Human Resources Specialist Job Description & Salary

Human Resources Specialist is a degree given to an individual who is a skilled recruiter and dismissal in the department of human resources. Human Resources Specialists job description includes dealing with all departments from training company employees to carrying out activities to increase their motivation are human resources experts. They often referred to as HR specialists. Many people outside the world of HR think that experts working as Human Resources Specialist or Assistants have higher salaries than other professionals in the organizations. However, this is not true because Human Resources Specialist or Assistants salaries change depending on their levels and skills.

Their job is not limited to only hiring or recruitment. An HR specialist can direct new employees by explaining company or organization policies, procedures, and benefits. Benefits administration and employee retention also can be included in the duties of some HR specialists.

Quick Facts

• HR professionals receive an average annual salary of $60,350(2017).
• There are 547,800 people who work in this occupation (2016).
• Most of the HR professionals work full-time during normal working hours.
• Human resources professionals have a good job outlook. The Bureau of labor statistics estimates that employment will increase rapidly on average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026.

What Is The Job Description Of A Human Resources Specialist?

As it is being said before that although the human resources specialist’s main job may seem to be hiring and firing employees, he has many different tasks. Human resources specialist’s job description includes but not limited to the following:

• To prepare an application for the recruitment process and to follow the process.
• To examine CV files according to incoming requests.
• Preparing payroll and determining wages.
• Evaluating employee’s performances.
• Organizing training and making presentations on this topic
• Managing employees ‘ working time and days off.

How to Become an HR Specialist; Education Process

Although most employers and institutions recruit people who have graduated from human resources management or having a psychology degree, some of them may work with experts outside these disciplines.

Especially if candidates have a dual major in psychology or human resources, it will give them many advantages for this job.

Candidates can also increase their competence and obtain certificates by participating in training and course programs that are not mandatory but doing so can increase the likelihood of advancing in this field.

Soft Skills Needed for HR specialists

Of course, basic requirements such as education and diploma are required to be an HR specialist but there are also some skills that an HR specialist must-have. For example, an HR specialist needs to have strong listening skills as it is necessary for interviewing job candidates.  He or she also needs excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to perceive social – being aware of another person’s reactions.

In addition to excellent speaking skills, the ability to communicate knowledge through writing are other essential qualities, such as sound judgment and superior decision-making skills.

What Employers Will Expect From You as an HR Specialist

Institutions and organizations that recruit human resources specialists to appoint within their bodies can determine criteria according to themselves. However, there are some features that should be in a human resources specialist and are generally accepted. These features are as follows:

• To have a broad knowledge of labor law
• To be able to use Microsoft Office programs actively.
• To have research, result-oriented, and dynamic identity.
• Ability to build and develop relationships
• To be able to prepare declarations and documents
• The ability to run daily tasks with minimal supervision
• Having knowledge about how recruitment processes are progressing
• Being able to adapt to teamwork

How to Determine if that Profession Matches Your Interests

If a profession matches your interests, personality type, job-related values, and ability, it is more likely to achieve career satisfaction. Find out about yourself by doing a self-assessment and consider becoming a human resources professional if you:

• Interests (Holland Code): ECS (Enterprising, Conventional, Social)
• Personality Type (MBTI Personality Types): ENFJ, INFJ, ENFP, INFP, ENTJ, ENTP, ESTP
• Work-Related Values: Relationships, Support, Achievement

What Does a Human Resources (HR) Assistant Do?

The human resources (HR) assistant is a skilled professional who helps with the administration of the day-to-day operations of an organization’s HR team. The HR team of an organization mostly oversees employee relations, compensation, and benefits, recruitment, and hiring.

Human Resources Assistant Job Description & Responsibilities

A human resources (HR) assistant job description and responsibilities include but not limited to the following;

• Recruiting
• Performance measurement and tracking
• Orientation and training of employees
• Maintaining and storing records of employees.
• Scheduling meetings, interviews with candidates.
• Resolving errors regarding payroll issues.
• Following the latest HR trends and practices.
• Overseeing the compensation and benefits documentation

Simply put, A human resources (HR) assistant plays a key role in the implementation of services, policies, and programs to ensure a positive working environment in an organization, as well as assisting with the recruitment process by identifying the right candidate. The HR assistant usually creates and presents reports to an HR director regarding important HR issues.

HR Assistant Average Salary

An HR Assistant’s salary can vary depending on location, education, industry, experience, and employer.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics;

• Top 10% Annual Salary is around 60,000 USD (or 30 USD/hour)
• The Median Annual Salary is around 40,000 USD (or 20 USD/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary is around 28,000 USD (or 13 USD/hour)

Education, Training, & Certification for HR Assistants

A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field is essential for an HR assistant as well as having experience.

• Education: Most HR assistants have a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent. However many employers require Bachelors’s degree in Human Resources or related disciplines.
• Experience: Employers often require at least two years of experience as an HR Assistant
• Certification: Organizations such as the HR Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management offer some certification programs for candidates. In addition to this, an HR assistant should have proficiency in the use of computer programs.

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Irwin Michael Reston

Irwin Michael Reston is an expert who has more than 30 years of experience in optimizing businesses, inspiring individuals and improving human resources departments. He established the BlueLight Consulting Limited to provide learning and training service worldwide.