What Does an HR Assistant Do?
An HR assistant provides entry-level support to the human resources department, helping maintain organization, accuracy, and consistency in HR operations. This role is responsible for tasks like filing employee documents, scheduling interviews, preparing new hire paperwork, and responding to general questions about HR policies or procedures. HR assistants often work closely with HR coordinators, recruiters, or generalists to ensure key workflows such as onboarding, compliance, and records management are handled efficiently.
HR assistants must be highly organized and detail-oriented, as they regularly handle sensitive data and must maintain confidentiality at all times. The role also involves strong interpersonal skills, since HR assistants interact with employees, applicants, and internal stakeholders. It’s an ideal entry point for individuals looking to build a career in HR while gaining exposure to a broad range of human resources functions.
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HR Assistant Core Responsibilities
- Prepare, organize, and maintain physical and digital employee files
- Schedule interviews and meetings for HR staff and hiring managers
- Assist with onboarding documentation and orientation logistics
- Track and file leave requests, policy acknowledgments, and status changes
- Maintain office and onboarding supplies for the HR team
- Respond to routine questions about HR forms, policies, or procedures
- Support preparation of reports and presentations
- Help coordinate employee events, trainings, and communications
- Ensure accuracy and confidentiality of employee records and communications
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Familiarity with basic HR processes or personnel file management
- Understanding of email and calendar systems (e.g., Outlook, Gmail)
- Basic data entry and recordkeeping
Soft skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Professional, courteous communication
- Discretion when handling confidential information
- Ability to follow processes and instructions closely
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field preferred
Certifications
- None required
- aPHR or SHRM Entry-Level Certification is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior administrative or office support experience
- Exposure to HRIS or applicant tracking systems
- Customer service background in a professional environment
- Interest in pursuing a career in human resources
- Bilingual communication skills helpful in diverse workforces
National Average Salary
HR assistant salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a HR Assistant is:
$42,155
Sample Job Description Templates for HR Assistants
Recruiting HR Assistant
Position Overview
We are hiring a Recruiting HR Assistant to support the recruitment team with scheduling, documentation, and communication throughout the hiring process. This entry-level role helps ensure candidates and hiring managers have a smooth, organized experience. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Schedule interviews and coordinate calendars for candidates and hiring managers
- Post job openings to job boards and internal career sites
- Communicate with candidates regarding next steps, status updates, and logistics
- Maintain applicant data in the applicant tracking system (ATS)
- Assist with reference checks, background screenings, and offer documentation
- Prepare interview packets and documentation for hiring managers
- Track recruiting activity and prepare basic reports for HR or leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with calendar systems (Outlook, Google)
- Familiarity with applicant tracking systems (e.g., Workday, iCIMS, Greenhouse)
- Strong document formatting and email communication skills
Soft skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to multitask and meet tight scheduling deadlines
- Professional and courteous communication with candidates and internal teams
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business, HR, or related field preferred
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience supporting recruiting or scheduling in a corporate setting
- Interest in a career in talent acquisition or human resources
Onboarding HR Assistant
Position Overview
We are seeking an Onboarding HR Assistant to support new hire processes and ensure a seamless transition for employees joining the company. This role assists with paperwork, orientation scheduling, system access, and basic compliance tasks. The onboarding assistant plays a key role in delivering a positive first impression for new employees.
Responsibilities
- Prepare new hire paperwork and send welcome emails or onboarding instructions
- Track completion of I-9s, direct deposit forms, and policy acknowledgments
- Coordinate orientation logistics including room reservations, invites, and materials
- Assist IT and facilities teams with new hire requests (badges, equipment, access)
- Maintain onboarding checklists and flag missing or overdue documents
- Enter new hire data into HRIS or payroll systems
- Respond to questions from new hires regarding forms, timelines, or benefits
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of new hire documentation and onboarding workflows
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and digital form tools
- Familiarity with HRIS platforms for data entry
Soft skills
- Friendly, helpful demeanor and customer service mindset
- Strong attention to detail and time management
- Clear, professional written communication
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate’s degree or some college coursework in business or HR preferred
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience supporting orientation or HR welcome programs
- Experience handling onboarding paperwork in compliance-driven industries
Payroll HR Assistant
Position Overview
We are looking for a Payroll HR Assistant to support payroll operations through accurate data entry, recordkeeping, and employee support. This role ensures that timekeeping and compensation changes are processed correctly and assists with payroll communications and file maintenance.
Responsibilities
- Assist in reviewing and entering timecards, hours worked, and PTO requests
- Maintain employee payroll files, including W-4s, direct deposit info, and pay adjustments
- Respond to employee questions about payroll timing, deductions, or taxes
- Coordinate with HR and payroll teams to ensure accurate processing
- Help with payroll audit preparation and compliance tracking
- Process pay changes, bonuses, or corrections as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of payroll cycles and timekeeping systems
- Strong data entry and spreadsheet skills
- Familiarity with HRIS or payroll platforms (e.g., ADP, Paychex)
Soft skills
- High level of confidentiality and attention to detail
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to handle employee concerns with professionalism
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Coursework in business, accounting, or HR preferred
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with timekeeping systems or payroll data entry
- Prior administrative work in finance or HR departments
Benefits HR Assistant
Position Overview
We are hiring a Benefits HR Assistant to support day-to-day benefits administration and employee communication. This entry-level role helps ensure accurate documentation, timely responses, and a smooth benefits experience for new and existing employees.
Responsibilities
- Support open enrollment processes by preparing materials and tracking responses
- Answer routine employee questions about benefit options or eligibility
- Process and file benefit enrollment and change forms
- Update employee benefits data in HRIS or vendor portals
- Help coordinate wellness events or benefit information sessions
- Monitor deadlines for benefit enrollment, terminations, and qualifying events
- Assist with benefits reporting and audits
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of health, dental, vision, and retirement benefit plans
- Proficiency in data entry and document tracking
- Familiarity with HRIS and benefit portals
Soft skills
- Clear and supportive communication with employees
- Strong organizational and documentation habits
- Sensitivity when dealing with personal or confidential matters
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate’s degree or benefits-related coursework preferred
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Exposure to benefits administration or customer service roles
- Interest in pursuing a career in HR benefits or employee wellness
HRIS Support Assistant
Position Overview
We are hiring an HRIS Support Assistant to assist with maintaining accurate employee records and supporting system users within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). This role performs data entry, reporting, and troubleshooting tasks to ensure data integrity and user satisfaction.
Responsibilities
- Input and update employee data such as job titles, departments, and status changes
- Support HR staff with HRIS navigation, access issues, or report generation
- Perform data audits and correct discrepancies
- Run standard reports for HR and business partners
- Help test and validate system changes or new features
- Maintain documentation for HRIS processes and user guides
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with HRIS or data entry platforms (e.g., Workday, ADP, UKG)
- Strong Excel skills for data review and export
- Understanding of employee lifecycle changes in system records
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and accuracy with large datasets
- Ability to communicate clearly with non-technical users
- Dependability and discretion with sensitive data
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in HR, IT, or business preferred
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in data entry, reporting, or HR system support
- Familiarity with HR workflows and system permissions