Find out what you need to become a successful human resources assistant, including the skills you need, and what you do on a daily basis. Learn more about our educational guide to aspiring HR professionals.
In the current competitive business world, it is very important to manage people. Here is where a Human Resources (HR) assistant comes in. An HR assistant assists the HR department with its many functions including recruitment, employee relations, payroll management and so on. In this extensive article, we discuss the major roles, skills required and future of an HR assistant. We are also going to see how you can perform effectively in this dynamic position and make a positive contribution to your company.
Knowledge of the job of an HR Assistant
HR assistant is an employee who is involved in day-to-day operations of HR managers and directors. Their main responsibilities involve the administration, scheduling of interviews, background checks and keeping records of employees. They are also helpful in designing and initiating HR practices and policies.
Most Important Role of an HR Assistant
- Recruitment Support: Reviewing of resumes, scheduling interviews, and initial candidate evaluation.
- Employee Relations: Helping to resolve conflicts, address employee questions and foster a healthy work culture.
- Payroll Management: Assisting in the processing of payrolls, benefits management, and compensation updates.
- Training and Development: Helping in the coordination and planning of training sessions and developmental programs.
- Compliance: Training to ensure labor laws, rules, and company policies are followed.
As an example, the average pay of HR assistants was about 40000 dollars in 2021, and with a possibility to advance and increase salaries and become a manager.
The required skills of an HR assistant
The hard and soft skills are what you require to be a successful HR assistant. The most important ones are the following:
- Communication Skills: Good verbal and written communication is essential in dealing with employees, candidates and other stakeholders.
- Organizational Skills: Time management and prioritization of tasks are important in order to manage multiple tasks at the same time.
- Technical Competence: This is becoming an important skill in how to use HR software and databases, e.g. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Problem-Solving Skills: Having the ability to think critically and identify solutions to some of the most common HR problems can go a long way to adding value.
- Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Emotional Intelligence and understanding of the emotional needs of employees can be used to ensure a healthy work environment.
In a linked in survey, about 90 percent of hiring managers felt that emotional intelligence was just as crucial as technical skills as far as job success is concerned.
The everyday work of an HR assistant
Day of an HR assistant is usually full of various tasks. Typical daily activities of their day were as follows:
- Morning Routine: Begin the day by checking emails, updating employee information and preparing a meeting or interview.
- Mid-Morning Duties: Answer incoming calls, take care of employee requests and respond to any urgent situations that may occur.
- Afternoon: Carry out recruiting tasks, such as screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and communicating with the hiring manager.
- End-of-Day Responsibilities: Clear up any pending work, compile reports and make sure all records are in place.
Effectively coordinating such activities, an HR assistant will be able to secure the proper work of the HR department and promote the overall health of the organization.
Human Resources Career Development
Although the position of an HR assistant may not seem a big step, it can result in considerable professional development. This is a position many HR assistants use to launch into more senior roles in the HR industry. To develop, take steps towards certification, including Certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
It can also improve your expertise and marketability by continuing education via workshops, seminars and online courses. Building a network of contacts with other people working in the sector can help to open the door to new opportunities and can offer valuable advice.
Additionally, you can get an experience in other fields of HR which can enhance your skills and promotion. A good example is that you can consider spending time on both recruitment and employee relations to gain an all round knowledge of the operations of the HR.
Conclusion
It is a rewarding job as an HR assistant, which is a profession providing many opportunities in personal and professional development. With the skills and knowledge of the responsibilities involved in this role, you can become a successful human resource professional and kick start a lucrative career.
FAQs
- What education is required to be an HR assistant?
Although particular requirements can vary, most organizations are seeking candidates who have a bachelor degree in human resources or in business administration. Relevant coursework, certifications and practical experience may also prove useful.
What can I do as an HR assistant to improve my communication skills?
Actively listen, ask to clarify any misunderstanding at the earliest opportunity and invite colleagues to provide feedback. Also, it may be very useful to attend courses or workshops devoted to the skills of communication.
What are the trends in HR in future?
Some of the new trends are increased technology in HR operations, the focus on diversity and inclusion, as well as a trend towards employee well-being programs.