HR coordinators support the human resources department by completing various administrative tasks. It is important for HR coordinators to have strong administration and people management skills.
HR Coordinators are mainly responsible for assisting HR managers with recruiting, employee record-keeping, and payroll processing. Some of their administrative duties include scheduling interviews, producing reports on HR activity, and planning workplace preparation sessions. HR coordinators need to have excellent organizational and time management skills to be successful in this position.
This job opportunity allows HR coordinators to apply their knowledge from college to the workplace by using principles commonly used in HR settings. They must demonstrate good problem-solving and decision-making skills with a strong understanding of employee relationships. In this role, HR coordinators will have opportunities to grow in the workplace and take on higher positions such as HR director and HR manager.
Sample job description
HR coordinators assist with the administrative duties for the HR department of an organization, which include managing recruitment, employee records, employee benefits, and payroll processing. They also provide administrative support to all employees. HR coordinators are conceptual thinkers who have excellent administrative and IT skills and can multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment. [Your Company Name] is looking for an experienced HR coordinator to help us change our HR department for the better. As an ideal candidate, you have experience facilitating daily HR functions, such as maintaining employee records, assisting with the recruitment process, and responding to employee inquiries.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Coordinate recruiting and placement of workers
- Facilitate various HR department processes
- Help employees with their questions and issues
- Assist in employee hiring, onboarding, and training
- Help manage employee relations
- Assist with employee compensation and benefits
- Administer employee health plans
- Work as a liaison between employees and insurance providers
Education and experience
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business administration, or a related field; employers typically prefer candidates who have an MBA.
Required skills and qualifications
- Solid knowledge of business and human resources
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Management and leadership ability and experience
- Demonstrated responsible business ethics
- Ability to multitask and organize
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or related field
- 2+ years of experience working in an HR department
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Self-motivated and managed
- Familiar with confidentiality and dealing with employee records
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for a HR coordinator is $48,350 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $48,100 | $65,050 |
| Los Angeles, California | $54,250 | $73,400 |
| Denver, Colorado | $45,200 | $61,150 |
| Washington, DC | $55,050 | $74,500 |
| Miami, Florida | $45,000 | $60,900 |
| Orlando, Florida | $41,500 | $56,150 |
| Tampa, Florida | $41,900 | $56,700 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $43,950 | $59,500 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $50,550 | $68,400 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $54,650 | $73,950 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $43,550 | $58,950 |
| New York City, New York | $57,550 | $77,850 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $46,850 | $63,400 |
| Dallas, Texas | $45,600 | $61,700 |
| Houston, Texas | $45,200 | $61,150 |
| Seattle, Washington | $52,600 | $71,150 |
| National Average | $41,100 | $55,600 |
Typical work environment
HR coordinators typically work in offices and work on computers. HR coordinators generally work full time from Monday through Friday during regular business hours. HR coordinators who are involved in recruitment may be required to travel to attend job fairs, visit colleges, and meet with applicants.
Typical hours
The typical work hours for an HR Coordinator are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, in an office setting.
Available certifications
HR coordinators are found in a wide variety of industries, and many institutions offer certifications that can help them advance their careers. Here are some of the certifications available for HR coordinators:
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR). The HR Certification Institute offers this certification for HR professionals and proves your in-depth knowledge of the technical and operational aspects of HR management, laws, and regulations. The exam covers employee and labor relations, business management, talent planning and acquisition, total rewards, and learning and development. To be eligible for the PHR you must meet one of several conditions for education and/or experience. The PHR certification is valid for three years. To maintain your PHR credential, you are required to earn 60 recertification credits over 3 years or retake the exam.
- Certified Professional – Human Resource (IPMA-CP). The International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) offers the IPMA-CP for entry or mid-level HR professionals looking to gain expertise, build their knowledge, and set themselves apart in the workplace. Candidates must complete the Public Sector HR Essentials course and pass the IPMA-CP exam to become certified. To retain certification, you must recertify every three years.
Career path
The career path for an HR coordinator starts with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business administration, or a related field. Employers often prefer candidates with an MBA in these fields. Also, achieving certification as a Professional in Human Resources can help lay the groundwork to advance in an HR career.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 13-1071
| 2020 Employment | 674,800 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 748,200 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 10% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 73,400 increase |
Position trends
According to SelectHub, the employee experience will become more central in the roles of human resources professionals; they will have to prioritize employee-centric culture and experience to recruit the best candidates. And while some automation and artificial intelligence (AI) may coexist with human resources jobs, they will serve as complementary technologies, helping HR coordinators do their jobs more efficiently.
Sample interview questions
- What interests you about human resources?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- How do you handle confidential information?
- How have you used creativity in an HR position?
- Which area of HR do you enjoy working in the most?
- Do you enjoy working as part of a team?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
- How do you go about finding the right person for a position?
- How would you organize a team-building event for a diverse group of people?
- How would you resolve a dispute on your team?
- What are the most common mistakes HR administrators make, and how would you avoid them?
- What leadership techniques do you use?
- Can you describe your most important accomplishment?
- Do you prefer working alone or in groups?
- What is the most important thing you are looking for in a job?
- What are some things you particularly liked about your last job?
- What was the most difficult decision you made in the last six months?
- How would you get your team to accept your ideas or departmental goals?
- What HR software are you familiar with?
