Human resources adviser

You would find and hire the right employees for your organisation or business. You’d make sure that staff are treated fairly and understand the rules of your workplace.

You’d organise development and training opportunities. And if someone is experiencing difficulties – either professional or personal – you’d arrange for them to get support or services that could help.

You would:

• hire staff by advertising and interviewing

• work with other managers to plan future staff needs

• keep employee records

• provide staff training and development

• make sure staff have the right pay and benefits

• arrange staff services such as welfare and counselling

• deal with complaints and discipline procedures

• promote equality and health and safety

• advise colleagues on matters like pay negotiations, redundancy and employment law

• develop HR policies and procedures

• write staff handbooks

In large organisations, you may specialise in one or two of these areas. In smaller companies you would usually deal with all aspects of the job.

You’d need to be tactful and approachable but sometimes you’d need to be firm too. It is very important to respect people’s confidentiality.