Human resources assistant
Also known as: human resources executive assistant, human resources associate, human resources secretary, human resources administrative assistant
About this occupation
Human resources assistants provide support in all the processes and efforts carried by human resources managers. They help in the preparation of recruitment processes by scanning CVs and narrowing the selection to the most suitable candidates. They perform administrative tasks, prepare communications and letters, and perform the tabulation of the surveys and assessments carried out by the department.
Essential skills and knowledge
- fix meetings
- write work-related reports
- document interviews
- apply company policies
- job market offers
- observe confidentiality
- listen actively
- profile people
- administer appointments
- use communication techniques
- support managers
- manage payroll reports
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping (O*NET 43-4161.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Process, verify, and maintain personnel related documentation, including staffing, recruitment, training, grievances, performance evaluations, classifications, and employee leaves of absence.
- Record data for each employee, including such information as addresses, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports on performance, and dates of and reasons for terminations.
- Explain company personnel policies, benefits, and procedures to employees or job applicants.
- Provide assistance in administering employee benefit programs and worker's compensation plans.
- Answer questions regarding examinations, eligibility, salaries, benefits, and other pertinent information.
- Prepare and set up for new employee orientations.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Enterprising, Social
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Writing, Critical Thinking, Monitoring
US median pay: US$50,610 a year (2025), 90,220 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Human Resources Specialists
- Human Resources Managers
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- Compensation and Benefits Managers
- Administrative Services Managers
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.