How to Become a HR Assistant

A human resources (HR) assistant works to keep the lines of communication open between employees and the HR department. They do this while supporting HR management staff and completing tasks such as answering phones, data entry and screening potential employees. This entry-level position is a fun and exciting way to meet new people while learning about human resources. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

• Computer and data entry experience
• High school diploma or GED

Instructions

Become an HR Assistant

1. Prepare to become an HR assistant while in high school by enrolling in a vocational school with a business option. If you are enrolled in a traditional high school, concentrate on computers, communications, math and English classes. High school graduates or those who have earned their GED's may want to consider adult education programs in computers and communication.

2. Learn how to efficiently use computer programs including Excel, PowerPoint and Word. Excel and Word are used most often for employee information tracking and when communicating with employees and job applicants.

3. Get familiar with basic office equipment, including the multi-line telephone, fax machine, copy machine, adding machine and printers. This information can be learned by interning or working as a secretary or receptionist while you are still in high school. As an HR assistant, you may be responsible for copying employee handbooks, faxing employment verifications or calculating accrued benefits for employees.

4. Study a foreign language. Having a second language is becoming very important for those working in human resources. As an HR assistant, you will be talking directly to job applicants whose first language might not be English. Conduct research on the community to determine language needs.

Apply to Become an HR Assistant

1. Consider having your resume looked at by a professional, such as a recruiter with an employment firm. An HR manager who looks at resumes for a living will most likely be evaluating you. Even the smallest spelling or grammar mistake could disqualify you from getting the job.

2. Dress for job interviews as if you already have the job. You want the person interviewing you to look at you and see a professional person who fits the role of an HR assistant.

Tips & Warnings

• Some HR assistants are responsible for answering employee tax questions, such as withholding information. Take a class in business taxes from your local adult education program or tax preparation business. A class in taxes and withholdings can make you even more valuable to your company!

• Certain fields, including the legal and health care fields, have strict laws regarding what employees can and cannot say about current and former employees. Find out what these laws are and ask for clarification on items you are unsure about. If you ever have any doubts about employment verification or information, let the person who is inquiring know that you need to verify information and will call her back at a later time.