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Human resources manager skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Vinh Nguyen Ph.D.,

J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D.

One of the most important hard skills a human resources manager can possess is experience creating and implementing performance management processes, as well as handling and supervising payroll. It's also important for human resources managers to have the hard skill of monitoring the organization's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance.

When it comes to soft skills, human resource managers should demonstrate strong customer service skills and should ensure that customer service needs are met across the board. Human resource managers need to ensure compliance with workplace policies, so effective communication and leadership skills are also crucial.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical human resources manager skills. We ranked the top skills for human resources managers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 7.9% of human resources manager resumes contained performance management as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a human resources manager needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 human resources manager skills for your resume and career

1. Performance Management

Here's how human resources managers use performance management:

Raised employee morale by facilitating performance management training for managers which strengthened their abilities in implementing fair, consistent performance expectations.
Administered interim and annual performance evaluations for direct reports consisting of performance management, documentation maintenance, progressive discipline and termination.

2. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how human resources managers use customer service:

Communicated and upheld the company s excellent customer service procedures, assured accurate data entry, coordinated resolution of customer complaints.
Conducted compensation studies, proposed changes, and implemented plans for Customer Service representatives; significantly reduced turnover and improved marketability.

3. Payroll Processing

Here's how human resources managers use payroll processing:

Project assignment; compensation/call center: Supervised daily activities of Human Resources Call Center/records and payroll processing team.
Streamlined payroll function by implementing computer based timekeeping for hourly employees resulting in efficient and accurate payroll processing.

4. HRIS

Here's how human resources managers use hris:

Reviewed and analyzed HRIS capabilities and worked with system consultants to modify the configuration to deliver Employee Self Service functionality.
Managed HRIS to effectively maintain administrative and staffing functions; fostered relations with other business leaders in associate facilities.

5. Employee Engagement

Here's how human resources managers use employee engagement:

Led team and individual development sessions, which included strengths-based development employee engagement activities, and regular performance and development meetings.
Design and deliver leadership training modules on topics including organizational alignment, employee engagement, succession planning, and compensation philosophy.

6. EEO

Here's how human resources managers use eeo:

Monitored division compliance with standard laws and regulations relating to EEO, affirmative action, unemployment compensation.
Conducted EEO investigations and reviewed for accuracy and completeness those EEO investigations that were conducted by others.

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7. Succession Planning

Here's how human resources managers use succession planning:

Incorporated into Talent Management/Succession Planning process including competency calibration.
Consulted with department managers on staffing needs resulting in the development and implementation of an organizational recruitment and succession planning strategy.

8. Workers Compensation

Here's how human resources managers use workers compensation:

Represented organization at workers compensation, unemployment opportunity commission and other proceedings in coordination with corporate Human Resources and Legal department.
Managed the day-to-day departmental operations including Workers Compensation Claims, tracking of vacation/sick leave, benefits administration, and employee relations.

9. Safety Program

Safety programs are a series of measures to protect employees from any mishaps and make the work environment safer. Safety programs include checklists, guidelines, and direct procedures that a specific area or department must follow. Safety programs take care of office space safety, maintenance and repairs, and identification of frauds as well.

Here's how human resources managers use safety program:

Establish operational safety programs involving all levels of management reducing yearly accident rates and insuring compliance with all of OSHA regulations.
Lead the safety committee in activities related to emergency action plan, safety programs, accident investigations and corrective action implementation.

10. Workforce Planning

Here's how human resources managers use workforce planning:

Developed overall workforce planning and integrated talent management strategy based on Carnegie Mellon s People Capability Maturity Model (PCMM).
Developed and/or enhanced the following programs: workforce planning, recruitment / talent management, organizational effectiveness, and performance management.

11. OSHA

Here's how human resources managers use osha:

Conducted HR training programs including anti-harassment training, manager/associate policy training, and performance appraisal training, handled OSHA safety meetings.
Provided direction on career development and advancement for top performers within organization; Responsible for OSHA safety compliance.

12. Labor Relations

Labor relations refer to the relationship between the employer and its employees. It usually deals with labor-management wherein it focuses on the collective bargaining agreement regarding work between the union of the employee in making decisions for the organization. On the other hand, findings mean the proper wages, hours of duty, working conditions, safety, and employee protection while at work, grievances, and other related concerns.

Here's how human resources managers use labor relations:

Have expertise and solutions to understanding compensation, talent acquisition, organizational development, labor relations, and relevant labor law.
Implemented training/coaching to all store management in key HR areas, including labor relations, employment laws and organizational strategic initiatives.

13. Employee Development

Here's how human resources managers use employee development:

Conducted one on one employee development and disciplinary conversations, performance improvement plans and as necessary employee exit papers and interviews.
Developed and implemented strategic HR business practices with a keen focus on raising standards of employee development and achieving organizational goals.

14. FMLA

Here's how human resources managers use fmla:

Resolved challenging employee relations issues including sexual harassment claims, FMLA, manager inefficiencies and executed terminations.
Completed comprehensive employee manual including disciplinary procedures, code of conduct, FMLA policy and benefits information.

15. Excellent Interpersonal

Here's how human resources managers use excellent interpersonal:

Recognized for excellent interpersonal skills, a professional attitude, and firm personality to manage projects independently.
Served as a key link between management and sales associates, utilizing excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

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What skills help Human Resources Managers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on human resources manager resumes?

Dr. Vinh Nguyen Ph.D.

Professor of Business Administration, Coe College

The most important skills for new graduates, particularly for HRM majors, are adaptability and problem solving. The ability to continuously learn and change is critical during this crisis and with on-going technological advancements. A willingness to face any problems and to find creative solutions is also highly desirable in this changing world. Thus, people who are highly aware and possess a growth mindset will stand out in the labor market.

What soft skills should all human resources managers possess?

J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Management & Human Resources, Saint Leo University

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 hard/technical skills are most important for human resources managers?

J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Management & Human Resources, Saint Leo University

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 human resources manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Michael Pasquale Ph.D.

Professor of Linguistics, Humanities Division Chair, Cornerstone University

Graduates should continue to develop expertise and fluency in their language learning and development. They should focus on developing language fluency in the career areas they are pursuing. For example, they should read extensively and listen to podcasts in their target language to understand the field and how to use the language fluently and effectively in those contexts.

What type of skills will young human resources managers need?

Dwaine Turner Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, East Central University

Graduates will need to be multiculturally competent, have great interpersonal skills, and Telehealth exposure. Upcoming graduates will be faced with providing services to a diverse population that will be very challenging, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The graduates will have to implore the usage of their interpersonal skill set to strengthen the therapeutic alliance between counselor and client relationship. Also, the new trend in the profession is virtual sessions, which can be awkward at times but very necessary with the current landscape of society. The graduate will have to be more creative when creating an environment that is therapeutic in a virtual meeting room to allow the client to emote/divulge sensitive information.

What technical skills for a human resources manager stand out to employers?

Adam Smith Ph.D.

Bicentennial Professor, Associate Professor of Management, Enactus Sam Walton Fellow, Indiana University Kokomo

That varies by industry, employer, level, and position. Also, it depends on their approach to hiring and training. It is important that students research employers and industries that interest them. But overall, it may be skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, critical thinking, time management, and collaboration that remain vital. Going forward, effective communication, tech savviness, a positive view of change (as opportunity), and an openness to continuous learning may set people apart in organizations.

Do you want to know more?

List of human resources manager skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a human resources manager resume and required skills for a human resources manager to have include:

Performance Management
Customer Service
Payroll Processing
HRIS
Employee Engagement
EEO
Succession Planning
Workers Compensation
Safety Program
Workforce Planning
OSHA
Labor Relations
Employee Development
FMLA
Excellent Interpersonal
Exit Interviews
Human Resources Policies

Human Resources Functions
Training Programs
Disciplinary Procedures
Employment Law
Organizational Development
Conflict Resolution
Disciplinary Actions
Benefits Administration
Life Insurance
Open Enrollment
Unemployment Claims
Shared Services
Professional Development
Background Checks
Performance Reviews
Corrective Action
Federal Laws

Career Development
Leadership Development
FLSA
Legal Compliance
Direct Reports
ADP
Personnel Policies
Action Plan
Regulatory Compliance
PTO
Management Training
Cobra
I-9
Kronos
State Laws
Performance Evaluations

Updated January 8, 2025

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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