Career Overview
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 Known As
- Human Resources Administrative Assistant (HR Administrative Assistant)
- Human Resources Assistant (HR Assistant)
- Human Resources Associate (HR Associate)
- Personnel Clerk
Alternate Job Titles
- Assignment Clerk
- Benefits Clerk
- Benefits Coordinator
- Benefits Technician
- Civil Service Clerk
- Civil Service Worker
- Contract Clerk
- Employment Assistant
- Employment Clerk
- Enrollment Specialist
- 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
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Process, verify, and maintain personnel related documentation, including staffing, recruitment, training, grievances, performance evaluations, classifications, and employee leaves of absence.
- 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.
- Explain company personnel policies, benefits, and procedures to employees or job applicants.
- Provide assistance in administering employee benefit programs and worker's compensation plans.
- Answer questions regarding examinations, eligibility, salaries, benefits, and other pertinent information.
- Prepare and set up for new employee orientations.
- Gather personnel records from other departments or employees.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Speech Clarity
- Written Expression
- Near Vision
- Speech Recognition
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle PeopleSoft
Tools & Equipment
- 10-key calculators
- Desktop computers
- Document binding equipment
- Laser facsimile machines
- Mainframe computers
- Personal computers
- Photocopiers
- Photocopying equipment
- Scanners
Work Environment
- Telephone Conversations
- Contact With Others
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $36,090 |
| Median | $49,440 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $67,140 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 92,580
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Human Resources Specialists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $72,910
Human Resources Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $140,030
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $51,500
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $55,290
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $77,020
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.

