Human Resources Specialist

Human resources specialists recruit, screen, interview, and place workers. They often handle tasks related to employee relations, compensation and benefits, and training.

Human resources specialists typically do the following:

Consult with employers to identify employment needs
Interview applicants about their experience, education, and skills
Contact references and perform background checks on job applicants
Inform applicants about job details, such as duties, benefits, and working conditions
Hire or refer qualified candidates for employers
Conduct or help with new employee orientation
Keep employment records and process paperwork

Human resources specialists are often trained in all human resources disciplines and perform tasks throughout all areas of the department. In addition to recruiting and placing workers, human resources specialists help guide employees through all human resources procedures and answer questions about policies.

They sometimes administer benefits, process payroll, and handle any associated questions or problems, although many specialists may focus more on strategic planning and hiring instead of administrative duties. They also ensure that all human resources functions comply with federal, state, and local regulations.

The following are examples of types of human resources specialists:

Human resources generalists handle all aspects of human resources work. They may have duties in all areas of human resources including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits, training, as well as the administration of human resources policies, procedures, and programs.

Recruitment specialists, sometimes known as personnel recruiters or “head hunters,” find, screen, and interview applicants for job openings in an organization. They search for applicants by posting listings, attending job fairs, and visiting college campuses. They also may test applicants, contact references, and extend job offers.

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Human resources specialists typically have an interest in the Helper, Persuader and Organiser interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Helper interest area indicates a focus on assisting, serving, counselling, or teaching other people. The Persuader interest area indicates a focus on influencing, motivating, and selling to other people. The Organiser interest area indicates a focus on working with information and processes to keep things arranged in orderly systems.

If you are not sure whether you have a Helper or Persuader or Organiser interest which might fit with a career as a human resources specialist, you can take a career test to measure your interests.

Human resources specialists should also possess the following specific qualities:

Communication skills. Listening and speaking skills are essential for human resources specialists. They must convey information effectively, and pay careful attention to questions and concerns from job applicants and employees.

Decision making skills. Human resources specialists use decision making skills when reviewing candidates’ qualifications or when working to resolve disputes.

Detail oriented. Specialists must be detail oriented when evaluating applicants’ qualifications, performing background checks, maintaining records of an employee grievance, and ensuring that a workplace is in compliance with labor standards.

Interpersonal skills. Specialists continually interact with new people and must be able to converse and connect with people from different backgrounds.

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