How to Hire an HR Manager

A strong human resources (HR) department is essential for any business, and at the core of this department is the HR manager. Small and large businesses alike should have at least one person in the role, but if you’ve never hired an HR manager before, knowing where to start can be confusing. What does an HR manager actually do? How much should you pay them? Are there requirements to be an HR manager that you need to be aware of? This guide will cover all of that and provide you with a template for an HR manager job description as well as great interview questions to ask your candidates.

Why Hire an HR Manager?

If HR is just one of your many hats or if your business is expanding, then you need to hire a dedicated HR manager. They oversee your most important asset: your employees. Life at your company will get very messy if you don’t have someone who can handle hiring, conflict management, salaries and benefits, compliance, and more – especially if you’re planning on growing your business or undergoing a hiring bonanza in the future.

HR managers also play a pivotal role in organizational planning and structure, ensuring that human capital aligns with business goals. Hiring an HR manager who is knowledgeable in these areas will ensure that your company runs at its full potential.

What Does an HR Manager Do?

An HR manager’s duties will depend on the size of the company and the HR department, but generally they will develop and implement the HR policies, procedures, and programs of an organization. You can rely on an HR manager to handle:

Recruitment and Onboarding: Attracting, hiring, and integrating new employees into the organization.
Employee Development: Identifying training needs and arranging for employees to develop the necessary skills to fill those gaps.
Benefits Administration: Overseeing employee benefits, including salary, health insurance, and retirement plans.
Employee Relations: Addressing any concerns or complaints brought forward by employees.
Legal Compliance: Ensuring the company adheres to all employment laws and regulations, like the FMLA or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Performance Management: Overseeing appraisal systems and feedback mechanisms.

Highest Education Level

HR managers offer the following education background

Bachelor's Degree (46.8%)

Master's Degree (32.2%)

Associate's Degree (6.3%)

High School or GED (5.3%)

Vocational Degree or Certification (4.9%)

Doctorate Degree (3.2%)

Some College (1.1%)

Some High School (0.2%)

Qualifications / Skills

The following top skills are often required or desired to land an HR manager position

HR Policies & Procedures, Employment Law, New Hire Orientation, Open Enrollment, HR Systems, HR Analytics, Human Resources (HR) Operations, HR Metrics, Human Resources Information System, Unemployment Claims, Employee Investigations, HR Compliance, New Hire Training, Employee Grievances, HR Leadership

Average Work Experience

Here's a breakdown of the years of experience offered by HR managers

4-6 years (54.2%)

8-10 years (16.7%)

2-4 years (12.5%)

6-8 years (12.5%)

1-2 years (4.2%)

Requirements to Be an HR Manager

While there are no legal requirements or certifications needed to be an HR manager, certifications such as PHR (Professional in Human Resources) or SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional) from recognized bodies like the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) or SHRM, can enhance a candidate’s credibility.

In terms of education, most HR managers will have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field. An advanced degree, like a master’s in HR or an MBA, can be an added advantage.

Because it’s a managerial position, candidates should have at least four years of experience. Prior to becoming an HR manager, individuals might have roles such as HR assistant, HR specialist, or HR generalist.

Certifications and degrees only tell one part of the story, though. Look for these soft skills and hard skills when evaluating HR manager candidates:

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
The ability to work in a dynamic environment
An analytical mindset with strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
A proficiency in HR-related software
A strong understanding of labor laws
The ability and knowledge to train employees

It’s essential to benchmark salaries in your specific region and industry to offer competitive compensation. Use iHire’s Salary Research Tool to help you set a salary for your business.

Sample HR Manager Job Description

A well-written job ad is always important, but especially for HR managers. To attract the best candidates, make sure you have the basics of what makes a good job ad covered first. Then, include a section on what makes your company a great place to work. Many HR managers want to know that they’ll be working in an environment that values its employees.

Use the following HR manager job description to get started:

HR Manager

[Company Name] is looking for a seasoned HR Manager to lead our human resources practices and objectives, supporting our ongoing expansion. We believe that our most significant asset is our people, and we’ve always prided ourselves on fostering a work environment that encourages growth, innovation, and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and implement HR strategies in line with company objectives.
Oversee recruitment processes to attract top-tier talent and ensure smooth onboarding experiences.
Design compensation and benefits packages.
Advocate for employee development, spearhead training sessions, and identify training needs.
Serve as a bridge between management and employees, addressing any concerns or complaints to ensure satisfaction.
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations concerning employment.
Lead performance appraisal processes to inspire and evaluate staff growth.

Qualifications:

Proven experience as an HR Manager or relevant HR executive role.
Knowledge of HR functions (pay and benefits, recruitment, training and development, etc.).
Comprehensive understanding of labor laws and employment legislation.
Strong leadership and communication abilities.
BS/BA in business administration, human resources, or a relevant field; further certifications will be an advantage.

Why Join [Company Name]?

Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package.
Get opportunities for professional growth and development.
Join an inclusive and diverse work environment.
Work alongside a passionate and talented team.
Engage in company-wide events and team-building activities.
Access employee discounts and other perks.

HR Manager Interview Questions

Interviewing an HR manager candidate requires a combination of questions that address their technical knowledge, experience, interpersonal skills, and strategic mindset. Here are some sample questions to consider:

Describe a challenging HR issue you’ve faced, and how you addressed it.
How do you ensure the organization remains compliant with ever-changing employment laws?
How do you handle conflicts between employees or between an employee and management?
Describe a time when you had to handle a particularly challenging employee relations issue. What was the situation, and how did you handle it?
Describe a successful employee development program or initiative you’ve implemented.
How do you approach diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
How do you stay updated with the latest HR trends and technologies?
Can you briefly describe your experience with HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems)? Which systems are you most familiar with?
How do you manage the balance between business needs and employee satisfaction?