Occupation AtlasHuman Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping

O*NET · 43-4161.00

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping

Compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports for employment records, file employment records, or search employee files and furnish information to authorized persons.

Also called Assignment Clerk · Benefits Clerk · Benefits Coordinator · Benefits Technician · Civil Service Clerk · Civil Service Worker · Contract Clerk · Employment Assistant
21 more

Employment Clerk · Enrollment Specialist · HR Administrative Assistant · HR Assistant · HR Associate · HR Clerk · Human Resources Administrative Assistant (HR Administrative Assistant) · Human Resources Assistant (HR Assistant) · Human Resources Associate (HR Associate) · Human Resources Clerk (HR Clerk) · Human Resources Team Member · Identification Clerk · Onboarding Coordinator · Personnel Associate · Personnel Clerk · Personnel Officer · Recruiting Coordinator · Resource Coordinator · Staffing Assistant · Temporary Help Agency Referral Clerk · Time Study Clerk

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code CES35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CESConventional · Enterprising · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional7.00
  • E Enterprising3.91
  • S Social3.24
  • R Realistic1.43
  • I Investigative1.35
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent21%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate6%
  • Some College Courses11%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree27%
  • Bachelor's Degree34%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (34%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (48%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (33%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • WritingbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
Show the other 23

Tasks

10 core · 9 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Record data for each employee, including such information as addresses, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports on performance, and dates of and reasons for terminations.Importance 4.1
  2. Process, verify, and maintain personnel related documentation, including staffing, recruitment, training, grievances, performance evaluations, classifications, and employee leaves of absence.Importance 4.1
  3. Explain company personnel policies, benefits, and procedures to employees or job applicants.Importance 4.0
  4. Provide assistance in administering employee benefit programs and worker's compensation plans.Importance 3.9
  5. Answer questions regarding examinations, eligibility, salaries, benefits, and other pertinent information.Importance 3.8
  6. Gather personnel records from other departments or employees.Importance 3.8
  7. Prepare and set up for new employee orientations.Importance 3.8
  8. Examine employee files to answer inquiries and provide information for personnel actions.Importance 3.7
  9. Search employee files to obtain information for authorized persons and organizations, such as credit bureaus and finance companies.Importance 3.5
  10. Compile and prepare reports and documents pertaining to personnel activities.Importance 3.2
Show the other 9
  1. Interview job applicants to obtain and verify information used to screen and evaluate them.Importance 4.1
  2. Process and review employment applications to evaluate qualifications or eligibility of applicants.Importance 4.0
  3. Inform job applicants of their acceptance or rejection of employment.Importance 3.9
  4. Select applicants meeting specified job requirements and refer them to hiring personnel.Importance 3.8
  5. Arrange for advertising or posting of job vacancies and notify eligible workers of position availability.Importance 3.8
  6. Request information from law enforcement officials, previous employers, and other references to determine applicants' employment acceptability.Importance 3.7
  7. Administer and score applicant and employee aptitude, personality, and interest assessment instruments.Importance 3.5
  8. Prepare badges, passes, and identification cards, and perform other security-related duties.Importance 3.4
  9. Arrange for in-house and external training activities.Importance 2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 4.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • AdministrativeImportance 4.1Level 5.8
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • English LanguageImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Education and TrainingImportance 2.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • MathematicsImportance 2.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
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  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.2Level 2.8
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.9Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • PsychologyImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • TransportationImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level —
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.3Level —
  • GeographyImportance 1.2Level —
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
  • DesignImportance 1.1Level —
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.1Level —
  • BiologyImportance 1.0Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.0Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.0Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.0Level —
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.0Level —
  • PhysicsImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.6
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
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  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Selective AttentionImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • OriginalityImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 0.9
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.3Level —
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.7Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.6Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.6Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Processing InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.4Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 4.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
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  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.9Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.3Level 2.8
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 2.8
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Contact With Others4.9
  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.7
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.4
  • Spend Time Sitting4.3
  • Time Pressure4.3
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.2

Technology

38 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (7)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Microsoft Wordhot
  • Applicant tracking software
  • Oracle HRIS

Hot (6; 5 more marked hot above)

  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • SAP ERP
Other tools (25)
  • ADP Enterprise HR
  • ADP Workforce Now
  • Blackboard Learn
  • Blackboard Learning System
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • Database software
  • Document management system software
  • Email software
  • Employee performance management system
  • Employee self-service software
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Google Calendar
  • Human resource information system (HRIS)
  • Human resource management software HRMS
  • Learning management system LMS
  • LinkedIn
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Oracle PeopleSoft Enterprise Employee Self-Service
  • Oracle PeopleSoft Enterprise Human Resources
  • Oracle Self-Service Human Resources
  • Oracle Taleo
  • Scanning software
  • Ultimate Software UltiPro Workplace
  • Workscape HR Service Center

Related occupations

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ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.