Human Resources Assistant

What is this job like?		Back to Top

Human resources assistants keep records of a company's employees. These records have facts, such as each worker's name, address, job title, pay, and health insurance benefits and other benefits. Every day, human resources assistants update information and answer questions about employees. They also may create reports for managers.

Some human resources assistants answer the phone or open mail. Some help to hire workers. They sometimes do research on the Internet to find qualified applicants for jobs. They tell people about job openings. They get information from job applicants about their education and work experience. They give out tests and explain the company's rules. They ask for references from present or past employers. They call or write to applicants to tell them whether or not they got the job.

Human resources assistants use computers. They usually work a standard 35-40-hour week.

How do you get ready?		Back to Top

These workers must have at least a high school diploma or a G.E.D. Most work with the public, so they have to work well with people. They also need to be neat, well dressed, and have a pleasant personality. A clear speaking voice is important, especially on the telephone. Assistants also need good computer skills. They also need to be able to keep people's information private.

How much does this job pay?		Back to Top

The middle half of human resources assistants earned between $27,430 and $41,080 in 2006. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $22,700. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $48,670.

How many jobs are there?		Back to Top

Human resources assistants held about 168,000 jobs in 2006. About 1 out of 6 work for a government agency.

What about the future?		Back to Top

The number of jobs for human resources assistants is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. These workers are taking on new tasks using computers. Organizations will need these workers to help them with hiring and paperwork.

Are there other jobs like this?		Back to Top

• Brokerage clerks
• Credit authorizers, checkers, and clerks
• Customer service representatives
• File clerks
• Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks
• Interviewers
• Library assistants
• Order clerks
• Receptionists and information clerks
• Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks

Where can you find more information?		Back to Top

More BLS information about human resources assistants can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Last Modified Date: April 29, 2008