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What is a human resources business partner and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Sandi Dornhecker
introduction image

A human resources business partner works closely with business leaders to align human resources strategies with organizational goals. They act as a liaison between management and employees. HR business partners provide guidance on employee relations, talent development, and workforce planning. They analyze data to identify trends and provide insights to management for decision making. They also ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations. The role requires strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.

What general advice would you give to a Human Resources Business Partner?

Sandi DornheckerSandi Dornhecker LinkedIn Profile

Vice President of Human Resources, Chicago Zoological Society

To always remain positive. The job market has been flooded with unemployed workers, so the competition may be much steeper than usual, although I've read some articles that say this may not be the case as the number of quality applicants in the workforce remains the same. If you haven't found a position in your desired career yet, take positions and work when and where you can. Give it your all while you are working, strive to excel in your performance, no matter what your job is, and be a dedicated worker while you are there. If one is looking for employment, take your time to review the job(s) and requirements of the positions you are applying for to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications and/or are able to speak to how your skills are transferable; don't just take a shotgun approach. Write a customized cover letter for each position you apply for that reflects how your knowledge, background, and skills apply to the position and why you are interested. Answer all on-line application questions honestly and thoroughly. Write a thank-you note, if you are granted an interview. When you start a new job, be a sponge. Learn as much as you can and be willing to go the extra mile. This is a unique year to start one's career, and a graduate can learn unique lessons in both positive and challenging experiences.
ScoreHuman Resources Business PartnerUS Average
Salary
6.7

Avg. Salary $86,363

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
8.6

Growth Rate 7%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40%

Asian 5.71%

Black or African American 7.65%

Hispanic or Latino 11.14%

Unknown 5.09%

White 70.01%

Gender

female 71.95%

male 28.05%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress Level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.4

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.3

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Human Resources Business Partner?

Pros

  • Influence on company strategy and decision-making

  • Potential for career progression

  • Competitive salary and benefits

  • Opportunity to make a positive impact on employees' work experiences

  • Flexibility in work schedule and location

Cons

  • Heavy workload and long hours during peak periods

  • High stress and pressure to meet deadlines

  • Difficult conversations with employees regarding performance or disciplinary issues

  • Responsibility for enforcing company policies and procedures, even if unpopular

  • Potential for legal liabilities if not well-informed of employment laws and regulations

Human Resources Business Partner career paths

Key steps to become a human resources business partner

  1. Explore human resources business partner education requirements

    Most common human resources business partner degrees

    Bachelor's

    71.3 %

    Master's

    20.6 %

    Associate

    5.3 %

  2. Start to develop specific human resources business partner skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Employee Engagement8.16%
    HRBP5.92%
    Succession Planning5.54%
    Workforce Planning5.10%
    Business Objectives4.20%
    Show more

  3. Research human resources business partner duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the ACA with regard to variable hour employees to avoid fines and penalties.
    • Lead effort to build safety awareness and implement plans to improve working conditions while adhering to OSHA requirements.
    • Manage and audit payroll ensuring accurate timekeeping, processing adjustments, and investigating payroll discrepancies.
    • Manage HRIS system migration to ExponentHR technology platform with full employee/manager self-service eliminating multiple homegrown systems and one service provider.

  4. Prepare your human resources business partner resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your human resources business partner resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a human resources business partner resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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    Human Resources Business Partner Resume
    Human Resources Business Partner Resume
    Human Resources Business Partner Resume
    Human Resources Business Partner Resume

  5. Apply for human resources business partner jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a human resources business partner job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Human Resources Business Partner Job

Zippi

Are you a Human Resources Business Partner?

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Average human resources business partner salary

The average Human Resources Business Partner salary in the United States is $86,363 per year or $42 per hour. Human resources business partner salaries range between $62,000 and $119,000 per year.

Average Human Resources Business Partner Salary
$86,363 Yearly
$41.52 hourly
More human resources business partner salary info

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How do human resources business partners rate their job?

5/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

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2 Stars

1 Star

Human Resources Business Partner reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2021
Pros

Making a difference in the lives of the people and the community where I am employed.

Cons

Decline in business levels and employee layoffs.

profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Helping people throughout the organization

Cons

Lack of control over certain areas of HR

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Autonomy to address HR issues as I see fit. Ability to work with people in all areas of the company, in all roles and at all levels.

Cons

I'm the only HR person, so I don't have a team.

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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