Human Resources Specialists
Overview
Human Resources Specialists are the people connectors of companies who help find and hire the right talent for different jobs. They interview candidates, check references, and guide new employees through their first days at work using digital platforms and applicant tracking systems. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and often a bachelor's degree in human resources, psychology, or business. HR specialists work collaboratively with managers across departments and often enjoy flexible work arrangements while building the foundation of successful teams.

Did you know?
Many American employers prefer or require HR certifications such as PHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP to demonstrate professional competency and commitment to the field.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$68,925.20 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Equipment Maintenance
Key Responsibilities
- Provide management with information or training related to interviewing, performance appraisals, counseling techniques, or documentation of performance issues.
- Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.
- Develop or implement recruiting strategies to meet current or anticipated staffing needs.
- Confer with management to develop or implement personnel policies or procedures.
- Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.
- Evaluate selection or testing techniques by conducting research or follow-up activities and conferring with management or supervisory personnel.
- Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.
- Schedule or conduct new employee orientations.
- Advise management on organizing, preparing, or implementing recruiting or retention programs.
- Maintain and update human resources documents, such as organizational charts, employee handbooks or directories, or performance evaluation forms.
- Perform searches for qualified job candidates, using sources such as computer databases, networking, Internet recruiting resources, media advertisements, job fairs, recruiting firms, or employee referrals.
- Conduct reference or background checks on job applicants.
- Analyze employment-related data and prepare required reports.
- Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.
- Administer employee benefit plans.
- Maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Schedule or administer skill, intelligence, psychological, or drug tests for current or prospective employees.
- Contact job applicants to inform them of the status of their applications.
- Select qualified job applicants or refer them to managers, making hiring recommendations when appropriate.
- Review employment applications and job orders to match applicants with job requirements.
- Interview job applicants to obtain information on work history, training, education, or job skills.
- Conduct exit interviews and ensure that necessary employment termination paperwork is completed.
- Coordinate with outside staffing agencies to secure temporary employees, based on departmental needs.
- Inform job applicants of details such as duties and responsibilities, compensation, benefits, schedules, working conditions, or promotion opportunities.
- Review and evaluate applicant qualifications or eligibility for specified licensing, according to established guidelines and designated licensing codes.
- Evaluate recruitment or selection criteria to ensure conformance to professional, statistical, or testing standards, recommending revisions, as needed.
Career Considerations
Professional Certification Requirements
Many American employers prefer or require HR certifications such as PHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP to demonstrate professional competency and commitment to the field.
Employment Law Compliance Knowledge
HR Specialists must stay current with complex federal and state employment laws including FMLA, ADA, Title VII, and varying state regulations that govern workplace practices.
HR Technology Proficiency
Proficiency in HRIS systems, applicant tracking systems, and digital HR tools is essential as American companies increasingly rely on technology for HR operations.