An HR assistant handles a variety of human resources functions, including recruiting, hiring, and training new and existing employees. These individuals are also involved in the planning and implementation of programs and processes designed to improve employee welfare. They might manage payroll, maintain vital employee records, and ensure the smooth operation of the HR department. The HR assistant also serves as a liaison between the human resources department and employees for effective communication and conflict resolution. Additionally, HR assistants coordinate meetings and maintain personnel records. Those who want to be in this field need great communication skills and need to be a whiz at MS Office.
Sample job description
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for an HR assistant is $42,000 per year in the United States. Salaries will vary based on location, education, certifications, additional skills, years of experience, company size, and industry.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $41,700 | $56,450 |
| Los Angeles, California | $47,050 | $63,700 |
| Denver, Colorado | $39,200 | $53,100 |
| Washington, DC | $47,800 | $64,650 |
| Miami, Florida | $39,050 | $52,850 |
| Orlando, Florida | $36,000 | $48,750 |
| Tampa, Florida | $36,350 | $49,200 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $38,150 | $51,650 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $43,850 | $59,350 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $47,450 | $64,200 |
| Minneapolis-St.Paul, Minnesota | $37,800 | $51,150 |
| New York City, New York | $49,900 | $67,550 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $40,650 | $55,000 |
| Dallas, Texas | $39,600 | $53,550 |
| Houston, Texas | $39,400 | $53,300 |
| Seattle, Washington | $45,650 | $61,750 |
| National Average | $35,650 | $48,250 |
Sample interview questions
- What is your approach to problem-solving?
- Do you have experience interpreting policy, disseminating guidelines, and developing procedures for others?
- How would you handle highly confidential information?
- What would you do if an employee complained about their compensation?
- What software applications are you proficient with?
- Are you familiar with any HR-specific programs?
- Do you have any experience preparing and delivering reports?
- Can you tell us about an HR program you implemented?
- Do you believe that onboarding is crucial for employee success? Why or why not?
- Have you ever witnessed something unethical in the workplace? If so, what did you do?
- Do you have experience laying off or terminating employees?
- What would you do if you discovered that a new employee put inaccurate information on their application?
- Do you have experience with remote hiring?
- Have you ever disagreed with a company policy? If so, what did you do, and why?
- If a manager was dealing with a difficult employee, how would you advise them to resolve the issue?
- What resources have you used to fill positions?
- What experience do you have training employees?
