Human Resources and Recruitment Officers

Formal Description

“Human resources and recruitment officers identify and advertise job vacancies, recruit candidates, and assist in the selection and reassignment of employees. They are employed throughout the private and public sectors.” (NOC 2021)

Sample Job Titles

This category includes a variety of job titles that may not necessarily be reflected by the category title. For a full index of job titles, see the category entry on the ESDC site. Example job titles include:

Labour Force Consultant

Staffing Analyst

Personnel Selection Officer

Executive Recruiter

Typical Employment and Education Requirements

The requirements listed for each occupational category will tend to vary across particular roles, job titles, and contexts.

The following typical requirements are listed on the ESDC’s 2021 entry for this occupational category:

A university degree or college diploma in a field related to personnel management such as business administration, industrial relations, commerce or psychology or completion of a professional development program in personnel administration is usually required.
Certification as a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) may be required.
Some experience in a clerical or administrative position related to personnel administration may be required.

Success with a Social Sciences Undergraduate Degree and Beyond

When reviewing typical requirements, please remember:

Degree and diploma listings often end with a purposefully open-ended phrase (“or a related field”, “or a similar discipline”) that acknowledges the variety and applicability of social sciences and liberal arts degrees.
Employers often focus less on the name or title of a candidate’s degree, and more on how they articulate their transferable skills and experiences.
Many qualifications and certifications are available as post-graduate certificates aimed at recent university graduates; these can make an excellent further education option for a social sciences or liberal arts degree.

Explore related Graduate Certificates or other relevant avenues for further education.

Learn More

Related Categories

Here are a few other categories that might interest you:

Administrative Officers

Human Resources Professionals

Related Sectors

Whereas Economic and Social Development Canada’s ‘occupational’ categories tend to focus more on the duties and functions that people play in specific roles, exploring careers by ‘sectors’ helps us to sort by employer type, industry, or general field of work. Here are just a few of the sectors that may be relevant to this category:

Careers In the Public Service

Careers in Organizations

Careers in Cultural Resources Management

Browse More Options by Sector

Academic Program Connections

As you select your program of study and the courses you will take, you can chart a path towards success in this sector from any one of our social sciences departments and programs. Here are just a few examples of academic disciplines that have connections with this sector:

Indigenous Studies Learn More

Indigenous Studies provides knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures, and rights, helping HR professionals create equitable hiring practices and workplace policies. A background in Indigenous Studies enables HR professionals to support Indigenous employees, implement inclusive policies, and foster meaningful workplace diversity.

Sociology Learn More

Sociology examines social structures, workplace culture, and diversity, helping HR professionals understand employee behaviour and organizational dynamics. A strong foundation in sociology allows HR professionals to design effective policies, diversity initiatives, and conflict resolution strategies that enhance workplace harmony.

Work & Labour Studies Learn More

Work & Labour Studies examines employment laws, labor relations, and workplace rights, equipping HR professionals with essential knowledge for managing workforce policies. Expertise in labor studies allows HR professionals to advocate for employee rights, ensure ethical hiring, and maintain compliance with labor laws.

Social Psychology Learn More

Social Psychology explores how individuals interact within groups, shaping motivation, leadership, and workplace relationships. By understanding behavioural influences, HR professionals can enhance productivity, improve communication, and support employee well-being.

Browse More Options by Program

Careers & Experiential Education