNCs, HR managers handle large teams and manage global work policies.

 

Academic Requirements to Become HR Manager

To become a successful HR Manager, you need the right education. From school, students should pick the right subjects. They need to work on their communication skills. After that, they can study for UG degrees in HR. They can pursue postgraduate degrees in related fields.

1. School-Level Preparation

• Best Subjects to Study in School

Students who want to become HR managers should choose basic subjects. This includes Commerce, Business Studies, Psychology, or Sociology in school. These topics assist in grasping how businesses work and how people behave. They explain company rules.

Math and Economics can be useful. They help explain salaries and budgets. They help with financial planning in companies.

• Importance of Communication and Leadership Skills

HR managers work with many people. They must be good at talking, listening, and solving problems. Strong communication skills help them explain rules, give feedback, and handle conflicts.

Leadership is important. HR managers support employees, lead training, and make key decisions. Schools have debate clubs and leadership programs. They provide teamwork activities to help improve these skills.

2. Bachelor’s Degree Options

After finishing school, students need to get a bachelor’s degree. This degree should be in HR or a business-related area. This degree teaches them about hiring and salaries. It covers employee management and company laws.

1. Popular UG Courses for HR Management

Students can choose from various UG courses related to HR. Find some best options are:

• BBA in HR (Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources) – Focuses on recruitment, employee training, and management.
• BA in Industrial Relations – It teaches about labour laws and company rules. It covers employee rights.
• BCom in Management Studies – It covers how to run a business and manage money. It includes skills for being a good leader.

2. Eligibility and Admission Process for These Courses

To apply for these courses, students must:

• Complete Class 12th from a recognized board.
• Score at least 50% marks in school exams (some colleges may need higher scores).
• Appear for entrance exams in some colleges. This including DU JAT, NPAT, or university-specific tests.

3. Top Colleges and Universities Offering HR-Related Courses

Many top colleges in India offer HR-related courses. Some of the best are:

• Delhi University (BCom, BA Industrial Relations)
• Symbiosis International University (BBA in HR)
• Christ University (BBA in HR, BA Industrial Relations)
• NMIMS Mumbai (BBA in HR)
• Loyola College, Chennai (BCom in Management Studies)

 

3. Master’s Degree for HR Professionals

A master’s degree is not required. But, it can help you find better jobs with higher pay. Many HR managers pursue an MBA or a master’s degree in HR. They do this to advance their careers. This allows for better job options.

1. The Best Postgraduate Courses for HR Managers

Some top postgraduate courses for HR professionals are:

• MBA in HR (Master of Business Administration in Human Resources) – The most popular degree for HR managers.
• MA in Human Resource Management – It looks at company rules and how employees get along. It covers training programs.
• MHRM (Master of Human Resource Management) – Covers labor laws, business ethics, and strategic HR planning.

2. Entrance Exams Required

To get into top MBA colleges, students must clear entrance exams. Some of the most common exams are:

• CAT (Common Admission Test) – Required for IIMs and top business schools.
• XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) – Required for XLRI and other top colleges.
• MAT (Management Aptitude Test) – Accepted by many private universities.
• SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) – Required for Symbiosis International University.

3. Top MBA Colleges for HR Management in India

Some of the best colleges for MBA in HR include:

• IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kolkata (Top business schools in India)
• XLRI Jamshedpur (Best for HR courses)
• Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune
• TISS Mumbai (Tata Institute of Social Sciences)
• MDI Gurgaon (Management Development Institute)

4. Benefits of a Master’s Degree in HR

A master’s degree in HR offers many advantages:

• Better Job Options – Companies prefer HR managers with higher education.
• Higher Salary – HR professionals with a master’s degree earn more.
• Stronger Skills – Courses teach advanced skills. These include HR analytics, employee engagement, and labor laws.
• Leadership Growth – A master’s degree helps in reaching senior HR roles.

 

Skills Required to Become a Successful HR Manager

A Human Resource (HR) Manager must have many skills. They work with people, solve problems, and help companies run without issues. So, to become HR manager, they need both soft skills and technical skills to do their job well.

1. Soft Skills

Soft skills help HR managers talk to others, lead, and work with employees. These skills are very helpful in solving problems at work.

• Communication Skills (Verbal and Written)

HR managers must talk and write clearly. They explain company rules, guide employees, and answer questions. So, good communication helps in interviews, emails, meetings, and training programs.

• Leadership and Decision-Making Skills

HR managers lead teams and also take important decisions. They must decide who to hire, how to fix conflicts, and what rules to follow. As a result, strong leadership helps them manage workers and keep the office happy.

• Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution

Workplaces have problems many times. These include employee fights, salary worries, and heavy workload stress. So, HR managers must act fast and find easy solutions. They need to listen, stay calm, and fix issues in a fair way.

• Time Management and Multitasking

HR managers do many things at the same time. They handle hiring, training, salaries, and office events. So, they must plan time well to finish all tasks on time.

• Teamwork and Relationship Building

HR managers work with many people like employees, managers, and business owners. So, they must build strong relationships and also make others feel respected. As a result, a kind HR manager makes the workplace happy.

2. Technical Skills

Technical skills help HR managers understand company rules and use software. These skills make their work faster and more organised.

• Understanding Labor Laws and Company Policies

HR managers must know about Indian labour laws. This includes the Minimum Wages Act, PF rules, and Employee Rights. These rules protect workers and keep companies safe. So, they must know hiring and pay rules. They must also understand work hours.

• Knowledge of HR Software and Tools

Now, most companies use HR software to manage employee data and payroll. It helps in keeping records. So, HR managers must learn how to use tools like:

• SAP HR – for keeping employee data and salaries.
• Workday – for hiring and planning.
• Zoho People – for tracking attendance and performance.

Learning these tools helps in faster and better work.

• Payroll and Compensation Management

HR managers handle salaries, bonuses, and other benefits. So, they must calculate pay correctly and check tax deductions. They also help in salary increases and promotions.

• Recruitment and Hiring Strategies

Hiring good people is a big part of HR work. So, HR managers must know:

• How to write job posts and share them online.
• How to interview and pick the best person.
• How to talk about salary and give benefits.

Because of this, a good hiring plan helps companies grow with skilled and happy workers.

In short, to become HR manager, a person needs both soft skills and technical skills. These skills help them hire workers, solve problems, manage pay, and follow company rules.

 

Extra Certifications to Boost HR Career

HR certifications make a resume stronger. They also help professionals stand out when they apply for jobs. These certifications give extra training in HR rules, leadership, and software. So, many companies give better salaries to certified HR managers.

Top HR Certifications in India and Globally

Many organisations in India and other countries offer HR certifications. These courses teach recruitment, employee care, payroll, and labour laws. So, below are some of the most popular HR certifications.

• SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional)

The SHRM-CP is one of the top courses for HR professionals. It covers HR rules, employee issues, and company work. Also, many countries accept this certificate.

• PHR (Professional in Human Resources)

The PHR certification is helpful for anyone who wants to learn about company rules. It teaches about hiring and labour laws. It is known worldwide, so it helps in getting better HR jobs.

• CHRP (Certified Human Resources Professional)

The CHRP certification helps you learn about office laws and employee benefits. It also teaches leadership skills. So, many companies choose CHRP-certified HR managers.

• Talent Management Practitioner (TMP)

The TMP certification is mostly about hiring the right people. It helps them grow well in the company. It also teaches how to interview, train, and track performance.

In short, to become HR manager, certifications help in career growth and learning new skills. So, many companies want certified HR managers. They know more about laws, hiring, and salary work. Therefore, choosing a good certificate course can help a lot in an HR career.

 

How to Gain Practical Experience in HR to become HR Manager

Practical experience is very important for becoming a good HR manager. It helps students learn HR skills and understand company rules. Also, it assists in managing employees better. Moreover, many companies want skilled HR professionals. They usually prefer those with internship or job experience.

So, you can gain HR experience in many ways. This includes internships, entry-level jobs, and also learning from experts. Now, let’s look at each one in detail.

1. Internships & Entry-Level Jobs

• Why Internships Are Important for HR Students

Internships help students understand real HR work. Through internships, they get hands-on experience in recruitment and payroll. Besides this, they also learn about employee relations and training.

Because of this, many companies like to hire HR professionals with internship experience. This is because it shows they already have basic knowledge and practical skills.

 

• How to Find the Best HR Internships

Finding a good HR internship is easy if students search carefully. Here are some simple ways to find the best ones:

• Company Websites – Many companies post internship openings on their websites.
• Job Portals – Sites like Naukri, LinkedIn, and Internshala list many HR internships.
• College Placement Cells – Many colleges help students find HR internships in well-known companies.
• Networking – Talking to HR workers and teachers can help students learn about job openings. In fact, these openings are sometimes hard to find.

Therefore, students should try for internships at both big and small companies. This way, they can get different types of experience.

 

• Top Companies Offering HR Internships

Many top companies offer HR internships in India. For example, some of them are:

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
• Infosys
• Wipro
• Accenture
• HCL Technologies

So, these companies give great chances to learn. Also, they help students get full-time HR jobs later.

 

2. Entry-Level HR Jobs

1. Job Titles for Freshers in HR

After finishing school, new students can look for entry-level HR jobs. This is how they start their career in human resources. Some common job titles for freshers are:

• HR Assistant – Handles employee records and payroll.
• HR Executive – Manages recruitment and interviews.
• Talent Acquisition Associate – Hires the best employees.
• HR Coordinator – Helps HR managers with training and events.

Hence, freshers should apply for jobs that match their skills and interests.

 

2. How to Apply for the First HR Job

To apply for an HR job, students need a good resume and strong interview skills. Below are some helpful steps:

• Make a strong resume with your education, internships, and skills.
• Look for jobs on Naukri, LinkedIn, and Indeed.
• Apply for many jobs to increase your chances.
• Prepare for interviews by learning HR rules and labour laws.

Also, a positive attitude and good communication skills help a lot. In addition, being confident makes it easier to get your first job.

 

3. Expected Salary for Fresh HR Professionals in India

In India, new HR graduates can get different starting salaries. It usually depends on the company, location, and skills.

• Small companies offer around ₹2-3 lakh per year.
• Big companies offer around ₹3-5 lakh per year.
• With more experience, salaries go even higher.

Therefore, freshers should focus on learning. Over time, this will help them earn better in the future.

 

3. On-the-Job Learning & Growth

1. How to Develop Skills While Working

After getting an HR job, learning must continue. In fact, HR professionals should always improve their skills. Some ways to learn on the job are:

• Doing real tasks like recruitment and payroll.
• Listening to feedback and improving.
• Learning new HR software for better work.

As a result, learning on the job helps in getting promotions and raises.

 

2. Learning from HR Mentors and Senior Managers

Experienced HR professionals can guide new workers. They usually help with:

• Understanding company rules and employee handling.
• Solving problems like employee complaints.
• Making smart career choices in HR.

Therefore, good mentors help new workers grow faster.

 

3. Attending HR Workshops and Industry Events

Workshops and HR events teach about new HR trends, laws, and technology.

• Workshops help students learn from experts.
• Seminars offer chances to meet other HR people.
• Online HR courses help students learn from home.

Altogether, attending events helps students grow their knowledge. Also, it makes them better at their jobs.

Gaining practical HR experience is very important to become HR Manager . That is why, internships, entry-level jobs, and learning from experts help in career growth. So, students should apply early and always keep learning. In the end, this will help them do well in the HR field.

 

Roles and Responsibilities of an HR Manager

An HR Manager is a very important person in a company. They look after hiring and employee relations. They also manage salaries, training, and legal rules. Their job is to make sure employees are happy. They also ensure that everyone works well together.

Moreover, a good HR manager helps the company grow. They also choose skilled workers and create a good work environment.

1. Recruitment & Hiring

How HR Managers Hire Employees

HR managers find and hire the right employees for a company. They look at resumes, take interviews, and choose the best people. Also, they make sure new workers fit the company’s style and culture.

Steps in the Recruitment Process

• Posting job openings on websites and in newspapers
• Choosing resumes based on skills and experience
• Taking interviews to check candidates’ abilities
• Picking the best candidates for the job
• Giving job offer letters and explaining job roles

Therefore, a good hiring process helps the company get the right people.

Campus Hiring and Walk-in Interviews

Many companies hire fresh students through campus placements. So, HR managers go to colleges to find young talent.

Also, walk-in interviews are common. People come to the office for an interview. They do this without setting a time. As a result, hiring becomes faster.

 

2. Employee Relations & Workplace Management

Importance of Employee Satisfaction

A company grows well when employees are happy and feel good. So, HR managers make sure workers feel important. They help build a positive workplace.

Because of this, happy employees stay longer and do better work.

Resolving Workplace Conflicts

Sometimes, employees disagree with each other or with managers. In such cases, HR managers listen to both sides. Then, they help to find a solution.

Hence, a peaceful office helps everyone work better.

Handling Employee Grievances

Employees may have problems like pressure, low pay, or unfair treatment. So, HR managers listen to their problems and take steps to fix them.

That way, employees feel safe and respected at work.

 

3. Payroll & Compensation Management

How HR Managers Manage Salaries and Bonuses

HR managers take care of salaries and give bonuses. They also make sure payments are on time. Along with that, they manage overtime, promotions, and salary hikes.

Moreover, they reward good work with bonuses or extra pay.

Understanding Payroll Laws in India

HR managers follow Indian salary laws. This helps them give the right benefits. For example, they give:

• Minimum wages set by the government
• Provident Fund (PF) and Employee State Insurance (ESI)
• Paid leaves, medical help, and bonuses

Thus, knowing these rules helps companies avoid legal trouble.

 

4. Training & Development

Why Training Employees Is Important

Training helps workers improve their skills and do better at work. Usually, companies teach new employees about their jobs.

Also, regular training helps staff learn new ways to work.

Organizing Workshops and Training Sessions

HR managers plan workshops, online classes, and talks by experts. Some common topics are:

• Teamwork and communication
• Computer use and technical skills
• Safety rules and office behavior

So, good training helps workers grow in their careers.

 

5. HR Compliance & Legal Rules

Important Labor Laws in India

HR managers follow labour laws to protect employees. Some important laws are:

• Minimum Wages Act – Gives fair pay
• Payment of Bonus Act – Gives extra rewards
• Maternity Benefit Act – Gives leave to pregnant women

Following these laws keeps both employees and companies safe.

Handling Company Policies and Workplace Ethics

HR managers create company rules to keep things in order. So, they make sure workers:

• Follow office rules and show good behavior
• Treat others with respect
• Do not allow harassment or unfair treatment

Therefore, good rules create a happy and safe workplace.

HR managers play a very important role in companies. They handle hiring, training, salaries, and legal matters. Also, they care for employee happiness. A skilled HR manager helps the company grow and keeps the workers happy.

 

Career Growth & Future Opportunities in HR

A career in Human Resources (HR) is a great choice. People who enjoy working with people, solving problems, and managing teams. HR professionals assist companies in growing. They do this by hiring skilled workers and fostering a positive workplace.

There are many career growth opportunities in HR. With experience, HR professionals get promotions and better salaries. They can work in various industries. These include IT, banking, healthcare, and government organizations.

1. Promotion Levels in HR

HR professionals begin in entry-level jobs. They advance to better positions as they gain experience and skills.

HR Career Path

1. HR Executive – Handles recruitment, employee records, and payroll.

2. HR Manager – They manage a team and conducts training. They deal with employee issues.

3. HR Director – Plans HR policies and oversees hiring. Manages company rules.

4. CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer) – The top HR position in a company. This person makes big decisions about employees and company policies.

Each career step brings increased responsibilities and a larger salary. Working hard and always learning helps HR professionals advance in their careers. This effort allows them to grow and succeed.

2. Best Sectors for HR Jobs in India

HR professionals are needed in many industries. Some of the best sectors for HR jobs in India include:

• IT and Software Companies

Big IT companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Accenture hire many HR experts. HR managers in IT companies hire software engineers. They manage teams and make policies.

• Banking and Financial Sector

Banks and financial companies have large teams. These includes HDFC, ICICI, SBI, and Axis Bank. HR workers in this sector handle employee benefits and training. They manage the hiring process.

• Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry

Hospitals, healthcare centres, and drug companies need HR managers. They are responsible for managing doctors, nurses, and staff. Apollo Hospitals, Fortis, and Cipla provide solid HR job opportunities.

• Government Organizations

Many government departments hire HR professionals. Jobs in railways, public sector banks, and defence organisations offer job security. They provide good salaries.

HR jobs in government need exams like SSC and UPSC. But, they provide stable career growth.

3. Salary Expectations for HR Managers

HR salaries in India vary based on experience and company size. They depend on the industry.

• Starting Salary for HR Professionals in India

Fresh HR graduates earn ₹2.5 to ₹4 lakh per year in entry-level jobs. HR executives in IT and banking sectors get higher salaries.

• Average Salary of HR Managers at Mid-Level

With 5-10 years of experience, HR managers earn around ₹6 to ₹12 lakh per year. The salary depends on the company and skills.

• High-Paying HR Job Roles and Industries

Find some best-paying HR roles include:

• HR Director – ₹15 to ₹25 lakh per year

• CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer) – ₹30 to ₹50 lakh per year

• HR Consultants – ₹10 to ₹20 lakh per year

Sectors like IT, finance, and multinational companies pay the most for HR jobs. These industries offer the highest salaries.

A career in HR offers many opportunities. HR professionals can achieve advancement and earn good salaries. They can work in various industries. With the right skills and experience, one can become a top-level HR leader.

 

How to Prepare for a Successful HR Career

To become HR manager needs good skills, knowledge, and the right approach. To excel in HR, a solid resume and interview preparations are essential. It’s important to network with experts and continue learning.

• Building a Strong Resume and LinkedIn Profile

A resume is the first thing a company sees when hiring a candidate. It should have clear details about education, skills, and experience.

• Use simple and professional language.

• Add details about internships, projects, and HR certifications.

• Highlight skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

A LinkedIn profile helps HR professionals connect with companies. A strong resume and LinkedIn profile help in getting better HR jobs.

• Preparing for HR Job Interviews

HR job interviews test knowledge, skills, and confidence. Find how to prepare:

• Know about the company before the interview.

• Practice common HR questions, like recruitment process and employee management.

• Show good communication skills and a positive attitude.

• Dress in formal clothes and be confident.

Mock interviews help in improving performance. Preparing well increases chances of getting selected.

• Networking with HR Professionals

Networking helps in learning and finding better job opportunities. HR professionals go to events, workshops, and webinars. They connect with experts there.

Ways to build a strong network:

• Join HR groups on LinkedIn and other platforms.

• Attend HR seminars and job fairs.

• Connect with HR managers and professionals for guidance.

A strong network helps in career growth and learning new trends.

• Continuing Education and Upskilling

HR professionals must keep learning to grow in their careers. New laws, policies, and HR tools keep changing, so learning is important.

Ways to upskill:

• Complete HR certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR.

• Take online courses on HR management.

• Read HR books and blogs to stay updated.

Continuous learning helps in getting promotions and better jobs.

To become HR manager requires a strong resume and good interview skills. It needs networking and continuous learning. With the right steps, one can build a great career in HR.

 

Conclusion

To become a Human Resources (HR) manager, a person needs the right education, skills, and experience. HR managers help companies by finding, training, and supporting employees. They also manage salaries, solve problems, and build a good work environment.

To become an HR manager, one must first complete a degree in HR. After that, they should gain practical experience through internships and entry-level jobs. At the same time, developing soft skills like communication and leadership is also important.

Encouragement to Start Early and Stay Updated:

Starting early, in fact, gives students a head start in building a strong HR career. Learning about people management, business, and labour laws in school can be helpful. It is also useful to understand these topics from a young age. Besides that, improving communication and problem-solving skills will also make a big difference.

The HR field is always changing. New laws, technologies, and trends keep coming. So, HR professionals must keep learning. They can stay updated by reading HR blogs and attending seminars. They should also take new courses to learn more.

Becoming an HR manager can be exciting and rewarding. With hard work, and the right set of skills, students can do well. They can become HR managers in the future and help companies grow.