HR manager CV examples

An HR Manager’s CV is about more than just listing your experience – it’s a chance to showcase your ability to lead, strategise, and support employees effectively. Employers want someone who can handle everything from recruitment to compliance with confidence and professionalism.

This guide will help you with writing a CV that reflects your leadership, highlights your achievements, and shows recruiters you’re ready to lead their HR function.

Your HR Manager CV should be as organised as the HR policies you implement. A clear structure allows recruiters to quickly see why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

So, how do you make sure your CV hits the right notes? Here’s how to structure it for maximum impact.

• Name and contact details – Personal details sit at the top to provide easy access for prospective employers. A photo isn’t necessary, but you’re free to include one.
• Profile – Begin with a summary of your HR expertise, leadership skills, and what sets you apart as a people leader.
• Core skills – State your best qualities at a quick glance, like talent acquisition, performance management, and employee engagement.
• Work experience – Showcase your HR journey, starting with the most recent roles. Focus on how you’ve added value to the organisations you’ve worked for.
• Education – Share your academic background and professional certifications, particularly those related to HR management.
• Additional info – You can optionally mention hobbies and interests that reflect your people skills or organisational expertise.

A well-formatted CV is like a perfectly structured HR policy – it’s not just nice to have, it’s non-negotiable. A CV isn’t all about its content – formatting mistakes can lead even the most qualified candidates to be overlooked.

Here’s how to format your HR Manager CV:

• Bullet points – Use these to break down responsibilities and achievements into clear, skimmable sections.
• Divide sections – A clear and logical layout ensures recruiters can easily find key information.
• Use a clean font – Focus on readability with a professional design and font choice.
• Keep it the right length – Keep it concise to maintain their interest while still covering all the essentials. It should be no longer than 2 pages.

Your CV profile is your CV’s opening act, where you give recruiters a quick snapshot of your HR expertise and leadership abilities.

Here are some tips on what to include in your HR Manager CV profile:

• Where you’ve worked – Let the recruiter know which industries or organisations where you’ve led HR operations.
• Your top qualifications – Highlight degrees, CIPD accreditation, or certifications in HR management.
• Key skills – Specify the core abilities like strategic planning, employee relations, and compliance.
• Teams you’ve managed – Reference the size and type of teams you’ve overseen.
• HR initiatives you’ve implemented – Mention key programs or policies you’ve developed and their impact.

Your core skills section is like a quick-access policy manual for recruiters – it tells them exactly what you bring to the table, no legal jargon required.

For HR Managers, this section should highlight leadership skills, HR strategy expertise, and operational abilities. Tailor these to the specific role and organisation you’re applying for.

Your work experience section is where you showcase your HR expertise and leadership skills in action. Highlight your contributions to organisational success, the teams you’ve led, and the policies you’ve implemented.

List your roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on key responsibilities and measurable outcomes.

• Outline – Provide an overview of the organisation, your role, and the HR functions you managed.
• Responsibilities – Highlight tasks like recruitment, compliance, or employee relations. Use action verbs like “developed,” “managed,” or “implemented.”
• Achievements – Showcase measurable results, such as reduced turnover rates, increased employee satisfaction, or streamlined HR processes. Include numbers wherever possible to add impact.

Your education section is like the foundation of a strong HR strategy – it shows you’ve done the work to get the job done right. Include degrees, certifications, and any relevant courses.

List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.