How Can I Become a Human Resources Assistant?

If you want to become a human resources assistant, you may be unsure how to go about it. Human resources assistants are very important people needed in different industries, and a job as an HR Assistant is just one of the human resources careers that you can pursue. This article will explain to you the requirements, including skills, education and work experience needed for a human resource assistant.

Job Responsibilities For a Human Resources Assistant

The following are the main duties of a human resources assistant: You are responsible for scheduling phone interviews; working with the Human Resource vice president; placing employment ads in web publications and print; screening of resumes; obtaining new hire paperwork; scheduling of in-person interviews; entering of new hire data into a HR information system on the computer; answering employee benefit questions; conducting new hire orientation; communicating HR policies, laws, procedures, government regulation and standards; conducting training sessions for employees; documenting in writing employee issues; overseeing claims of unemployment; overseeing claims of worker’s compensation; conducting employee relations investigations; conducting exit interviews and participation in proceedings of termination; and managing open enrollment and new employees’ benefits review.

Education Requirements For a Human Resources Assistant

Most employers looking for human resource assistant require a bachelors degree. Other requirements may include a General Equivalent Diploma or a high school diploma. Candidates who are successful should also have training in filing and maintenance of filing systems, computers, organizing and other practices of human resources. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement in most companies. You will need to pursue either masters in Human Resource Management or MBA if you are planning to become a human resource manager.

Resource: Top 10 Best Online Masters in Human Resources Management Degrees (MSHR)

Characteristics and Skills For a Human Resources Assistant

The following are skills and personal characteristics that may be worthwhile to attain if you want a career as a human resources assistant: Prior human resource experience; strong and fluent presentation skills; strong skills in customer service; knowledge of state and federal employment regulations; knowledge of computer packages such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel; proficiency with Mac or PC; good verbal and written communication skills; and strong organization skills.

In many employers’ requirements for a human resources assistant, no prior work experience is needed, although it is always helpful. In most of the cases, you are only required to have a bachelor’s degree.

There are many firms in different industries where you can get a human resources assistant job. In every field of business, there is always need for human resource assistants. Some of the industries include social services, resorts and hotels, food services, IT and computer, construction, healthcare and medical professions.

Human resources assistant is a well-paying job with an annual median salary of nearly $37,000. Human resource assistants mostly work in office settings at an average of thirty to forty hours per week. By preparing yourself for the job responsibilities described here and achieving the necessary qualifications, you can look forward to a great career as a human resource assistant.