Why is Human Resources One of the Most Demanded Jobs in Canada?

Human resources (HR) are not just a buzzword, but a crucial function in businesses across Canada. With the ongoing need to attract and retain skilled workers, HR professionals are in high demand. They play a pivotal role in shaping a company’s culture, fostering diversity and inclusion, and maintaining positive labor relations. 

If you’re a seasoned HR manager or just starting your career in this field, Canada could be the land of opportunity you’ve been seeking. However, landing Human resources jobs in Canada can be a daunting challenge, especially for a newcomer. Understanding the job market and the skills required are critical to success. 

In this blog, we will explore the current demand for HR professionals in Canada, the skills and expertise required to succeed and provide practical tips for navigating this dynamic field.

In-demand HR jobs for 2023

There is a high demand for human resources professionals with various job titles. While some HR professionals specialize in specific areas such as recruitment or staff development, others have broader responsibilities that cover a range of HR duties. In fact, as businesses focus on post-pandemic challenges such as the highly competitive job market, impending skills shortages, and budget constraints, new positions such as benefits specialist and HR director have appeared on the list of top jobs.

Basically, these roles offer multiple career options within Canadian labor market trends where there is a High demand for HR jobs.

Some of the career options include:

  1. Human resources manager
  2. HR Coordinator  
  3. HR Generalist  
  4. Talent Acquisition Specialist  
  5. Payroll Specialist  
  6. HR Advisor  
  7. Recruitment Specialist 
  8. Benefits Specialist  
  9. HR director

What Industries are Currently Experiencing the Highest Demand for Human Resources Professionals in Canada?

The Importance of Human Resources Professionals is indispensable for the smooth functioning of organizations; thereby, HR professionals are required in most industries. But there is a greater demand for them in specific fields. This is particularly true for industries with a large workforce, including:

  1. Manufacturing
  2. Social assistance
  3. Education services
  4. Healthcare 
  5. Finance and insurance
  6. Scientific and technical services 

Furthermore, according to a reliable survey, the prominent Canadian companies with active recruitment for human resources positions include names such as Amazon, Scotiabank, RBC, Randstad, TD, Rogers Communications, and Deloitte.

What Specific Skills and Qualifications Are Required for a Successful Career in HR in Canada?

If you aim to pursue successful career opportunities in HR, obtaining a relevant degree or certification can be beneficial. These credentials can assist you in entering or advancing in the HR field.

Undergraduate Courses

  • Bachelor’s degree in HR or related fields (such as business, psychology, or sociology). Additionally, courses in labor relations, employment law, compensation and benefits, organizational behavior, recruitment, and selection are also preferred. 

Postgraduate Courses:

  • A diploma or Master’s degree in HR or related fields (such as business administration, organizational development, industrial-organizational psychology, strategic HR management, performance management, HR analytics, and leadership development.)

Professional Certifications

Obtaining professional certifications in different HR fields can help applicants provide evidence of their competency. The top HR certifications that employers are looking for are:

  • Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)
  • Certified Employee Benefit Specialist
  • Certified Payroll Professional
  • Payroll Compliance Practitioner
  • Certified Compensation Professional

These certifications can help demonstrate proficiency in their respective areas and may increase an applicant’s chances of getting hired.

In addition to formal education and certifications, it’s also important to develop the following HR skills in demand: 

  • Communication: strong written and verbal communication skills, including active listening and emotional intelligence.
  • Flexibility: the ability to adapt to unexpected issues and changes in job duties.
  • French bilingualism: fluency in English and French, an in-demand skill in Canada.
  • Ethical Actions: A strong  sense of ethics is needed to make tough decisions that protect the company and employees from discrimination or preferential behavior.
  • Organization – skills required to keep track of information online and offline to locate requested information quickly.
  • Negotiation: adept in negotiating with employees to find compromises that benefit the company as well as the employee.
  • Commitment: Genuine care for the company and its employees to provide effective guidance and resources.
  • Compassion: the ability to treat employees fairly and respectfully in all situations, including personal or sensitive matters.
  • Tech Savvy: Familiarity with digital programs and software, including: 
  • Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS): Comprehensive software for managing various HR functions.
  • Payroll Systems: Processing software for tracking hours and making adjustments.
  • Application tracking software (ATS): software used to filter and sort candidate applications.
  • Workday (software): cloud-based human capital management (HCM) software used for recruitment and other HR functions.
  • SAP applications: software used in recruitment and workforce management.
  • Learning management systems (LMS): software used for employee training and development.
  • Microsoft Office: Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.

What is the Average Salary Range for Human Resources Professionals in Canada’s Labor Market?

In 2023, the salary range for Human Resources professionals in Canada’s labor market varies depending on their position and level of experience. According to reliable sources such as Pay scale, Talent, and Glassdoor, the average salary for Human Resources professionals in Canada falls between $65,654 and $121,650 per year.

For mid-level HR professionals, the estimated annual salary for 2023 is $92,000, whereas junior positions can expect an average salary of $56,000 per year. However, professionals with more experience or holding senior positions can expect to earn six-figure salaries, with an average of around $120,000 per year.

Note: These figures are subject to change based on factors such as location, industry, company size, and the type of position you’re looking for.

Future of Human Resources Professionals in Canada

Well, if we talk about the upcoming trends in the future of Human Resources professionals in Canada it appears quite promising. 

Based on the Canadian government’s reports, there is expected to be significant job growth in the HR industry, particularly from 2022 to 2031. It is projected that 48,600 new job opportunities for HR professionals will arise, with 46,100 new job seekers expected to fill these positions. 

However, to stay competitive in the job market and achieve the goals of Canadian HR teams, HR professionals will need to priorities enhancing benefits, employer brand, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Additionally, you will need to adjust to new realities and acquire new technical skills.

Navigating the path towards an HR career in Canada can be challenging. Fortunately, there are resources available to help provide the right guidance, especially to those interested in reaching their full potential. 

ALLEN Career Institute has over 34 years of experience providing comprehensive coaching to students preparing for engineering (JEE) and medical (NEET) entrance exams at top colleges across India. Our commitment to academic excellence and top-quality education has earned us recognition in the field.

At ALLEN Global Studies Division, we strive to prepare students for success as top-tier professionals. Our services include university and visa application assistance, as well as test preparation for standardized exams like the SAT, ACT, AP, GMAT, and GREs. We ensure that you receive personalized guidance to make informed decisions and comprehensive support throughout your academic journey.

Tips and Strategies for Human Resources Jobs in Canada

  • Research the job market in advance to make your job search more efficient and fruitful. Consider the local job market when determining which city to settle in.  
  • Understand the skills Canadian employers seek in potential HR employees and compare your skill set to what is expected for the role.
  • Craft an impressive Canadian-style marketing resume that highlights your achievements, skills, and strengths. Choose the resume format (reverse chronological, functional, or hybrid) based on your work history.
  • Build your professional network in Canada by connecting with HR professionals and recruiters on LinkedIn and through informational interviews.
  • Know where to look for HR job listings, including online platforms and employment agencies that specialize in HR recruitment.  
  • Work on your language skills, as fluency in English or French is usually required for HR jobs in Canada. Take advantage of free ESL classes offered by provincial governments or register for language classes at your local public library. 
  • Prepare for interviews by practicing commonly asked questions and using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your responses. Use a formal tone and bullet format when crafting your responses.

Conclusion 

It’s no surprise that Human Resources is one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada. The profession requires a unique combination of analytical skills, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics. HR professionals are the thread that binds the workplace together, ensuring that employees are happy, healthy, and productive. And in a rapidly changing business landscape, companies are increasingly recognizing the critical importance of HR in shaping their success. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How has the rise of remote work and virtual hiring impacted the demand for human resources professionals in Canada's labour market?

The rise of remote work and virtual hiring has increased the demand for human resources professionals in Canada's labor market due to the need for specialized expertise in managing remote employees and virtual recruitment processes.

Is a career in Human Resources financially rewarding in Canada?

Yes, a career in Human Resources in Canada can be financially rewarding, with salaries ranging from CAD 45,454 to 196,000 per year depending on experience and seniority.

What is the impact of diversity and inclusion on Canadian workplaces, and how does it impact the role of human resources professionals?

The impact of diversity and inclusion on Canadian workplaces is significant, and it impacts the role of human resources professionals by requiring them to priorities diversity and inclusion in talent management, acquisition, performance management, leadership compensation, and metrics, and to demonstrate an ongoing company commitment to continue to learn and adapt.

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