Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for human resources contractors in the United States
Human resources contractor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected human resources contractor job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 12,600 new jobs for human resources contractors are projected over the next decade.
Human resources contractor salaries have increased 13% for human resources contractors in the last 5 years.
There are over 204,029 human resources contractors currently employed in the United States.
There are 52,170 active human resources contractor job openings in the US.
The average human resources contractor salary is $76,953.
Are human resources contractor jobs in demand?
Human resources contractor job and salary trends over time
Human resources contractor jobs over time
Human resources contractor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 204,029 | 0.06% |
| 2020 | 183,712 | 0.05% |
| 2019 | 180,378 | 0.05% |
| 2018 | 168,411 | 0.05% |
| 2017 | 158,252 | 0.05% |
Average human resources contractor salary over time
Human resources contractor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $76,953 | $37.00 | +3.9% |
| 2024 | $74,097 | $35.62 | +3.0% |
| 2023 | $71,926 | $34.58 | +2.9% |
| 2022 | $69,907 | $33.61 | +3.0% |
| 2021 | $67,869 | $32.63 | +2.4% |
Human resources contractor jobs by state
Most common states for human resources contractors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 193 | 28% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 146 | 11% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 102 | 11% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 672 | 10% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 62 | 10% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 67 | 9% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 647 | 8% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 436 | 8% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 85 | 8% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 56 | 8% |
| 11 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 44 | 8% |
| 12 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 898 | 7% |
| 13 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 690 | 7% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 549 | 7% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 376 | 7% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 306 | 7% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 211 | 7% |
| 18 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 210 | 7% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 136 | 7% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 89 | 7% |
Human Resources Contractor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of human resources contractor experts
University of Maine
Portland State University
Angelo State University
Utah State University
Washington State University- Vancouver
Temple University
University of Richmond
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Grand Valley State University
Saint Leo University
University of Maine at Machias
Kansas State University
Zones, LLC
Superior Restaurant Group
University of La Verne
University of New Hampshire
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
NC State University
Caldwell university
What general advice would you give to a Human Resources Contractor?
Billy Obenauer PhD: Invest in yourself. You will likely change employers several times over the course of your career. You need to focus on continuous self-improvement and ensuring that you will have value in the job market. No matter what an employer wants you to believe, there is limited job security in today’s workplace. You own responsibility for your own career.
What general advice would you give to a Human Resources Contractor?
Talya Bauer Ph.D.: HRM professionals play a strategic role in aligning HR practices with organizational goals, ensuring a positive and productive work environment, and fostering a culture of employee engagement.
What Human Resources Contractor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Talya Bauer Ph.D.: Entering the Human Resource Management (HRM) field can be an excellent career choice for several compelling reasons, especially in today's dynamic and evolving workplace. Glassdoor.com ranks HR management as one of the nation’s top five career opportunities based on average starting salary, job satisfaction, and employer demand.
What will help Human Resources Contractors increase their earning potential?
Talya Bauer Ph.D.: Individuals like many things about being an HRM professional, such as having diverse responsibilities, good pay, opportunities to build relationships, and feeling like they are making a positive impact. Some challenges include handling difficult employment situations and conversations, administrative burdens, navigating organizational politics and multiple stakeholders, and dealing with employee grievances and terminations.
What general advice would you give to a Human Resources Contractor?
Alex Johnson: We're researching an article for graduates entering the job market with a degree in Human Resources Management, and hope to quote a professor at Saint Peter's University.
What Human Resources Contractor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alex Johnson: We are looking for insights into what Human Resources Management majors can expect at their jobs. I have two weeks before the article is due :)
What will help Human Resources Contractors increase their earning potential?
Alex Johnson: I hope you are well. Would you be able to assist with the request?
John Wegner
Professor, English and Modern LanguagesAngelo State University
English Language And Literature
What Human Resources Contractor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Wegner: As artificial intelligence begins dominating and replacing technological skills, people who can display empathy, critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovatively adapt data to appear to diverse audiences will be increasingly in demand. In many ways, the advent of the AI world, I suspect, will put Humanities majors in more demand than ever. While I don't think AI will replace coders or data analysts, we should note that machine learning is quickly leveling the playing field with regards to those specific skill sets. AI, though, can not use the data creatively or in ways that connect to another human being.
What general advice would you give to a Human Resources Contractor?
John Wegner: New workers must be willing to advocate for their own workloads and accomplishments. Too often managers privilege charisma over competence. When we start our career, we should keep updating our resumes and continue logging accomplishments. Be willing to volunteer for tasks others might avoid. Learn all the aspects of your job possible so you can work effectively on multiple teams within the organization. That knowledge and achievements can become part of a personnel file or portfolio for promotion or a new job search. The fastest way to increase your salary is to prove you are in demand by getting other job offers.
What will help Human Resources Contractors increase their earning potential?
John Wegner: Cliched though it may sound, I tell our soon-to-be graduates that 'Hustle beats talent unless talent hustles.' As new employees in any job, we encourage our graduates to find a mentor, ask questions, and be willing to work hard enough to display your skillset. Employers are often a bit skeptical about humanities majors, but an English major should have the ability to understand her audience and communicate effectively with diverse groups of people. Most importantly, English majors need to explain how their skills reading complex novels and poetry translate to analytics, sales, management, and other professions.
Bruce Boucher
Lecturer and Director, Professional Master of Human Resource ProgramUtah State University
Management, Master of Human Resources Departments
What skills stand out on Human Resources Contractor resumes?
Bruce Boucher: Actually working in HR, having additional credentials like an MHR, SPHR, and having specific experiences in specific areas of HR.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Contractors possess?
Bruce Boucher: Being an Entrepreneur of Talent, being comfortable working in teams, enlisting trust through actions, being empathetic.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Resources Contractors?
Bruce Boucher: HAVE to know the HR basics. Experience with HRIS, Benefits renewals, pay, etc. REALLY know coaching and a variety of tools available to aid the business and the human capital.
What skills will help Human Resources Contractors earn the most?
Bruce Boucher: Being a legitimate business partner and being concerned for the overall welfare of the business. Wearing well and helping over time. Too many young consultants who know 1 or 2 things well and not much more.
Adriana Thomas
Advisor, Internship Coordinator, InstructorWashington State University- Vancouver
Department of Human Development
What skills stand out on Human Resources Contractor resumes?
Adriana Thomas: Organization. Students are often interested in administrative work, supporting a company and employees (the company may be working with clients, so the HR department is supporting them in that work), policies.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Contractors possess?
Adriana Thomas: People skills. Communication, collaboration.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Resources Contractors?
Adriana Thomas: Keeping track of details, attention to detail.
What skills will help Human Resources Contractors earn the most?
Adriana Thomas: Leadership skills. Drive, ambition, and commitment to a company. Students may start in an entry-level position and then are often promoted over time.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Resources Contractors?
Daniel Goldberg: Having an in-depth knowledge of how the most important areas of production operate.
What skills will help Human Resources Contractors earn the most?
Daniel Goldberg: If you can show that you have mastered the above skills, you should be in a good position to get a well-paying position.
What skills stand out on Human Resources Contractor resumes?
Daniel Goldberg: a) Understanding the legal aspects of Human Resources as well as the nuances of the organization you work for or to which you are applying.
b) Knowing how to lead and work productively within the culture, vision, and mission of organizations.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Contractors possess?
Daniel Goldberg: The ability to communicate effectively, openly, empathically, and directly (without ambiguity) while making sure members within the organization understand their roles.
What skills will help Human Resources Contractors earn the most?
John Barr: Companies are focused on their bottom line. If you can help the company improve its performance by hiring and retaining quality candidates while demonstrating an ability to save it money by dealing with workplace conflicts and legal requirements before these explode into litigation, you should be well placed to earn a high level of compensation.
What skills stand out on Human Resources Contractor resumes?
John Barr: Skills such as an ability to conduct workplace investigations, develop a diverse workforce, and an ability to help a company meet its various goals while complying with its legal obligations are vital aspects of any resume.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Contractors possess?
John Barr: The ability to get along with people. HR managers frequently must resolve workplace conflicts, investigate incidents of harassment or discrimination, or deal with employees who are in danger of losing their job. A critical soft skill is managing these issues when emotions may be running high while focusing on protecting the company's interests and advancing its various goals.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Resources Contractors?
John Barr: The most important hard/technical skills are experience and training in such areas as workplace investigations, overseeing various employee programs and documentation related to leaving, handbooks, job descriptions, wages, benefits, hiring, and terminations, developing a diverse workforce, and training in the future of the workforce.
Anthony Nyberg
Department Chair and Professor, Program Director, Master of Human ResourcesUniversity of South Carolina - Columbia
Management Department
What skills stand out on Human Resources Contractor resumes?
Anthony Nyberg: The most important skill for HR managers as they enter the workforce is professionalism (and everything that goes into this, including being on time, doing what one says they will do, etc.)
This shows up on resumes by having held responsible positions for an appropriate period, leading to positive recommendations from prior employers, teachers, leaders, etc. The item that stands out most on a resume is a strong HR internship.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Contractors possess?
Anthony Nyberg: In general, the "soft" skills are actually the hardest, and the most important of these skills involves strong communication and an ability to work in teams - most jobs and all companies require people to work together, and this is a very challenging skill, but imperative in the modern workforce.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Resources Contractors?
Anthony Nyberg: HR, like many work environments, is driven by using data to address challenges. This requires a strong analytical foundation.
What skills will help Human Resources Contractors earn the most?
Anthony Nyberg: The skills that lead, in the short term, to the highest earnings involve analytical skills. The skills that lead to the highest earnings over time include professionalism and strong interpersonal skills. If you can master both, you have created the foundation for a very strong career in HR.
Dan Wiljanen Ph.D.
Affiliate of Practice Professor, SHRM Student Chapter AdviserGrand Valley State University
Seidman College of Business
What skills stand out on Human Resources Contractor resumes?
Dan Wiljanen Ph.D.: The categories below stand out on Human Resource Coordinator resumes. Specific skills vary from resume to resume, but the categories have been relatively stable over time.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Contractors possess?
Dan Wiljanen Ph.D.: Soft Skills
-Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
-Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
-Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
-Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
-Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
-Coordination - Adjusting actions concerning others' actions.
-Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
-Competencies - Blend of skills, abilities, and knowledge
-Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
-Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
-Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
-Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
-Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and considerable variety in the workplace.
-Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
-Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and understanding and helpful on the job.
-Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone and being personally connected with others on the job.
-Analytical Thinking - The job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
-Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Resources Contractors?
Dan Wiljanen Ph.D.: Knowledge of the HR Discipline
-Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
-Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
-Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, government regulations, and executive orders.
-Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for training design, implementation, and evaluation.
Technology Skills
-Enterprise resource planning ERP software
-Human resources software - Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
-Office suite software
-Project management software
-Web page creation and editing software
-Word processing software
What skills will help Human Resources Contractors earn the most?
Dan Wiljanen Ph.D.: For college graduates seeking the HR Coordinator job role, the following might help them stand out and therefore get a higher starting salary:
-Internship experience
-Actual job experience in HR
-Supervisory experience
-Study abroad
-Active membership in a student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
-Being a member of the national and local SHRM chapter
-Participant in a mentorship program
-Major or minor in Human Resource Management
-Grade point average
Additional Information
Skills that will help an HR coordinator earn the most can be found in the SHRM Competency Model for early career professionals. To get hired at a higher pay rate or earn more money in the early career stage, the SHRM competency model is a good guide. It represents what employers are seeking in HR candidates.
The SHRM Competency Model - Please review the competencies for "early-career" professionals, pages 12 - 55. You will find Competency clusters, sub-competencies, and behaviors. The information includes the proficiencies expected of entry-level HR professionals.
J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Management & Human ResourcesSaint Leo University
Management & Operations Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Resources Contractors?
J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D.: Even though these skills are much more trainable, it helps if HR professionals are familiar with HR information systems.
There are too many to name them all here (sorry, no free advertising)! It would be difficult for a candidate to be familiar with every platform a company might use for their HRIS, but it is good to know that they generally work in the same ways.
If the company asks if you have experience with a particular platform that you have never heard of, always be truthful but still be ready to ask intelligent questions about it: "I'm not too familiar with that platform, but I'd be curious to know about your employees' experiences with it. How long have you been using it, and how robust is the self-service interface?"
What skills stand out on Human Resources Contractor resumes?
J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D.: First and foremost, communication skills - this is what you will see somewhere on every HR coordinator job posting. But there's a difference between simply saying you have "excellent communication skills" and providing evidence!
In your resume, be sure to highlight how you used your communication skills to get things done in your previous job titles. Write something like: "Effectively communicated complex plans and new initiatives verbally and in writing to diverse teams across the organization." This tells me that this candidate knows how to talk to and write to people in very different roles in ways that they will understand.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Contractors possess?
J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D.: FYI, soft skills are a lot more difficult to train than hard skills. This is part of the reason that there is so much demand for soft skills - for the most part, they need to be innate to the candidate.
Here again, communication comes up - and here, it is important to recognize that communication is much more than just telling people. A good communicator is a great listener. He knows when to speak his mind and when to wait and see what happens. She knows how to collaborate effectively with people and how to take action when needed.
What skills will help Human Resources Contractors earn the most?
J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D.: In any field, it helps to be able to demonstrate you are qualified by presenting professional certification. Certification is shorthand for all soft and hard skills that an employer would want a new hire to have. You can say that you have the skills; you can demonstrate that you have the skills if you get the chance. Alternatively, you can show that an external organization has assessed your skills and found you worthy by presenting your certificate. Most upper-level HR professionals hold one or more certifications in compensation, strategic human resources, or talent development, demonstrating that they have the experience and the know-how to get the job done.
Robert Tropea
Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurial Studies.University of Maine at Machias
Department of Business and Professional Studies
What skills stand out on Human Resources Contractor resumes?
Robert Tropea: The Human Resource Coordinator provides clerical duties for the organization's human resource department. This individual provides administrative support and assistance to the HR Manager in recruiting projects to fill open positions within the company. The HR Coordinator may likely also assist in guiding new employees through many other human resource processes to include benefits, payroll, and a whole variety of the duties and responsibilities associated with the position the individual has been hired for. In essence, the coordinator must be aware of and possess much of the HR Managers skill set."
Although work experience in a particular field would stand out most in an individual's resume, these experiences may not exist for a recent college graduate. So, lacking specific experience, among the more important skills to provide, could include an "internship" opportunity within an HR department or specific courses in your school related to the HR function. In my opinion, however, is my strong belief in "Certifications" For example at our university we offer a "Certification" in Human Resource Management.
Human Resource Management Certificate - 18 credits
Complete all of the following:
-BUS 324 - Labor Relations Management
-BUS 325 - Business Ethics & Social Responsibility
-MAN 301 - Management
-MAN 315 - Essentials of Negotiation
- MAN 332 - Human Resource Management
Complete one of the following:
-BUS 332 - Leadership
-MAN 313 - Managerial Decision Making
-MAN 318 - Human Behavior in Organizations
-MAN 321 - Operations & Project Management
Since all these courses are offered within most Business Degree programs as either required or elective, a student can earn this or most "Certifications" with careful planning.
The completion of a certificate of this sort is a very close equivalent to the actual experience in the field.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Contractor job market given the pandemic?
Anthony Ferraro Ph.D.: One of the things that we are seeing at the moment is a move toward remote work. Over the last year we saw many of our student internships and work placements operating in a remote space. There is some suggestion that this style work may continue. Reducing overhead for physical spaces when work can be done remotely and comfort-level with remote work has increased is likely a contributing factor there. Given some of the trends we are seeing in mental health and demands on counseling services, I foresee increased opportunity in that space. One of the things that is most appealing about each of these trends to our students is that in either scenario being "location locked" (due to family obligations or unwillingness to relocate) will not be an issue and that these emerging professionals will be able to make a difference in their own communities. Many of our students place a high value on impacting change, particularly at the local level.
What technical skills for a Human Resources Contractor stand out to employers?
Anthony Ferraro Ph.D.: Transferable skills sounds like a cliche but it is one of the strengths for our students which allows a diverse range of career options both within our field and outside of it. Some of the most consistent skills that we attempt to foster and seem to be important for prospective employers include: strong interpersonal communication skills including listening and advanced technical writing, understanding of program development and evaluation, community outreach, etc. While I wouldn't quite consider these skills, many of our students demonstrate high levels of empathy, have firm knowledge of social issues and human development processes, as well as a baseline understanding of the policymaking process in the U.S. and within our state. This combination of skills and knowledge lends itself well to work with nonprofit organizations, public and private agencies, and work with the cooperative extension network most directly. However, many of our students also use these skills to move into health-related professions, including occupational therapy and nursing, as well as counseling professions including marriage and family therapy, school counseling, social work, etc. Many students will complement their undergraduate studies in HDFS with graduate degrees that will further enhance their competitiveness and/or provide the technical training, certification, and/or licensure needed.
How have salaries changed over time for Human Resources Contractors?
Anthony Ferraro Ph.D.: This is a hard question as I feel as though the reach of our field has pretty drastically shifted over time, with more and more of our students moving across sectors (really to my point about transferable skills above). As such, I would say the best description would be that the range of earning potential has increased, with less restriction on what the top end of salary potential can be. As far as projecting forward, there is high demand in the workforce for our students and overwhelming most have jobs lined up or are already in positions prior to graduation.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Contractor job market given the pandemic?
Adrianne Keeler: The biggest trends in the job market due to the pandemic that I think we will see are candidate demanded workplace flexibility/remote work options, as well as increased importance put on work life balance as candidates pick their employers.
-The pandemic had the workforce as a whole sitting back and examining what is important to them in both life and work, and as I speak to candidates the importance of things like PTO, working from home, flexible hours, benefits and more have become increasingly important.
-Remote work for roles that have never been remote before is surging post pandemic! Again, candidates want to be where they want AND they want the jobs they want--and this is driving employers to offer roles as a remote option in order to obtain the best talent on the market.
How have salaries changed over time for Human Resources Contractors?
Adrianne Keeler: Salaries in our field have gotten more and more competitive, and have continued to rise. Not only with the base wage, but really with the commission side of earnings. To remain a competitive employer in our industry, companies have made the commissions uncapped and thrown other incentives into the wages as well.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Contractors possess?
Adrianne Keeler: Soft skills that all graduates should possess and make sure they display during the interview process are public speaking/presentation skills (and specifically the ability to speak and present to various levels of audiences), persuasion/hunting/competitive mentality (especially when targeting working for sales organizations like Zones! We want to know that this soft skill set is natural for you!), coachability (graduates are going to have to learn and retain a lot of information, and are bound to need coaching- are they going to take it?), and lastly a flexible positive attitude. (These times demand flexibility in the workplace, things are pivoting all the time! And the ability to remain positive is key to success with both internal and external customers.)
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Contractor job market given the pandemic?
Brandi Sechrist: The trend we are currently seeing due to the pandemic is lack of applicant flow. I would encourage those coming into the restaurant business to think outside of the box on attracting candidates.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Human Resources Contractors?
Brandi Sechrist: We don't require any certain certifications/licenses/courses to obtain a management position. While in training, all managers must complete achieve Servsafe certification.
How have salaries changed over time for Human Resources Contractors?
Brandi Sechrist: Salaries have risen over the years but not drastically.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Contractor job market given the pandemic?
Yehia Mortagy: The Corona pandemic identified several changes/possibilities:
-Working from home.
-Analytics can (and do) (1) increase productivity and (2) identify new products.
As such, I suspect future trends will be (or continue to be):
-Analytics
-A.I. for work force automation.
-Device connectivity (sensors on devices that collect data in a manner similar to Alexa). You may look at M. Porter's articles in Harvard Business Review on Smart connected devices.
-E-Business (defined as conducting business interactions and not limited to commerce) and its various components. For example, fulfilment, distribution, online learning and teaching).
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Human Resources Contractors?
Yehia Mortagy: As such courses and certificates would include those that support the above trends. This includes (in no particle order) SAS certification, Python or similar packages, Data Analytics, Supply chain, and Analysis in order to understand/computerize processes.
Jonathan Nash Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of AccountingUniversity of New Hampshire
Paul College of Business and Economics
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Contractor job market given the pandemic?
Jonathan Nash Ph.D.: In most years accounting firms have a visible presence on campus. They host networking sessions, resume reviews, and other events promoting professional development. Because of the pandemic firms now offer virtual sessions to help students gain insight into this profession and firm culture. Similarly, interviews, internships, and leadership training events have all moved online.
Despite these changes, employment opportunities have remained strong. Firms need accounting information to make decisions irrespective of macro-level economic conditions. As a result, demand for accounting majors is fairly inelastic (in the press accounting is often referred to as a "recession proof" majorwww.cnbc.com. Initial data suggests our placement rate for this year will be in the mid-90's, consistent with prior years, and salaries remain high (median starting salary of approximately $60,000) relative to most other majors.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Human Resources Contractors?
Jonathan Nash Ph.D.: Most firms expect students to have a plan for obtaining a CPA license when they're hired. Students must have an undergraduate degree to sit for the CPA exams, so most undergraduates begin taking exams after receiving their degree. Graduate students take the CPA exams while enrolled in the MSA program. Other certifications improve a student's resume, but are not the primary determinant of placement.
How have salaries changed over time for Human Resources Contractors?
Jonathan Nash Ph.D.: Starting salaries for UNH graduates have increased steadily over time. For our last graduating class the median starting salary was approximately $60,000.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Human Resources Contractors?
Mike Polites: Yes. The pandemic is reshaping the way we communicate individually, as part of teams, within the professional world, and with our family and friends. What was not common or acceptable pre-pandemic has now become commonplace. For example, it is commonplace for employers to conduct job interviews via Zoom whereas they may have been used to having candidates come in for an interview. That poses both benefits and drawbacks for graduates. One benefit is that graduates may now have an opportunity to branch out and look for jobs in cities they they may not have thought about before since they would likely be interviewing for the position online. That is beneficial for employers too because they don't have to spend the money to fly the candidate to the interview. The downside to doing things like this is that while Zoom is great, it does limit the communication. For example, whether your're talking to a potential employer or even a family member living elsewhere, you don't have the benefit of seeing their nonverbal communication. If I'm sharing some difficult news with a family member, I can't see if their hands are shaking, or their leg is bouncing (on Zoom) which would indicate nervousness. That may affect how I deliver the message.
All of this is to say that YES indeed the pandemic will continue to impact our communication on all of us, not just graduates.
What technical skills for a Human Resources Contractor stand out to employers?
Mike Polites: Again I believe that this will largely depend on the industry the graduate goes into. But there are some skills that will stand out regardless. In my opinion those might include skills such as knowledge of multiple computer programs; not just Microsoft Office, but website development programs, creative graphic programs, social media management programs, etc. I have a former student who designates on her calendar every Friday morning for 90 minutes she teaches herself a new program, or at least familiarizes herself with it. I love this! What a great dedication to making herself more marketable in the workforce. Other skills that are important include video creation, learning industry-specific software (do a little research on this to prepare for a job interview), project management, data analysis, and strong research skills.
I'd be remissed if I didn't add that technical skills are important to pair with what many call "soft skills" or what I like to refer to as "necessary skills" such as interpersonal communication, communicating well on teams, critical thinking, problem solving/conflict management, and presentation skills.
What's a good job out of college for Human Resources Contractors?
Mike Polites: In my opinion, "good" is a relative word. Before the pandemic I had a job speaking to 500 incoming freshmen and their parents twice a week during the summer as part of college orientation. To me, that's a good (great! fun!) job. Other people may think that is their worst nightmare gettting in front of that many people. A good job is one that brings someone joy, doing something they are developing a passion for (which can take time), one that pays a liveable wage, and one that is personally fulfilling. Obviously, this picture will look different for different students/graduates. When students ask me about this I alway remind them of two things: 1) internships and informational interviews are a great way to gain insight into jobs/careers that might be a good fit, 2) the likelyhood of staying not only at your first job after college but even staying with your first career, for the rest of your life, are highly unlikely. People change majors, jobs, and even entire careers/fields frequently. To that end, if you wind up "settling" for a job after college because you need to pay the rent, and after a year or two you realize it's not your thing, you can look for something that is a better fit. Just be mindful of job-hopping every couple years as that becomes a bit of a red flag to future employers. To quote the late Neil Peart, drummer and lyrisist for my favorite band Rush: "Change aren't permanant. But Change is."
Thomas Byrnes
Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Marketing Faculty Adviser, American Marketing AssociationNC State University
Department of Business Management
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Contractor job market given the pandemic?
Thomas Byrnes: What I am hearing from the employers and the students (recent hires and those searching for jobs) is that companies are looking for people who are self-motivated, focused, technology proficient and flexible. Most work environments are currently remote (from the HQ location) and it appears that many of those companies are looking at a flexible work environment whereby employees can work from home several days a week in the post pandemic time period.
It appears that there has been no lack of productivity of employees working from home and the technology allows for productive meetings, collaboration with team members and reduction in expenses. But, I do see a reduction in job offers currently. Here at NC State (Poole college of management), we had a career fair this past week and we witnessed a decrease in the number of companies available to interview students. Additionally, I haven't seen that much attrition with recent hires jumping to other jobs since there appears to be fewer opportunities. Hopefully, our career fair in the fall 2021 will see an increase in the number of employers at the event.
What's a day at work look like for a Human Resources Contractor?
Thomas Byrnes: Obviously, there is quite a bit of "screen time". Zoom meetings, virtual client meetings, peer team meetings, etc. are probably what they will be spending quite a bit of time with. So, it is important that a recent graduate is comfortable with electronic calendaring. It is important though that they have a reasonable work-life balance. They need to ensure that they build time into their schedules for breaks which could include lunch breaks as well as time to physically complete some exercise. It is vital that these graduates can find a work place in their home environment that is relatively free from distractions.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Contractors possess?
Thomas Byrnes: Obviously, employers are seeking candidates from certain disciplines such as marketing, finance, supply chain, accounting, etc. But, what distinguishes the candidates is their enthusiasm, passion and strong interest in the company they are interviewing with. There is an expression that I have heard from several recruiters: "we hire for attitude and train for ability". It is vital that candidates have a thorough understanding of the company they are interviewing with, that they come prepared with questions for the recruiter and show a strong interest in working for that company. Obviously, the students have to demonstrate strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, listen well to the questions they are asked and simple things such as "eye contact". This is important even in virtual interviews!
Dr. Ranjit Nair
Assistant Professor of ManagementCaldwell university
School of Business and Computer Science
What's a good job out of college for Human Resources Contractors?
Dr. Ranjit Nair: Entry-level people analytics positions are mushrooming in the modern workplace. New undergraduates with good spreadsheet analysis skills who know how to present trends and information meaningfully are already in high demand. The unprecedented worldwide remote work actions taken in response to COVID-19 have caused the digital economy to grow and, in turn, placed a heavy focus on employee health and wellness. Organizations will be looking for HR professionals with strong competencies in empathy to develop a holistic (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual) view of employee wellbeing. I think this will result in new HR roles focused on well-being as a business strategy for increasing employee retention. In addition, diversity, inclusion, and equity will become big issues in the workplace and organizations will look to have people and culture ambassadors ready to assist employees to safely navigate and have good experiences in the new world of work. The premise is that investing in these initiatives and roles will enhance organizational agility, drive collaboration, and boost innovation.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Contractor job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Ranjit Nair: 2021 will be a reset year for human resource management (HR) in many ways as a result of the chaos seen around the world in 2020 that caused monumental shifts in how we work, where we work, and the technologies we use to stay connected. This alone will reshape the HR function and escalate its role within organizations. Employees as well as senior organizational leaders will look to HR to guide them in navigating the "new normal" and also to what the future of work will look like, what new jobs will emerge, and how existing jobs will be designed going forward. This will also have significant implications for pay and benefits. The typical "one-size-fit-all" approach to rewarding employees will give way to more personalized or customized pay. Furthermore, employee well-being will be of prime concern to organizational leaders and HR will be charged with leading this effort.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Human Resources Contractors?
Dr. Ranjit Nair: Agile technologies and processes will be highly sought credentials for many HR jobs as well as certifications or expertise in virtual reality (for behavioral/personality assessments and work simulations during the recruiting process). In addition, HR will need to step up its data analytics capabilities by offering just-in-time and predictive insights from retention of key personnel to performance management to the engagement levels of critical senior leaders. Not only will this data- and process-driven approach solidify HR's role in the C-suite but also will help the organization solve key people challenges proactively. Therefore, it will help one's job prospects to have certifications in the statistical programming languages R or Python. In addition, leadership skills and credentials will be even more coveted. Among other nationally-accredited business programs, Caldwell University's School of Business and Computer Science offers pathways for certification in organizational leadership and management for traditional and adult undergraduate and graduate students.