Applicant interviews… labor negotiations… employee training… salary setting. Human resources specialists perform a wide range of tasks related to ensuring an organization has the employees it needs… to achieve its goals. Human resources—or HR—specialists meet with managers to determine the qualifications they need for new employees. Then they screen applicants and conduct job interviews with the top candidates. Once an applicant is hired, HR specialists conduct employee orientations, answer questions about policies, keep employment records, and provide information on employment benefits, such as health insurance or paid vacation. HR specialists also ensure the organization complies with government regulations. Many are HR generalists, who are trained in all human resources disciplines and perform tasks throughout all areas of the department. Others specialize in a particular area, such as administering benefits and compensation, or on training and development, strategic planning, or hiring. Human resources specialists generally work full time in offices during regular business hours. HR specialists work in all kinds of organizations, including employment services, government, healthcare, and manufacturing. Those who focus on recruiting new employees often travel extensively to visit college campuses and attend job fairs. Human resources specialists usually need a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Related work experience is required for some positions.
What they do:
Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.
On the job, you would:
Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.
Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.
Maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Business
human resources (HR)
administrative services
Arts and Humanities
English language
Safety and Government
law and government
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
talking to others
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
looking for ways to help people
understanding people's reactions
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Cooperation
Attention to Detail
Self Control
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
You might use software like this on the job:
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics
Workday software
Data base user interface and query software
Blackboard software
LinkedIn
Human resources software
Oracle Taleo
TempWorks recruiting and staffing software
bachelor's degree or master's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.