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HR manager

An HR manager is the person who looks after the people side of a company. They find and select new employees, help them settle in, and think about how to make the workplace comfortable and how people can grow. If you wonder why people act the way they do, get along with all kinds of people and like order, take a closer look at this job.

HR manager

HR work mixes people and paperwork. One day you run interviews and training sessions, the next you prepare orders under labor law and figure out why employees are leaving. Sometimes you have to settle conflicts or deliver bad news, so tact and composure really matter. In large companies, the HR department splits into areas such as recruiting, training, performance reviews and company culture.

What the job involves

  • Writes job ads, screens resumes and runs interviews
  • Helps new employees settle into the team
  • Handles hiring, leave and dismissals in line with labor law
  • Organizes staff training and performance reviews
  • Plans company events and collects feedback

Skills you need

  • Communication

    An HR manager spends the whole day talking with candidates, employees and managers.

  • Understanding people

    Basic psychology helps you see a person's strengths and the reasons behind their actions.

  • Knowledge of labor law

    Hiring, leave and dismissal documents must follow the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

  • Organization

    You need to juggle several vacancies, projects and deadlines at once.

  • Confidentiality

    HR specialists know a lot of personal information about employees and must keep it private.

Who it suits

Personality types

Strong intelligences

  • Interpersonal
  • Intrapersonal
  • Linguistic

UNT subjects to take

Where to study

Degree programs actually called "HR manager" are rare, so people usually enter the field through a bachelor's degree in management, human resource management, psychology or economics. Many universities in Kazakhstan offer these programs, and they usually take four years. Management and economics often require math and geography on the UNT, but check the exact requirements for your program.

Many people start as an HR assistant or recruiter while still studying and grow inside the company. Courses in recruiting, labor law and HR analytics help a lot, as does English if you want to work for an international company. In this field, experience and an understanding of business are valued as much as a diploma.

Outlook

HR specialists are needed in almost any organization with a lot of employees: banks, IT companies, factories, retail chains, the oil and gas sector, government agencies and recruitment agencies. Many large employers are based in Almaty, Astana and the industrial regions. Experienced specialists grow into heads of HR or work as consultants.

Frequently asked questions

Which UNT subjects do I need to become an HR manager?

Most people come into HR through management or economics, where the profile subjects are math and geography. Psychology programs may require different subjects, so check the requirements of the program you choose.

Does an HR manager need to know psychology?

You do not need a psychologist's level of knowledge, but understanding the basics of motivation, communication and behavior helps a lot. Many HR specialists take psychology courses while already working.

Is HR a good fit for an introvert?

It can be. Some HR areas involve more analysis and paperwork, such as HR administration, payroll or HR analytics. Introverts are often good listeners and assess candidates carefully.

Is this career right for you?

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