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 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 get information from job applicants about their education and work experience. They ask for references from present or past employers. They call applicants to tell them if they got the job.

Human resources assistants use computers and work in offices. They usually work a standard 40-hour week.

How do you get ready?		Back to Top

Most of these workers have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. Many 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

In May 2008, human resource assistants had average yearly wages of $36,810.

How many jobs are there?		Back to Top

Human resources assistants held about 169,700 jobs in 2008. About 1 out of 5 work for a government agency.

What about the future?		Back to Top

The number of jobs for human resources assistants is expected to decline slowly through the year 2018. This is because workers, with the use of computers, are getting better and more efficient at what they do.

Are there other jobs like this?		Back to Top

• Customer service representatives
• Interviewers
• Library assistants
• Receptionists and information 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: March 19, 2010