Attracting the most qualified employees and matching them to the jobs for which they are best suited is important for the success of any organization. However, many enterprises are too large to permit close contact between top management and employees. Human resources and labor relations managers or specialists provide this link.

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In the past, these workers have been associated with performing the administrative function of an organization, such as handling employee benefits questions or recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new personnel in accordance with policies and requirements that have been established by top management. Today's human resources managers handle these tasks and, increasingly, consult top executives regarding strategic planning.

In a small organization, a human resources generalist may handle all aspects of human resources work, requiring a broad range of knowledge. The responsibilities of human resources generalists can vary widely, depending on their employer's needs. In a large corporation, the top human resources executive usually develops and coordinates personnel programs and policies.

Most human resources executives now have a degree or diploma in personnel, human resources, or labor relations from a college or university. Depending on the school, courses leading to a career in human resources management may be found in departments of business administration, education, instructional technology, organizational development, human services, communication, or public administration, or within a separate human resources institution or department.

In some businesses, a more technical or specialized background is necessary for the human resources executive. Some jobs require that the individual have a background in engineering, science, finance or law, for example.

When determining your company’s needs and whether you want to hire a human resources manager, consider whether you require a specialized knowledge of your industry or not. Also ensure that any prospective specialist has taken courses in compensation, recruitment, training and development and performance appraisal. Courses in labor law, collective bargaining, labor economics, labor history, and industrial psychology will provide a valuable background for a prospective labor relations specialist. A master's degree in human resources, labor relations, or in business administration with a concentration in human resources management is highly recommended if you are looking to fill general and top management positions.