The Complete Guide to Human Resources Jobs

Human resources jobs are more than just paperwork and policies. At their core, these roles are about helping people succeed at work—and making organizations stronger in the process.  

Whether you're a veteran transitioning into civilian employment or just starting to explore HR as a career path, this guide will walk you through what HR jobs look like, how to get into the field (even without experience), and where to find human resources jobs near you. 

Main Takeaways

• Human resources jobs offer diverse opportunities across industries, from entry-level to executive roles. 

• You can break into HR without direct experience by emphasizing transferable skills and seeking HR-related certifications. 

• Veterans often have ideal soft skills for HR roles, such as leadership, conflict resolution, and communication. 

• HireVeterans.com features HR jobs from veteran-friendly employers across the country—and many roles are open to all job seekers. 

What Are Human Resources Jobs?

Human resources (HR) professionals handle the processes, policies, and support systems that help employees thrive. These roles are found across nearly every industry—from government and healthcare to tech, logistics, and finance. 

Common HR job titles include: 

• HR Assistant or Coordinator 

• HR Generalist 

• Recruiter or Talent Acquisition Specialist 

• Benefits or Compensation Analyst 

• Training & Development Specialist 

• HR Manager or Director 

HR pros are involved in everything from hiring and onboarding to benefits management, conflict resolution, workplace culture, and compliance with labor laws. 

Why HR is a Great Career Path for Veterans (and Non-Veterans Alike)

Veterans often bring natural leadership, communication, and organizational skills that translate well to HR. If you've ever led a team, mentored others, or handled sensitive personnel matters, you're likely more qualified than you realize. 

Even if you're not a veteran, HR can be an incredibly rewarding field with clear advancement potential, competitive pay, and a variety of niches to specialize in—like diversity and inclusion, learning and development, or employee wellness. 

What Entry-Level Human Resources Jobs Look Like

Breaking into HR doesn't always require a degree or years of experience. Many begin in administrative roles and grow from there. 

Typical entry-level HR jobs include: 

• HR Assistant 

• Recruiting Coordinator 

• Payroll Clerk 

• Administrative Assistant (in an HR department) 

These roles help you learn the basics of employee records, compliance, hiring processes, and internal communication—laying a strong foundation for promotion.