Resume Writing Tips for Manager Administration & Human Resources

Introduction

In today’s competitive job landscape, a strong resume is more than just a career summary; it's a strategic marketing document showcasing your leadership in administration and human resources. Hiring managers seek candidates who demonstrate impact, efficiency, and the ability to foster workplace culture through effective HR and administrative management. Whether you’re aiming to lead HR functions, streamline operations, or align organizational goals with talent management, your resume must clearly convey your achievements, skills, and value proposition.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary serves as your professional elevator pitch. It should succinctly present your expertise in managing administrative processes and HR functions, highlighting leadership qualities and strategic impact.

Example: "Dynamic Administration & HR Manager with over 8 years of experience leading organizational development, streamlining talent acquisition, and enhancing employee engagement in fast-paced corporate environments. Proven track record in reducing turnover by 15% and improving onboarding efficiency by 30%."

2. Key Skills

List skills that showcase your versatility and competence in both HR management and administrative leadership. This section helps catch the recruiter’s eye and optimizes your resume for ATS scanning.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention
• Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
• Payroll Administration
• Performance Management
• HR Compliance & Labor Laws
• Process Improvement & Workflow Optimization
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Budget Management
• Team Leadership & Development
• Data Analysis & Reporting

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Focus on articulating your achievements rather than simply listing duties. This highlights the measurable impact of your work, showing employers the value you bring.

Instead of: "Managed payroll and benefits administration," write: "Reduced payroll processing errors by 25% through system enhancements, ensuring timely and accurate employee compensation."

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each application by mirroring the job description keywords and phrases. Analyze the posting for required skills and competencies, emphasizing matching experiences to increase your chances of passing ATS filters.

5. Tools

• Workday
• BambooHR
• ADP Workforce Now
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• SAP SuccessFactors
• Oracle HCM Cloud
• Slack
• Google Workspace
• Tableau (for HR analytics)
• Jira (for project management)

6. Metrics

• Improved employee retention rates by X%
• Increased onboarding efficiency by X%
• Reduced operational costs by $X or X%
• Managed annual budgets of $X
• Handled X number of employee records/transactions monthly

7. Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or related field
• Certifications such as SHRM-CP, PHR, or Six Sigma for process improvement

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional layout with clear section headings
• Prioritize readability by using bullet points, consistent fonts, and white space

9. Concise

Keep your resume focused and to the point. Use powerful action verbs and quantifiable results to fit your experience within two pages without sacrificing critical details.

10. Bonus

• Include a professional LinkedIn URL to provide additional credentials and endorsements
• Incorporate soft skills like emotional intelligence and problem-solving with examples, as HR roles highly value interpersonal capabilities

Examples

• “Implemented a new employee referral program that increased quality hires by 20% within six months, reducing reliance on external recruiting agencies.”
• “Led a cross-functional team to streamline administrative workflows, cutting document processing time by 40% and reducing errors.”

Conclusion

A resume for a Manager in Administration and Human Resources should articulate your leadership capabilities, analytical mindset, and measurable impact. Showcasing achievements backed by metrics, technical proficiency with relevant HR tools, and a tailored narrative aligned with the job description can significantly increase your hiring potential. Ultimately, your resume must reflect your ability to lead teams, improve organizational efficiency, and foster a positive workplace culture, positioning you as the ideal candidate for strategic management roles.