Human Resources Manager Resume Examples and How to Write
Struggling to land interviews for human resources manager positions? You’re not alone. The HR field in Australia is highly competitive, with employers seeking candidates who can demonstrate both strategic thinking and practical people management skills. Whether you’re transitioning from a coordinator role, returning to work after a career break, or fresh from university with an HR qualification, crafting a compelling resume is your first step toward securing that coveted interview.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a standout human resources manager resume specifically tailored for the Australian job market. From understanding what recruiters on SEEK and LinkedIn are looking for, to showcasing your experience in employee relations, recruitment, and compliance with Australian employment law, we’ve got you covered.
This free sample resume for a human resources manager has an accompanying sample human resources manager cover letter and sample human resources manager job advertisement to help you put together a winning job application.
Human Resources Manager Resume (Text Version)
Human Resources Manager📧 [email protected]
📱 0412 345 678
📍 Sydney, NSW 2000
💼 linkedin.com/in/sarahmitchell-hr
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven Human Resources Manager with 8+ years of experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and strategic HR planning. Proven track record of reducing staff turnover by 35% and implementing compliance frameworks across Australian employment legislation. Skilled in HRIS systems, change management, and fostering positive workplace cultures in organisations with 200+ employees.
CORE COMPETENCIES
– Strategic HR Planning & Policy Development
– Talent Acquisition & Retention Strategies
– Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
– Performance Management & Career Development
– Australian Employment Law Compliance (Fair Work Act)
– HRIS Systems (BambooHR, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors)
– Change Management & Organisational Development
– Training & Development Programme Design
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Human Resources Manager
TechCorp Australia Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
March 2020 – Present
– Lead HR strategy for 350+ employee technology company, reporting directly to CEO
– Reduced employee turnover from 28% to 18% through implementation of comprehensive retention programmes
– Managed recruitment process resulting in 40+ successful hires annually across technical and non-technical roles
– Developed and implemented COVID-19 workplace safety protocols ensuring 100% compliance with NSW Health guidelines
– Established performance review framework leading to 25% improvement in employee satisfaction scores
– Managed annual HR budget of $2.1M including salaries, benefits, and training investments
Human Resources Advisor
Melbourne Financial Services, Melbourne VIC
January 2018 – February 2020
– Provided HR support to 180 employees across financial planning and investment services
– Conducted workplace investigations resolving 95% of employee relations matters internally
– Implemented new HRIS system reducing administrative time by 30%
– Delivered training programmes on workplace harassment prevention to 100% of staff
– Supported restructure process affecting 45 positions with zero unfair dismissal claims
HR Coordinator
Brisbane Manufacturing Co., Brisbane QLD
June 2016 – December 2017
– Coordinated recruitment activities for blue-collar and white-collar positions
– Maintained employee records ensuring compliance with privacy and employment legislation
– Assisted with payroll administration for 120+ employees
– Organised professional development workshops improving skills across manufacturing teams
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Human Resources Management
University of Technology Sydney
2016
CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
– Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) – AHRI, 2021
– Advanced Certificate in Workplace Investigation – 2022
– Mental Health First Aid Certification – 2023
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
– Member, Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI)
– Member, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
What is The Best Format for a Human Resources Manager Resume?
For human resources manager positions in Australia, the reverse chronological format is the gold standard. This format showcases your career progression and demonstrates how you’ve grown in responsibility and expertise over time – crucial for HR roles where experience and trust are paramount.
Font and Formatting Guidelines:
Choose professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use 14-16pt for your name and contact details, 11-12pt for section headings, and 10-11pt for body text. Maintain consistent 2.5cm margins on all sides, ensuring adequate white space for readability. Save your resume as a PDF unless the employer specifically requests another format.
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include your full name, professional title, phone number, email address, location (city and state), and LinkedIn profile URL. For HR roles, ensure your email address is professional – avoid nicknames or outdated providers.
Professional Summary: A 3-4 line overview highlighting your years of experience, key achievements, and specialisations relevant to HR management. This section should immediately demonstrate your value proposition to potential employers.
Experience: List your work history in reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements rather than duties. Use bullet points with strong action verbs and quantifiable results wherever possible.
Education: Include your highest relevant qualification, university name, graduation year, and any honours. For HR roles, relevant degrees include Human Resources, Business, Psychology, or Law.
Additional Sections: Consider including certifications, professional associations, languages, and relevant volunteer work that demonstrates your commitment to the HR profession.
What Experience Should Be on Your Human Resources Manager Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate progression in HR responsibilities, from operational tasks to strategic planning. Focus on achievements that showcase your ability to manage people, implement policies, ensure compliance, and contribute to business outcomes. Australian employers particularly value experience with local employment legislation, industrial relations, and multicultural workforce management.
Highlight specific accomplishments such as successful recruitment campaigns, employee retention improvements, policy implementations, workplace culture initiatives, and cost-saving measures. Include metrics wherever possible to quantify your impact.
Human Resources Manager
Global Retail Australia, Melbourne VIC
2019 – Present
– Reduced employee turnover by 42% through implementation of comprehensive onboarding and mentorship programmes
– Led talent acquisition strategy resulting in 95% fill rate for critical positions within 30-day target
– Managed enterprise agreement negotiations with three unions, achieving 18-month agreement without industrial action
– Implemented performance management system improving employee engagement scores from 6.2 to 8.1 out of 10
– Ensured 100% compliance with Fair Work Act requirements across 450+ employee workforce
Human Resources Manager
Company XYZ
2019 – Present
– Responsible for HR duties
– Handled recruitment and hiring
– Dealt with employee issues
– Managed payroll
– Did performance reviews
Entry-Level Human Resources Manager Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, focus on transferable skills, internships, graduate programmes, and any HR-related projects or volunteer work. Emphasise your education, certifications, and enthusiasm for the field.
Graduate Human Resources Coordinator
StartUp Innovation Hub, Sydney NSW
2023 – Present
– Support recruitment processes for 15+ positions monthly, achieving 88% candidate satisfaction rating
– Coordinate new employee onboarding programme, improving 90-day retention rate to 96%
– Assist with policy development ensuring compliance with modern award requirements
– Maintain HRIS database with 99.5% accuracy across 120+ employee records
– Contribute to wellness initiatives resulting in 23% increase in employee participation
HR Coordinator
2023 – Present
– Help with hiring
– Do administrative tasks
– Answer employee questions
– File paperwork
– Attend meetings
How to Write the Education Section for Your Human Resources Manager Resume
The education section is crucial for HR manager roles in Australia, as employers seek candidates with formal qualifications in human resources, business, psychology, or related fields. Many organisations require at least a bachelor’s degree, and postgraduate qualifications can provide a significant advantage, particularly for senior roles.
Include your highest relevant degree, institution name, location, and graduation year. If you’re a recent graduate, you may also include relevant coursework, honours, or academic achievements. For experienced professionals, keep this section concise but ensure it demonstrates your foundational knowledge in HR principles, Australian employment law, and business management.
Human Resources Manager Resume Example [Education]
EDUCATION
Master of Human Resource Management
Griffith University, Gold Coast QLD
2018
Distinction Average | Thesis: “The Impact of Flexible Working Arrangements on Employee Retention in Australian SMEs”
Bachelor of Business (Human Resources)
Macquarie University, Sydney NSW
2016
Dean’s List 2015-2016 | Relevant Coursework: Employment Law, Organisational Behaviour, Industrial Relations
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Human Resources Manager Resume
The skills section is vital for HR manager resumes as it immediately shows recruiters and ATS systems that you possess the technical and interpersonal competencies required for the role. Focus on a balanced mix of hard and soft skills, typically including 8-12 key skills that align with the job description.
Prioritise skills that are most relevant to the specific position and company. For Australian HR roles, emphasise your knowledge of local employment legislation, industrial relations, and HRIS systems commonly used in the Australian market.
Human Resources Manager Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
HRIS Systems (SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, BambooHR, ADP)
Australian Employment Law & Fair Work Act Compliance
Talent Acquisition & Applicant Tracking Systems
Performance Management Systems
Payroll Administration & Award Interpretation
Data Analytics & HR Reporting
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Microsoft Office Suite (Advanced Excel, PowerBI)
Enterprise Agreement Negotiations
Workplace Health & Safety Compliance
Human Resources Manager Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
Leadership & Team Management
Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
Strategic Planning & Business Partnering
Communication & Presentation Skills
Change Management & Organisational Development
Cultural Awareness & Diversity Management
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
Emotional Intelligence & Empathy
Negotiation & Mediation
Project Management & Stakeholder Engagement
How to Pick the Best Human Resources Manager Skills:
Analyse the job description and identify keywords and requirements mentioned multiple times
Match your skills to the specific role requirements, prioritising those with the strongest alignment
Include industry-standard skills that are expected in HR roles, such as employment law knowledge
Balance technical and soft skills to show you’re both competent and personable
Consider the company size and industry – startup HR needs differ from corporate HR requirements
Stay current with emerging HR technologies and methodologies relevant to the Australian market
Human Resources Manager Resume Examples [Skills]
– **Talent Acquisition Excellence:** Implemented applicant tracking system reducing time-to-hire by 35% while improving candidate quality scores by 42%
– **Employee Relations Management:** Successfully resolved 98% of workplace disputes through mediation, maintaining positive industrial relations across unionised workforce
– **HRIS Systems Expertise:** Led implementation of Workday system for 500+ employees, delivering project on time and 15% under budget
– **Compliance Management:** Maintained 100% compliance record during Fair Work Ombudsman audit, with commendation for policy documentation standards
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Human Resources Manager Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your HR manager resume by demonstrating your commitment to professional development and industry engagement. These sections are particularly valuable in the Australian market where continuous learning and professional association membership are highly regarded.
Valuable bonus sections include:
Licences & Certifications: Include HR-specific certifications like CPHR (Certified Professional in Human Resources) from AHRI, or international credentials like SHRM-CP. Also include relevant certificates in workplace investigation, mental health first aid, or specialist training.
Professional Associations: Membership in organisations like the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), or state-based HR associations demonstrates your commitment to the profession.
Languages: In Australia’s multicultural workplace, language skills are particularly valuable. Include your proficiency level and any business-relevant applications.
Conferences & Professional Development: Recent attendance at HR conferences, workshops, or seminars shows you stay current with industry trends and best practices.
Human Resources Manager Resume Examples [Other Sections]
CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
– Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) – AHRI, 2022
– Advanced Certificate in Workplace Investigations – 2023
– Mental Health First Aid Instructor – 2023PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
– Member, Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI)
– Board Member, NSW HR Professionals Network
LANGUAGES
– Mandarin (Business Proficient) – Conducted employee relations meetings
– Italian (Conversational) – Heritage language
HOBBIES
– Reading books
– Playing tennis
– Cooking
– Watching moviesPERSONAL INTERESTS
– Travel
– Music
– Fitness
Tip: Include hobbies only if they directly relate to leadership, teamwork, or cultural activities that demonstrate skills relevant to HR management, such as volunteer coaching, community organisation leadership, or cultural group coordination.
How to Write a Human Resources Manager Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary is crucial for HR manager resumes as it immediately positions you as a strategic business partner rather than just an administrative function. Your summary should highlight your years of experience, key specialisations, and most impressive achievements in a way that demonstrates your value to potential employers.
Focus on quantifiable achievements, relevant certifications, and your ability to drive business outcomes through people management. Keep it concise – 3-4 lines maximum – while ensuring it captures your unique value proposition in the competitive Australian HR market.
Key elements to include:
– Years of experience and level of responsibility
– Specific HR specialisations or areas of expertise
– Quantifiable achievements or improvements
– Relevant certifications or qualifications
– Industry experience or company size managed
Human Resources Manager Resume Summary Examples
Strategic Human Resources Manager with 10+ years of experience leading HR functions in ASX-listed companies. Proven expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, and organisational development, with track record of reducing turnover by 38% and improving employee engagement scores by 45%. CPHR-certified professional skilled in enterprise agreement negotiations and Fair Work Act compliance across diverse, multicultural workforces of 300+ employees.
Experienced HR professional looking for new opportunities. I am good with people and have worked in human resources for several years. I am organised, reliable, and want to help companies with their HR needs. I have good communication skills and am a team player who works well under pressure.
For entry-level positions or career changers, a resume objective can be more appropriate as it focuses on your career goals and transferable skills rather than extensive experience.
Entry-Level Human Resources Manager Resume Summary Examples
Recent Human Resources graduate with Master’s qualification and 18 months of practical experience through internships at leading Australian corporations. Demonstrated ability to support talent acquisition processes, employee onboarding, and policy compliance projects. Seeking to leverage academic knowledge of employment law and hands-on HRIS experience to contribute to strategic HR initiatives in a growing organisation.
Recent graduate looking for entry-level HR position. I studied human resources at university and am eager to start my career. I am hardworking, motivated, and passionate about helping people. I want to gain experience in a good company where I can learn and grow my skills in human resources.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Human Resources Manager Resume
Your LinkedIn profile should complement and expand upon your resume, particularly in the Australian job market where 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary sourcing tool. When updating your HR manager resume, simultaneously updating your LinkedIn profile ensures consistent messaging and maximises your visibility to potential employers and recruiters specialising in Australian HR roles.
LinkedIn allows for more conversational language and storytelling compared to your resume’s concise format. Use this opportunity to provide context around your achievements, share insights about your HR philosophy, and demonstrate thought leadership in the Australian HR community. Remember that LinkedIn profiles are searchable by keywords, so strategic optimisation can significantly increase your discoverability.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Human Resources Managers
Your LinkedIn headline is crucial for search visibility and first impressions. It should go beyond just your job title to highlight your specialisations and value proposition.
– “Senior HR Manager | Talent Acquisition Specialist | Employee Relations Expert | CPHR | Driving Organisational Success Through People Strategy”
– “Human Resources Leader | Change Management | Industrial Relations | Building High-Performance Cultures in Australian Organisations”
– “Strategic HR Business Partner | Workforce Planning | Compliance Specialist | Transforming Workplace Culture for ASX-Listed Companies”
– “Human Resources Manager”
– “HR Professional at Company Name”
– “Experienced HR Manager Looking for New Opportunities”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary is concise and achievement-focused, your LinkedIn summary can be more expansive and personality-driven. Use first person (“I” statements), tell your professional story, and include your motivation for working in HR. For the Australian market, consider mentioning your understanding of local workplace culture, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and your approach to managing multicultural teams.
LinkedIn summaries can be 3-5 paragraphs long, allowing you to discuss your career journey, core philosophy, key achievements, and future aspirations. Include relevant keywords naturally throughout to improve searchability by Australian recruiters and hiring managers.
Showcasing Human Resources Manager Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for more detailed descriptions than your resume. Expand on your resume bullet points by providing context, explaining challenges you faced, methodologies you used, and the broader impact of your initiatives. Include media uploads such as presentations you’ve delivered, articles you’ve written, or case studies of successful HR projects.
For each role, consider adding 2-3 key accomplishments with detailed explanations of how you achieved results. This format is particularly valuable for demonstrating your problem-solving approach and strategic thinking to potential employers reviewing your profile.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Human Resources Managers
Select up to 50 skills that align with your target roles, prioritising those most relevant to HR management in Australia. Focus on a mix of technical skills (HRIS systems, employment law), functional skills (talent acquisition, performance management), and soft skills (leadership, communication). Actively seek endorsements from colleagues, supervisors, and industry contacts to build credibility.
Consider taking LinkedIn skill assessments for relevant areas like Human Resources, Leadership, and Project Management. Displayed skill badges can enhance your profile’s credibility and improve search ranking for relevant keywords.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Human Resources Managers
Optimise your profile for the Australian market by using local terminology (e.g., “employment law” rather than “labor law”), mentioning relevant Australian legislation like the Fair Work Act, and referencing local professional bodies like AHRI. Engage with Australian HR content by sharing insights, commenting thoughtfully on industry posts, and publishing articles about Australian workplace trends.
Network strategically with Australian HR professionals, join relevant LinkedIn groups such as “Australian Human Resources Professionals” or “AHRI Members,” and participate in discussions about local HR challenges and best practices. Consider setting your location to specific Australian cities to improve visibility to local recruiters and employers.
Creating a standout human resources manager resume requires careful attention to Australian market expectations, strategic presentation of your experience, and clear demonstration of your value as an HR professional. Remember that your resume is often your first interaction with potential employers, so invest time in crafting a document that truly reflects your capabilities and achievements.
To complete your application package, pair your polished resume with a compelling human resources manager cover letter that tells your professional story and explains why you’re the ideal candidate for the role. Stay updated with the latest HR trends and opportunities by regularly checking AHRI resources and Fair Work Ombudsman updates to ensure your knowledge remains current with Australian employment practices.
Your next career move in human resources management awaits – make sure your resume opens the door to those crucial interviews and opportunities.
