Human Resources Specialist
O*NET-SOC: 13-1071.00
Recruits, screens, and interviews job applicants; handles employee relations, compensation, benefits, and training; and ensures compliance with labor laws and organizational policies.
About this Role
Human resources specialists handle the day-to-day people operations within an organization, working across industries including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and professional services. They spend much of their time on recruitment activities: writing job descriptions, posting openings, reviewing resumes in applicant tracking systems, conducting phone screens, coordinating interviews with hiring managers, and extending offers. Between recruitment cycles, they process new hire paperwork, run onboarding sessions, and answer employee questions about benefits, policies, and leave.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM
Triage inbox and priorities
Review overnight emails about leave requests, open job requisitions, and any urgent employee relations issues that need immediate attention.
9:00 AM
Screen applicants
Review resumes in the applicant tracking system against job criteria, shortlist qualified candidates, and schedule phone screens.
10:30 AM
Employee relations consultation
Meet with a manager to discuss a performance concern, help draft a performance improvement plan, and advise on documentation requirements.
12:00 PM
Lunch and training check
Take a break, then audit completion rates for required training programs and send reminders to employees who are overdue.
1:00 PM
Conduct onboarding session
Walk new hires through benefits enrollment, company policies, payroll setup, and introduce them to key contacts in their department.
2:30 PM
Benefits support
Answer employee questions about health insurance options, retirement contributions, and leave policies, escalating complex cases to the benefits administrator.
4:00 PM
Compliance and reporting
Compile workforce data for regulatory reports, review hiring metrics for any disparities, and update the department's tracking dashboards.
5:00 PM
Wrap up and plan tomorrow
Log the day's activities in the HR system, respond to any remaining messages, and set priorities for the next morning.
Tools & Technologies
Databases & Data Tools
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Oracle Database
- Airtable
- FileMaker Pro
Graphics & Design
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Flickr
Word Processing
- Microsoft Word
- Google Docs
- Evernote
ERP Systems
- PeopleSoft
- SAP
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Dynamics GP
- NetSuite ERP
Video Conferencing
- Cisco Webex
- Zoom
- FaceTime
- Google Meet
Document Management
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Adobe LifeCycle Enterprise Suite
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $56K and $97K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $45K |
| 25th | $56K |
| 50th (Median) | $73K |
| 75th | $97K |
| 90th | $127K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
HRCI
Entry-level cert validating operational HR knowledge in recruitment, benefits, and compliance.
Recommended
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
HRCI
Advanced credential for strategic HR leadership and policy development.
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
SHRM
Focuses on HR competencies like talent acquisition and employee relations.
Helpful
Certified Federal HR Professional
National Institutes of Health Training Center
Government-specific training on federal staffing, classification, and labor relations.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate
Cornell University ILR School
Online program on building inclusive workplaces and bias mitigation.
Professional Memberships
Membership in Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Society for Human Resource Management
Provides resources, webinars, and networking for HR best practices.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Hybrid (Remote + Office)
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Mostly sedentary
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (48)
- Active ListeningStrong Match
- WritingGood Match
- Critical ThinkingGood Match
- Active LearningModerate Match
- SpeakingStrong Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Human Resources Specialist a good career?
Human Resources Specialist can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $73K and job outlook is growing (6% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Human Resources Specialist?
The typical education requirement for a Human Resources Specialist is a Bachelor's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Human Resources Specialist?
Becoming a Human Resources Specialist typically requires about 4 years of undergraduate study. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Human Resources Specialist?
The work-life balance for a Human Resources Specialist is generally considered good, with reasonable hours and manageable workloads. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Human Resources Specialist?
The job outlook for Human Resources Specialist is growing. Employment is projected to grow by 6% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.
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