How to Write a VP of HR Resume
Climbing the corporate ladder in the HR department can lead to an executive-level position such as Vice President of HR. However, if you’ve been in the field for several years and haven’t updated your resume, now is the time.
If you aim to advance your career and secure a role as a VP of HR, continue reading.
First, to land your dream job as a VP of HR, your resume must demonstrate your experience, knowledge, and skills to potential employers. Additionally, we recommend enhancing your LinkedIn profile to support your candidacy further.
An optimized LinkedIn profile, a solid understanding of labor laws, and experience drafting effective HR policies are all critical for securing a VP of Human Resources position. Crafting a compelling VP of HR resume, however, can be more challenging than it seems.
The key is creating an impressive resume highlighting your skills, knowledge, education, and experience on just one page. A resume that exceeds one page can be tedious for potential employers and may reduce your chances of getting hired, as HR Directors and senior management often have limited time.
While you may have experience across various industries, include only the most relevant ones on your resume. Avoid exaggerations and ensure your resume remains focused and pertinent.
This guide is designed to help you create an effective VP of HR resume. We’ll explore:
- Best examples of human resources management skills.
- Essential employment law and talent acquisition skills for the resume.
- Key HR initiatives you’ve led in the past.
- Areas where you excel in HR functions.
- Your proven abilities in employee orientation, handling employee complaints, and business development.
How to Write a VP of Human Resources Resume
A Vice President of Human Resources excels in fostering positive employee relations, succession planning, supporting HR business partners, and developing effective employee policies. Additionally, this role provides strategic direction to ensure the company’s financial success.
When crafting your resume for a VP of Human Resources position, focus on relevant skills and experiences that will resonate with senior management.
Start by researching the company’s senior leadership team you’re applying to. Understanding their priorities and the company’s culture will help you tailor your resume. Also, understand the required senior role skills. Here’s an example of a senior HR manager.
Next, draft your resume from the perspective of a hiring manager. Consider these questions:
- What qualifications in human resources does the company prioritize?
- How many years of HR experience does the job description require?
- Will the role involve responsibilities in talent development?
Avoid including generic information expected of all candidates, such as experience with multiple projects, stakeholder collaboration for compensation and benefits, or performance management systems. Instead, focus on differentiating yourself with specific achievements and metrics.
Here are examples of what you can include to make your VP of Human Resources resume stand out:
- Developed company policies that improved employee relations and reduced complaints by 25%.
- Expertly crafted HR policies and procedures for a workforce of over 1,000 employees.
- Managed a $1 million annual budget for organizational and leadership development.
- Led the implementation of a comprehensive HR strategy that enhanced compensation, benefits, support mechanisms, and payroll management for more than 1,000 employees.
- Coordinated closely with the HR Manager and team to keep company policies updated and relevant.
- Introduced a performance management system that boosted profitability and employee morale by 35% within a year.
- Motivated and built capacity within the HR team.
- Negotiated with labor unions to improve health and safety standards, enhancing labor relations.
- Provided essential HR leadership and support, addressing over 20 employee complaints annually with thorough and unbiased decisions.
- Developed a strategic business plan for executive management, achieving a 10% cost reduction.
Ensure your resume highlights specific HR functions and contributions that have shaped your previous organizations’ HR management.
Consider enrolling in this specialized HR course to create the best VP of HR resume and secure your dream job.
What is the Best VP of HR Resume Format?
When crafting a resume for a Vice President of Human Resources, there are three primary formats to consider:
- Reverse Chronological (Most recent work experience first)
- Combination (ATS compliant)
- Functional (Non-ATS compliant)
The reverse chronological format is the most common, listing your most recent work experience first. This format helps employers understand your career progression and achievements.
Since 98% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes, including relevant keywords to ensure your resume gets noticed. If your resume lacks keywords, you may struggle to secure high-level positions.
Here are some essential keywords to consider incorporating into your VP of HR resume. Choose those that best reflect your experience and work history:
- Strategic direction
- Business strategies
- HR processes
- Strategic planning
- Policies and procedures
- Key performance indicators
- Workforce planning
- Training and development
- Employee benefits administration
- Healthy employee environment
To improve your resume’s ATS compatibility, follow these tips:
- Read the Job Description: Tailor your resume to match the job requirements and include relevant keywords.
- Include Relevant Experience: Focus on your education and work experience that aligns with the job.
- Avoid Tables or Columns: Use a simple format to ensure ATS readability.
- Review Resume Samples: Consult sample resumes for formatting and content ideas.
- Use Standard Fonts: Arial or Times New Roman in a 12-point size is recommended.
- Opt for Reverse Chronological Format: This is often the most effective format for showcasing your career trajectory.
For example, if the job description requires experience in developing policies and managing payroll and compensation, your work experience section might include:
“Worked at [Company Name] from [Year] to [Year], where I developed comprehensive policies and procedures that enhanced employee morale. Implemented an HRIS to automate payroll and managed compensation and benefits programs to retain top talent. Made impartial decisions in resolving employee grievances and ensured compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations.”
What Sections Should You Include in Your VP of HR Resume?
Here’s what to include in your VP of HR resume:
- Professional Header: This is the first section employers will see. Include:
- Full name
- Title (e.g., Vice President of Human Resources)
- Phone number
- LinkedIn profile link
- Website or portfolio, if applicable
- City
- Email address
- Work Experience: Utilize reverse chronological order to highlight relevant roles.
Consider the specific needs of the company you’re applying to. For instance, if a company seeks a VP of HR with expertise in human resource management and enhancing business performance, focus on those aspects of your experience. Conversely, if the role emphasizes project management, allocate ample space to showcase your project management achievements.
Ask yourself the following questions to ensure relevance:
- Did your previous roles contribute to improving business objectives?
- Is your experience pertinent to the job you’re applying for?
- How long did you work in each relevant role?
- Do you have prior experience directly related to the position?
Prioritize experience that aligns with the job requirements. If the role demands specific expertise, such as project management, emphasize that experience prominently.
Next, let’s explore sample resumes to guide you in detailing your career path.
Vice President of HR Resume Experience Example
A Vice President of Human Resources typically brings over a decade of experience in HR roles, specializing in important areas to a company’s success. Here are some key responsibilities of a VP of HR:
- Succession Planning: Developing strategies to ensure smooth transitions and continuity.
- Advising Senior Management: Offering strategic guidance to senior leaders and business executives on HR-related matters.
- Ensuring EEO Compliance: Overseeing adherence to Equal Employment Opportunity regulations.
- Managing HR Functions: Overseeing various HR activities, including recruitment, employee relations, and performance management.
- Improving Employee Communication: Enhancing methods and channels for effective communication between employees and management.
- Streamlining HR Operations: Increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of HR processes and team operations.
- Collaborating with Legal Counsel: Ensuring compliance with employment laws in coordination with the legal department.
- Assessing Workforce Needs: Partnering with line managers to determine requirements for workforce planning, employee benefits, and training.
- Boosting Employee Engagement: Working with HR executives to enhance engagement and productivity.
- Drafting Policies: Creating and implementing policies for organizational development and talent management.
- Supporting HR Professionals: Assisting HR teams in developing successful policies and procedures.
- Leadership Development: Providing support and guidance for leadership development across the organization.
Before drafting your resume for a VP of HR role, consider these tips:
- Focus on Relevant Experience: Highlight only the work experiences and accomplishments that align with the VP of HR role.
- Ensure ATS Compliance: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description and avoid complex formatting that might not be ATS-friendly.
- Match Your Title: Ensure the job title on your resume matches the one mentioned in the job description.
- Optimize Content: Include details on the number of HR executives reporting to you, the impact of your work on various HR functions, the tools you used (e.g., HRIS, Microsoft Office Suite), relevant HR certifications, and how your talent acquisition strategies enhanced the company’s competitive position.
- Highlight Achievements: Showcase measurable results, such as employee retention improvements, complaint reductions, and revenue growth, attributed to your HR initiatives.
Listing Skills
When listing skills on your resume, use bullet points to emphasize the impact of each on the company’s success. Here are the VP of HR skills to include:
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- In-depth knowledge of labor relations and employment law
- Proficiency with HRIS software
- Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
- Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and leadership development abilities
Listing Education
Focus on more than just your degree. Highlight specific projects or achievements relevant to HR. For example:
- “Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Human Resources, NYU, including a thesis project on HRM strategies and an HRM report developed for a company as a school project.”
Listing Certifications
Certifications demonstrate your commitment to professional development and distinguish you from other candidates.
Ensure that the certifications listed are relevant to your experience and career goals.
Listing Achievements
Quantify your achievements to make a strong impression. Numbers and metrics capture attention and demonstrate your impact. Examples include:
- Developed talent management policies that reduced employee turnover by 10% within a year.
- Implemented conflict management policies, leading to a 21% reduction in complaints within six months.
- Devised an HR strategy that increased annual revenue by 12%.
Listing Interests
While interests may be personal and valuable, they don’t add significant value to a VP of HR resume, and you should avoid adding them.
Listing Languages
Proficiency in additional languages can help for roles requiring extensive travel or interaction with diverse teams. For example, if a role involves travel to Latin America, proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese may be necessary. However, English proficiency is expected unless otherwise specified.
Focusing on relevant skills, achievements, and certifications and tailoring your resume to the specific role will help you effectively apply for a VP of Human Resources position.
VP of HR Resume Example
Crafting a resume for a Vice President of Human Resources can be challenging, but the result can set you apart from other candidates. An exemplary VP of HR resume should showcase the candidate’s ability to drive results and manage HR functions.
Consider a resume that demonstrates the following:
- Relevance of Each Point: Every bullet point should reflect how the candidate achieved significant results in previous roles. This relevance helps highlight the impact of their work.
- Skills and Tools: Mention your skill sets, experience with HRIS software, and other tools used to achieve those results.
VP of HR Application Experience
When applying for your dream VP of HR role, focus on quality over quantity:
- The Shotgun Approach: This involves sending out numerous applications indiscriminately. For example:
- 35 job applications submitted
- 0 responses
- The Sniper Approach: This method is more targeted and efficient:
- 15 job applications submitted
- 4 responses leading to interviews
- One final round interview
- One job offer
Adopting a focused strategy can enhance your chances of landing interviews and offers. Tailoring your cover letter and resume for a few roles will improve your success rate.
How Long Should the VP of Human Resources Resume Be?
Aim for a one-page resume. It should be short, concise, and to the point. Avoid extending beyond this length to maintain the attention of hiring managers who may not have time for lengthy documents.
VP of Human Resources Resume Tips
To create an outstanding VP of HR resume, consider these tips:
Tailor Your Cover Letter
Craft a unique cover letter for each job application. Personalize it by addressing the letter to the specific person at the company and aligning it closely with the job role.
Keep Your Resume Updated
Update your resume to reflect the most recent and relevant job experiences. Ensure that all information is current and applicable to the position you’re applying for.
Link to Your HR Portfolio
Include links to a professional portfolio, such as a personal website or a Google Drive folder showcasing your work. This could include slides, documents, and other relevant materials. An official link to your bio or professional achievements can give you a competitive edge over other candidates.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to present a compelling VP of Human Resources resume highlighting your skills, experience, and strategic approach to HR leadership.
Donna Morris – Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer at Walmart
Gloria Chen – Executive Vice President at Adobe
List the Relevant Work History
When detailing your work history on a VP of HR resume, focus on relevance. While you may have two decades of experience in human resources, it’s crucial to highlight only those roles that align with the position you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying to a startup with over 100 employees, prioritize experiences from companies of a similar size or larger. This ensures that your resume demonstrates relevant expertise and aligns with the company’s needs rather than showcasing outdated or less applicable roles.
Proofread Before Submitting
After dedicating weeks to crafting your VP of HR resume, a single grammatical or spelling error can undermine your effort. Employers often view such mistakes as indicative of carelessness and a lack of attention to detail. Before submitting your resume, thoroughly proofread it to eliminate any errors. Consider asking a trusted colleague or using a professional proofreading service to ensure your resume is polished and professional. Avoiding these mistakes can significantly enhance your chances of making a positive impression and securing the job.
VP of Human Resources Resume Don’ts
When crafting your VP of Human Resources resume, be mindful of these common pitfalls:
- Resume Objective and Summary: Avoid including a resume objective or summary for a VP of HR position. Your extensive work experience and skills should already provide a clear picture of your qualifications. Focus on showcasing your accomplishments and expertise rather than reiterating them in a summary.
- Headshot: A headshot is unnecessary for a VP of HR resume unless you’re applying for roles in modeling or acting. Instead, provide your LinkedIn profile URL, where potential employers can view your professional photo and additional details about your career.
- Old Experience: While you may have accumulated decades of experience, potential employers are more interested in your recent and relevant work history. Avoid listing outdated roles that are no longer pertinent to the position you’re applying for. Highlight only the experience that demonstrates your current skills and expertise.
Where Can You Apply with Your VP of Human Resources Resume?
Your resume is a powerful tool for securing high-level positions in HR. Utilize it to apply for VP of Human Resources roles on various job boards. These platforms can connect you with opportunities that match your qualifications and career goals.
Takeaway
In summary, crafting a VP of Human Resources resume involves several key steps:
- Stay Relevant and Use Reverse Chronological Order: Ensure your resume highlights your most recent and relevant experience first. This approach helps employers quickly see your career progression and current qualifications.
- Customize Each Resume: Tailor your resume to each position you apply for, emphasizing the impact of your policies and achievements on the management team and company. Customization makes your application stand out.
- Use the Right Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords that align with the job description. This helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and capture the attention of hiring managers.
- Proofread Your Resume: Before submission, carefully review your resume for any grammatical or spelling errors. Errors can undermine your professionalism and hurt your chances of getting the job.
- Apply the Sniper Technique: Focus on quality over quantity. To increase your chances of success, apply to a select number of well-suited positions with customized applications.
Writing a VP of Human Resources resume is a complex task that may take a day to several weeks to perfect. Avoid relying on generic templates, as employers can easily recognize them.
Tailoring your resume and applying will set you apart from other candidates. Remember, we’re here to support you throughout the process and help you land your dream job.
FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the VP role.
What are the primary responsibilities of a Vice President of HR?
The Vice President of HR, also known as the Vice President of Human Resources, plays a crucial role in managing and overseeing the human resources functions within an organization. This executive is responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies that align with the company’s goals. Key duties include fostering positive employee relations, ensuring compliance with employment laws, and driving organizational development initiatives. They also collaborate closely with the President of Human Resources and other senior leaders to shape the company’s HR policies and practices, aiming to create a supportive and productive work environment.
How does the role of Vice President of HR differ from that of the President of Human Resources?
While both the Vice President of HR and the President of Human Resources are involved in high-level decision-making and strategic planning, their roles differ in scope and focus. The President of Human Resources typically holds a more overarching role, often focusing on broader organizational strategy and representing HR at the executive level. In contrast, the Vice President of Human Resources is more directly involved in the day-to-day operations of the HR department, including managing employee relations, overseeing recruitment processes, and ensuring that HR policies are effectively implemented throughout the organization.
What skills are essential for a Vice President of Human Resources?
A Vice President of Human Resources needs a diverse skill set for an effective VP HR resume. Essential skills include strong leadership and management capabilities, as they must guide and inspire the HR team and manage complex employee relations issues. Strategic thinking is also crucial, as they must align HR strategies with organizational goals. Excellent communication skills are necessary for interacting with employees, senior management, and external stakeholders. Additionally, a deep understanding of employment laws and best practices in human resources management is important for ensuring compliance and fostering a positive workplace culture.
How does a Vice President of HR contribute to improving employee relations?
The Vice President of HR enhances employee relations by developing and implementing strategies that address employee concerns and promote a positive work environment. They work to resolve conflicts and grievances effectively, ensuring that employees feel heard and valued. By creating and enforcing fair and consistent HR policies, the Vice President of Human Resources helps to build trust and transparency within the organization. Additionally, they may implement programs and initiatives that support employee engagement, career development, and overall job satisfaction, contributing to a more harmonious and productive workplace.
If you are new to Human Resources and are looking to break into an HR role, we recommend taking our HR Certification Courses, where you will learn how to build your skillset in human resources, build your human resources network, craft an excellent HR resume, and create a successful job search strategy.
