Whether you’re just starting out or thinking of switching careers, HR can offer a rewarding, people-focused path with lots of room to grow. But what does a typical HR career actually look like? And how much does it vary from one person to the next?
Let’s break it down.
Starting out in HR
Many people begin their HR journey in entry-level roles like HR Assistant or HR Administrator. These roles are a great way to learn the ropes - from recruitment and onboarding to payroll and employee queries. You don’t always need a qualification to get started, but showing interest in people, processes, and communication will definitely help.
Some people enter HR through temporary roles, which can be a smart way to gain experience and get your foot in the door. If you’re looking for HR jobs in London, temping is often a flexible and varied route into the field.
Climbing the ladder
From those early roles, you might progress to HR Officer or HR Advisor positions, where you’ll take on more responsibility and have a bigger say in employee relations, contracts, and HR policies. After that, you could move up to HR Manager, HR Business Partner, or even Head of HR, leading strategy and helping shape company culture.
The typical career ladder tends to follow this path, but it’s by no means fixed. HR is one of those areas where experience counts just as much as qualifications, and different businesses shape their HR function differently. So, you might find yourself moving sideways, shifting sectors, or even jumping levels depending on your background and skills.
Do qualifications help?
Absolutely - though they’re not always essential. CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) qualifications are the most recognised in the UK. Many people start with the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate and progress to Levels 5 and 7 as their career develops.
Having these qualifications can improve your job prospects and show employers you’re serious about HR. Most people looking to reach the top in HR roles have CIPD qualifications and they study for these alongside working.
There’s no one-size-fits-all route
The truth is, no two HR careers look exactly the same. Some people start out in admin or operations roles before discovering a passion for HR. Others move in from teaching, customer service, or recruitment, bringing valuable transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and empathy.
If you’re looking for HR jobs in London and don’t have a traditional background, don’t be discouraged. Experience in managing people, handling conflict, or supporting teams can be just as valuable as a CV full of HR titles.
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Whether you’re new to HR or ready for your next step, we’re here to help. Explore HR jobs in London with us, and register as a candidate when you’re ready.