Great remote jobs in HR for those early in their careers

As the pandemic retreats further and further into the past, more and more employers are encouraging and even requiring their employees to return to the office at least some or even all of the time. For those who are considering entering a role within human resources or perhaps already are in that field, finding a job that is well-suited to remote work can be challenging.

We recently asked 15 hiring experts for their suggestions for roles which are well-suited to working remotely if you’re early in your career in human resources:

• Diverse HR Roles for Remote Adaptability
• Recruiting: Flexibility Across Time Zones
• Virtual Recruitment Specialist Duties
• Exciting HR Opportunities in Digital Landscape
• Top Remote HR Roles in U.S. Firms
• Ideal HR Jobs for Remote Work Success
• Flexible HR Roles from Home Office
• Strategic Advice as Remote HR Consultant
• Key Remote HR Positions for Career Growth
• HR Manager, Coordinator, and DEI Specialist
• Three HR Functions Suited for Remote Work
• Emerging Remote HR Roles in Virtual Era
• Three Unique Remote HR Career Paths
• Recruiters and Diversity Pros Thrive Remotely
• Remote-Friendly HR Roles for Consultants

Diverse HR Roles for Remote Adaptability

As the HR landscape changes, Talent Acquisition Coordinators for remote positions have become increasingly important. My experience adapting recruitment for remote work guaranteed that we recruited candidates who were well-suited to such circumstances.

Another important position is the Remote Employee Engagement Manager, who is responsible for sustaining high levels of engagement among remote teams through virtual activities and recognition programs. My efforts in this area greatly improved team morale and productivity.

Finally, Remote Work Compliance Specialists are critical for negotiating the legal challenges of remote work across multiple jurisdictions. My work ensuring that policies comply with international regulations has been difficult but critical for global expansion. These jobs together adapt HR processes to the dynamic remote work environment.

Volen Vulkov, Co-founder, Enhancv

Recruiting: Flexibility Across Time Zones

Recruiting is an excellent role within human resources that can be done remotely. As long as you have the internet and a telephone, you can find anyone. Plus, it allows for a lot of flexibility if you are recruiting in different time zones.

Caroline Pennington, Executive Search Recruiter, Podcast Host, Founder, Feminine Founder

Virtual Recruitment Specialist Duties

As a Virtual Recruitment Specialist, your primary responsibility will be to source, screen, and select candidates for remote positions within firms. Finding top talent, conducting virtual interviews, and coordinating the hiring process with hiring managers are all tasks you’ll accomplish through networking and online platforms. Managing multiple recruitment processes simultaneously requires meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills. To top it all off, staying current on remote work trends and understanding what skills are necessary for remote jobs can help you place candidates successfully.

Timothy Allen, Director, Oberheiden P.C.

Exciting HR Opportunities in Digital Landscape

In the dynamic field of human resources, remote work has opened up several exciting job opportunities that align well with today’s digital landscape. 

First, a Remote HR Generalist role is perfectly suited for those who prefer working from home. In this position, one handles a variety of HR tasks, from recruitment to employee relations, all through virtual platforms. This job requires strong communication skills and the ability to manage HR systems online. 

Second, a Virtual Recruitment Specialist position is ideal for those passionate about matching talent with opportunity. Leveraging online recruitment tools and platforms, one can source, screen, and interview candidates from anywhere in the world. This role demands an in-depth understanding of various industries and the ability to connect with candidates virtually. 

Lastly, the role of a Remote Employee Engagement Coordinator has become increasingly relevant. Focused on fostering a positive work culture and high employee morale, this role involves organizing virtual team-building activities, facilitating online training sessions, and ensuring remote employees feel connected and valued. 

Each of these roles not only accommodates remote work preferences but also plays a crucial part in the modern, digital-first HR landscape, offering professionals the flexibility to work from anywhere while making a significant impact on their organization’s success.

Phil Strazzulla, Founder, SelectSoftware Reviews

Top Remote HR Roles in U.S. Firms

With Breeze Unlimited being a national recruiting firm, we have seen an uptick in remote work availability within the Human Resource and Talent Acquisition space. We are also posting remote opportunities on our LinkedIn and have seen the following offered the most by employers around the US. 

Remote HR Coordinator:

A remote HR coordinator plays a pivotal role in supporting various HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and performance management. Responsibilities may include scheduling interviews, coordinating training sessions, maintaining employee records, and assisting with HR policies and procedures. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in HR software and communication tools.

Remote HR Consultant:

As a remote HR consultant, individuals provide expert advice and guidance to organizations on a range of HR matters. This may include developing HR policies, conducting compliance audits, providing training and development programs, and offering strategic HR planning. Remote HR consultants often work with multiple clients or projects simultaneously, requiring excellent communication skills, industry knowledge, and the ability to work independently.

Remote HR Recruiter:

Remote HR recruiters specialize in sourcing, screening, and hiring candidates for various roles within an organization. They utilize online platforms, social media, and networking to identify potential candidates, conduct initial interviews, and coordinate the hiring process. Remote HR recruiters need strong interpersonal skills, the ability to assess candidate qualifications effectively, and proficiency in applicant tracking systems and other recruitment tools.

These roles offer flexibility and the opportunity to work remotely while contributing to essential HR functions within organizations.

Andrew Aziz, Founder, Breeze Unlimited LLC

Ideal HR Jobs for Remote Work Success

Here are three jobs in HR that are well-suited for remote work:

1. HR Consultant: They advise companies on a variety of HR-related issues, such as recruitment strategies, compliance with labor laws, and employee benefits programs. This role can easily be done remotely as it typically involves a lot of online research and virtual meetings.

2. Talent Acquisition Specialist: This role involves identifying and recruiting top talent for an organization. Much of this work, including sourcing candidates, conducting initial interviews, and coordinating with hiring managers, can be done remotely.

3. Employee Engagement Specialist: These professionals are responsible for creating and implementing programs to improve employee satisfaction and productivity. They often work with virtual teams and use digital tools to gauge employee sentiment and gather feedback.

Each of these roles requires a strong understanding of HR principles and excellent communication skills. They also require the ability to work independently, which is a key skill for successful remote work.

Travis Lindemoen, Founder, Enjoy Mondays

Flexible HR Roles from Home Office

Firstly, you could become a remote HR consultant. This means offering expert advice to clients on HR matters like employee relations and compliance, tailoring solutions to fit their needs.

Another possibility is working as a remote recruiter. Your job would involve finding and hiring top talent for remote positions, using online platforms and social media to connect with candidates and manage the hiring process.

Lastly, you could consider a role as a remote HR generalist. This involves handling various HR tasks, such as onboarding new employees and managing benefits, all while working from home. These roles offer flexibility and a chance to make a real difference in the HR field, all without leaving your home office.

Andre Oentoro, Founder/CEO, Breadnbeyond

Strategic Advice as Remote HR Consultant

A great remote position in human resources for those looking to work from home is that of a Remote HR Consultant. In this capacity, experts can offer firms project- or contract-based specialized HR help and expertise. HR policy development, talent acquisition, performance management, and employee relations are among the services provided by remote HR consultants. By utilizing modern communication tools and platforms, they can work remotely, interact with clients in an efficient manner, and offer strategic HR advice from any location. In addition to providing freedom, this remote arrangement enables HR consultants to work with a wide range of clients and impart their knowledge to various businesses and organizations without being constrained by the rules of a conventional office setting.

Puneet Sharma, Founder, Zoop

Key Remote HR Positions for Career Growth

1. Recruiter: As a recruiter, you’ll be the lifeblood of a company’s talent pool. You’ll source, screen, and interview candidates for open positions, all through video calls and online tools. It’s a fast-paced and exciting role where you get to connect with interesting people and help build great teams.

2. Payroll Specialist: If you have a knack for numbers and accuracy, then a remote payroll specialist role might be perfect for you. You’ll ensure employees are paid correctly and on time, handle tax withholdings, and manage payroll data. It’s a crucial role that keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

3. Learning and Development (L&D) Specialist: As an L&D specialist, you’ll design and deliver training programs for employees, often using online platforms. You’ll stay on top of industry trends and create engaging learning experiences to keep employees skilled and motivated.

Kimberley Tyler-Smith, VP of Strategy and Growth, Resume Worded

HR Manager, Coordinator, and DEI Specialist

Remote workers who want to work in human resources should consider positions such as HR manager, coordinator, or DEI specialist.

In a remote role, HR managers leverage virtual meetings and cloud-based HRIS systems to communicate with employees, track progress, and generate reports. While HR managers oversee the entire department and its strategic direction, HR coordinators provide administrative and operational support to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and often act as the first point of contact for employees with HR-related inquiries.

A remote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist may conduct virtual training sessions and utilize online tools to develop DEI programs, analyze diversity data, and collaborate with remote teams to promote a culture of inclusion for all employees. In many organizations, the DEI specialist role sits directly within the HR department, so it’s a great option for remote workers with public speaking skills who wish to work in the HR field.

Nicole Gabrail, Marketing Coordinator, Achievable

Three HR Functions Suited for Remote Work

I can think of these three Human Resource functions: 

1. HR Consultant: HR Consultants offer expert advice on various HR practices, including organizational development, HR policies, and compliance. This role is perfect for remote workers who have a solid background in HR and wish to provide services on a project or freelance basis, allowing flexibility and variety in assignments.

2. Recruiter: Remote recruiters can work independently or for an agency to source, screen, and interview candidates for various companies. This job leverages online recruitment tools and platforms, making it ideal for those who excel in communication and have a keen eye for talent.

3. Employee Relations Specialist: Specialists in employee relations manage workplace conflicts, conduct investigations, and ensure compliance with labor laws. Working remotely, they can consult with employees and management via video calls, emails, and virtual meetings to maintain a positive work environment and address any issues that arise.

These roles leverage digital communication tools and HR software, allowing professionals to work effectively from any location while contributing to organizational goals and employee well-being.

Ana Alipat, Recruitment Team Lead, Dayjob Recruitment

Emerging Remote HR Roles in Virtual Era

In the realm of human resources, the transition to remote work has catalyzed the creation of roles that not only adapt to, but also thrive in, a virtual environment. 

Among these, the position of a Remote Workforce Analyst stands out. This role focuses on analyzing work patterns, productivity data, and employee feedback to optimize remote work policies and practices. It’s critical to ensure that remote work remains both productive and satisfying for employees. 

Additionally, the opportunity to serve as a Virtual HR Compliance Officer is paramount in today’s remote work era. This position involves overseeing the organization’s compliance with employment laws and regulations, a task that has grown in complexity with the spread of remote work across different jurisdictions. The role requires a keen eye for detail and a comprehensive understanding of both national and international labor laws. 

Lastly, the emergence of the Remote HR Technology Specialist role reflects the increasing reliance on HR software solutions to manage remote teams effectively. From overseeing the implementation of HR information systems to training staff on new technologies, this role is pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of HR operations in a remote setting. 

Each of these opportunities underscores the evolving nature of HR work, blending traditional responsibilities with the need to navigate and leverage the digital work environment.

Ananvita Bhattacharya, Owner, WellnessZing

Three Unique Remote HR Career Paths

In our business journey, we’ve been in a remote work setting since 2014 and have happily experienced how it opens up a new field of opportunities, especially in human resources (HR). In my view, here are three roles in HR ideally suited for remote workers, each unique in its way but equally rewarding.

Virtual HR Consultant: For those with a wealth of HR experience looking for flexibility, becoming a virtual HR consultant could be the next big step. This role involves advising businesses on HR strategies, organizational culture, employee engagement, and compliance with HR laws and best practices, all remotely. With tools like Toggl Plan, consultants can manage their projects, deadlines, and communicate with clients across different time zones, making it a dynamic role that caters to a wide range of industries and challenges. It’s ideal for someone who loves variety, problem-solving, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on businesses worldwide.

Employee Engagement Manager: This role is crucial for remote teams to thrive. An Employee Engagement Manager focuses on creating and implementing strategies to ensure remote employees feel connected, valued, and motivated. By utilizing tools like surveys, virtual team-building activities, and feedback platforms, they assess and enhance the overall employee experience. This role is perfect for those who are passionate about culture, communication, and building a sense of community within a distributed team.

Remote Talent Acquisition Specialist: In the digital age, the hunt for top talent has no geographical bounds. A Remote Talent Acquisition Specialist leverages online platforms, social media, and tools like Toggl Hire to look for, attract, and engage potential candidates from across the globe. This role requires a knack for networking, a deep understanding of job markets, and the ability to match a candidate’s skills and personality with the company’s culture and needs—all from the comfort of your home office. It’s a role that demands creativity, empathy, and a strategic mind, perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of connecting people with their dream jobs.

Alari Aho, CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc

Recruiters and Diversity Pros Thrive Remotely

Recruiters can work from multiple locations throughout the United States. They are the first point of contact candidates interact with within an organization. However, they are not required to be present or provide candidates with in-person interactions. This is especially significant for a recruiter responsible for sales, IT, or other roles that can be completed from remote work locations. 

Diversity professionals can be a great remote work career in Human Resources. Many diversity professionals create and develop initiatives to increase diversity and inclusion within an organization. Many of these roles create virtual engagement events for hybrid workforces and operate in multiple locations nationally and internationally, depending on the employer’s operations. 

Retirement is one occupation that can operate remotely in Human Resources. The duties required in the retirement profession consist primarily of processing paperwork and receiving basic information from current or former employees. The data used to make retirement decisions is all within the employee’s records, and minimal in-person interaction is required to get the employee to the end of their career journey.

Annette Harris, Owner, Informed Finance

Remote-Friendly HR Roles for Consultants

Three remote-friendly roles in HR include HR Consultant, Virtual Recruiter, and Remote Learning and Development Specialist.

As an HR Consultant, individuals can provide specialized expertise and support to companies on a freelance or contract basis. They may offer services such as HR policy development, employee relations guidance, or talent management strategies, leveraging their experience and knowledge to help organizations navigate complex HR challenges remotely. Virtual Recruiters play a crucial role in sourcing, screening, and hiring candidates for remote or distributed teams. They utilize digital platforms and tools to connect with potential candidates, conduct interviews virtually, and facilitate the recruitment process from start to finish. Additionally, Remote Learning and Development Specialists design and deliver training programs and professional development initiatives for remote employees. They leverage e-learning platforms, webinars, and other digital resources to support employee growth and skill development in a remote work environment, ensuring that remote teams have access to valuable learning opportunities tailored to their needs.

Michael Hurwitz, CEO and Co-Founder, Careers in Government