Human Resources Specialists
What is a Human Resources Specialist?
A Human Resources Specialist is a professional responsible for various aspects of an organization’s human resources functions, focusing on recruitment, employee relations, compliance with labor laws, and the management of employee benefits. They serve as a vital link between management and employees, ensuring that the workplace is productive and aligned with organizational goals. These specialists are involved in developing, implementing, and revising policies and procedures that foster effective workplace environments. Their work may also encompass conducting training sessions, organizing employee evaluations, and analyzing staff performance to help shape workforce management strategies. In essence, Human Resources Specialists play a critical role in guiding organizations through the complexities of labor relations while ensuring a respectful, equitable, and compliant work atmosphere.
Tasks
- 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).
- Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.
- Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.
Technology Skills
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Human resources software
- Business intelligence and data analysis software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
Tools Used
- Photocopiers
- Scanners
- Video conference cameras
- Notebook computers
- Inkjet printers
Knowledge
-
Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
-
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
-
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Skills
-
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
-
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
-
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Abilities
-
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
-
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
-
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
Bachelor's degree
Work Activities
-
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
-
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
Performing Administrative Activities
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
-
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Detailed Work Activities
- Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
- Administer personnel recruitment or hiring activities.
- Update knowledge of legal or regulatory environments.
- Administer compensation or benefits programs.
- Perform human resources activities.
Work Interests
-
Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
-
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$42900.0 - $121800.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.