Resume Writing Tips for Head Human Resources & Administration

Introduction

In today’s competitive job market, a strong resume is pivotal for senior HR professionals aiming to secure leadership positions in Human Resources and Administration. This role demands a combination of strategic thinking, people management, regulatory knowledge, and analytical skills. A well-crafted resume communicates your ability to lead HR initiatives, streamline administrative processes, and drive organizational success. The goal is to clearly present not only what you have done but the measurable impact you delivered. This blog delves into ten comprehensive resume writing tips tailored specifically to head-level HR & Administration candidates, guiding you on how to stand out and pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) effectively.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the elevator pitch that captures a recruiter’s attention within seconds. It should be a succinct, powerful snapshot of your expertise, leadership style, and key accomplishments. Focus on your years of experience, HR specializations such as talent acquisition or labor relations, and your strategic vision.

Example: “Results-driven Head of Human Resources & Administration with 12+ years of experience leading transformative HR strategies, optimizing talent management, and enhancing organizational culture across multi-site operations. Proven track record in driving 20% reduction in attrition and implementing scalable HRIS solutions.”

2. Key Skills

Highlighting relevant skills is crucial to pass ATS scans and demonstrate your core competencies. Tailor your skills list to those commonly sought in senior HR roles, ensuring a blend of soft and technical skills.

• Strategic Human Resource Planning
• Talent Acquisition & Retention
• Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
• HR Compliance & Labor Laws
• Performance Management Systems
• Compensation & Benefits Design
• Organizational Development
• HRIS Implementation & Management
• Change Management
• Leadership Development & Coaching

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

While listing responsibilities is standard, showcasing achievements elevates your resume to highlight your actual impact. Quantify your successes where possible to provide credibility and context.

Example of a responsibility statement: “Managed recruitment process for the company.”
Better achievement statement: “Spearheaded talent acquisition strategy, reducing time-to-fill by 30% and increasing employee retention by 15% over two years.”

4. Tailor to Job

Every job description is unique. Analyze the position you are applying for and customize your resume accordingly. Align keywords, required skills, and priorities mentioned in the job posting with your resume content to increase relevance and ATS compatibility.

5. Tools

• Workday
• SAP SuccessFactors
• Oracle HCM Cloud
• ADP Workforce Now
• BambooHR
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint)
• LinkedIn Recruiter
• Taleo
• Zoom
• Slack

6. Metrics

• Employee turnover rate reduction (e.g., reduced turnover by 20%)
• Time-to-fill open positions (e.g., shortened by 30%)
• Cost savings from HR process improvements (e.g., saved $250K annually)
• Number of employees managed or onboarded (e.g., led HR for 500+ employees)
• Training participation increase percentage (e.g., improved employee training engagement by 40%)

7. Education

• Relevant degrees such as Bachelor’s or Master’s in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related fields
• Certifications like SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or CIPD are highly valuable

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional layout with clear section headings and bullet points
• Optimize for ATS by avoiding complex tables or graphics; use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman

9. Concise

Avoid clutter and unnecessary jargon. Keep your resume to two pages maximum, focusing on the most relevant and recent experiences. Crisp language helps maintain the reader’s attention and improves clarity.

10. Bonus

• Include a professional LinkedIn profile link for recruiters to learn more
• Use action verbs like “led,” “implemented,” “spearheaded,” and “optimized” to make your bullet points dynamic

Examples

• “Reduced annual recruitment costs by 25% through vendor renegotiations and internal process optimizations.”
• “Implemented a new performance management system adopted by 100% of managers, improving employee feedback turnaround by 50%.”

Conclusion

A compelling resume for a Head of Human Resources & Administration must clearly showcase your leadership capabilities, strategic insight, and measurable impact. Emphasizing achievements over simple responsibilities, incorporating relevant metrics, and tailoring your resume for each job opportunity enhance your profile’s effectiveness. Ultimately, a well-crafted resume demonstrates not only your ability to manage HR and administrative functions but also your skill in driving organizational growth through leadership and analytical expertise.