Companies that operate in different industries or are growing rapidly often need to bring in various types of HR professionals to assist in managing the people in the organization. One such role is the human resources specialist position. Show
This article will discuss the skills required for an HR specialist, salary expectations, and how you can become a specialist. Contents What is a human resources specialist?Human resources specialists perform specific HR functions like recruitment, training and development, compensation and benefits, rewards, and employee relations. Their day-to-day function also includes handling other HR tasks, but they primarily focus on their specialist area. It is usually an entry-level role that is more common in large organizations and consulting firms. Companies employing HR specialists typically have multiple HR specialists with their areas of expertise. Generally speaking, a human resources specialist is responsible for working toward a company’s long-term success. For example, by ensuring that they hire and retain the right people. This could also include collaborating with hiring managers to develop applicant criteria, conducting onboarding, helping resolve labor issues, and developing training materials, to name a few. Related (free) resource ahead! Continue reading below ↓ Organizational Development Metrics Cheat SheetDownload the cheat sheet designed to help you manage your organization’s ability to change. What skills does a human resources specialist need?The skills that an HR specialist needs vary according to the area that they specialize in. Day-to-day duties may also vary because of these specialty areas. However, here are a few general skills they should be able to display within their HR role, including:
Human resources specialist job descriptionSome of the typical HR roles and responsibilities you could expect in an HR specialist job description include: HR specialist roles1. Employment and recruitmentRecruitment specialists assist hiring managers and recruitment managers in performing hiring activities, from advertising company vacancies to creating job offers. 2. Training and developmentTraining and development specialists develop and conduct employee training and development programs. Tasks may include:
3. Job analysisHR specialists determine and record job responsibilities and requirements in this role. Tasks may include:
4. Employee relationsEmployee relations specialists liaise between employees and managers. Tasks may include: Upskill
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5. Compensation and benefitsCompensation and benefits specialists handle employees’ compensation and benefits. Tasks may include:
HR specialist responsibilitiesSome responsibilities include:
What qualifications does a human resources specialist need?Individuals interested in a role within the HR field may complete a Bachelor’s Degree in HR, or a related field such as Business Administration, Psychology and further advance the qualification with an MBA. However, it is worth noting that some organizations place more emphasis on the experience and skills of the individual. So, when determining which qualifications are important for becoming a human resources specialist, also consider how you can gain experience and continuously upskill yourself in specific areas, such as:
HR specialist salaryIn a report by ZipRecruiter, the average US salary of a human resources specialist is $51,949 a year (as of October 2022). That would be an estimated $4,329 per month. Annual salaries range from $21,000 to $87,000. From HR Business Partnerto CHROMap out your HR Career path. Try our need tool to determine the direction in which you want to progress based on your HR career goals and capabilities. Get Started The average pay also varies based on location. According to Glassdoor, human resources specialists in Chicago are paid $61,181 annually, while their New York counterparts take home $69,620 annually. Meanwhile, on Payscale, the average annual salary of HR specialists in Chicago is $57,071, while their New York HR specialist colleagues receive $64,890 annually. How to become a human resource specialistReady to work as a human resources specialist? Here are some steps to become one: 1. Gain credentialsObtain a Bachelor’s degree if you have the opportunity, and enroll in certificate programs to develop the necessary skills to perform the HR specialist role. Some companies are already including HR certifications as a qualification requirement on their job postings. Organizations like SHRM and AIHR offer various certifications for HR personnel with different experience levels. Also, individuals with additional certificates can experience a pay boost or faster career advancement opportunities. Research has found that HR certification holders receive an average pay boost of 29.5%, while HR credentials can increase the chances of a promotion within 5 years by up to 16%. 2. Develop professional experiencePursue an internship or on-the-job training. Volunteer as an HR liaison in your college campus or businesses within your location. Internships will give you first-hand training on working as an HR professional. The skills and knowledge gained from experience will be the foundation for your HR career. Look for internships on large job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor, as well as on internship-specific sites like Internships.com. Check the websites of companies you’re interested in for internship opportunities. Large companies like UPS and Merck hire HR interns every year. 3. Join networks and membershipsBuild a valuable network of contacts. An established network may be able to help you land your next job, teach you new skills, or introduce you to reputable organizations and qualified candidates. Also, expand your professional network by joining HR groups on social media. Consider obtaining memberships from professional organizations and attending their hosted networking events to continue to grow your HR network. AIHR provides a learners community of like-minded HR professionals when you enroll in one of the courses. There are also other communities worth looking into like:
4. Improve your expertiseHR is quickly evolving and requires a new set of skills for the future to adapt to changing organizations and labor markets. This is where the T-shaped HR professional plays a pivotal role. T-shaped HR professionals step out of traditional HR roles to strategically work with internal stakeholders while still working within their specialist performances. A T-shaped HR professional’s competencies include:
Use the T-Shaped Assessment to identify areas of professional development for you. 5. Prepare for your human resources specialist interviewOnce you have the qualifications and have developed your skills, prepare for your interviews by prepping with interview questions. Know the company you are applying to and its products and services. Remember, be confident and be prepared so you can answer the questions correctly and increase your chances of getting hired. Some interview questions to consider are:
Human resources generalist vs. specialistChoosing between becoming an HR Specialist and an HR generalist is crucial because you can focus on gaining competencies for a specific role, which enables you to jumpstart your career quickly.
Key takeawayHR specialists are essential in building and growing successful businesses. Working in this position can be a rewarding experience to help build strong company culture and advocate employees’ rights in the workplace. If you’re thinking about becoming an HR specialist, consider upskilling and developing your work experience to prepare for the role. What is the first step in a training design process?Needs Assessment
The first step in developing a training program is to determine what the organization needs in terms of training. There are three levels of training needs assessment: organizational assessment, occupational (task) assessment, and individual assessment: Organizational assessment.
Why is it important to make sure that the content of a training program matches the company's objective?Why is it important to make sure that the content of a training program matches the company's objectives? Employees will learn more from a course that is helpful and meaningful to them. It is a waste of money to choose a training course that does not teach the employees what the company needs them to learn.
Which is the best approach that HR should recommend leaders undertake after the results of an annual employee engagement survey show a significant decline?Pre-Test. How can I become an HR expert?How to become an HR specialist. Earn a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. ... . Develop your skills. ... . Pursue an internship. ... . Build a professional network. ... . Seek employment in the HR field. ... . Commit to professional development.. |