How to Be Human Resources Clerk - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 18, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The lack of an efficient Human Resources Clerk can lead to negative consequences for a business. Without someone to coordinate recruitment, hiring, onboarding, payroll, and employee benefits, a business can suffer from decreased employee morale, increased employee turnover, and missed deadlines. Additionally, the absence of an HR Clerk can result in a decrease in productivity and revenue for a business due to inadequate staffing and inefficient use of resources. To avoid these potential pitfalls, businesses must make sure they have a qualified HR Clerk in place to ensure smooth and productive operations.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate to become a human resources clerk.
Pursue Postsecondary Education. Most employers prefer to hire human resources clerks who have completed some postsecondary education. This may include a certificate program or an associate's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
Receive On-the-Job Training. Human resources clerks typically receive on-the-job training, often lasting several weeks, to learn the procedures and policies of the employer.
Obtain Certification. The Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) offers the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certifications for human resources clerks who meet certain educational and experience requirements.
Obtain Additional Skills. Human resources clerks should also have strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, as well as proficiency with computers and software programs such as Microsoft Office.

In order to stay ahead and remain competent in the field of Human Resources, it is important to stay current on the latest industry trends, laws, and regulations. Keeping up-to-date on these topics can be achieved by attending seminars, workshops, and conferences, reading industry publications, and participating in professional organizations. Additionally, developing strong organizational and communication skills, as well as having a thorough knowledge of the companys policies and procedures, will help to ensure that Human Resources professionals are successful in their role. By staying ahead of the curve and remaining competent, Human Resources professionals will be able to provide the best possible service to their organization and its employees.

You may want to check Human Resources Coordinator, Human Capital Management Business Analyst, and Human Resources Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Maintain employee records and files in accordance with legal requirements and company policy
Process new hire paperwork, including background checks and onboarding documents
Answer employee questions about benefits, payroll, and policies
Manage recruitment process, including job postings, candidate sourcing, and interviewing
Administer employee benefits programs, including health and life insurance
Coordinate employee training programs and workshops
Prepare reports on employee performance and attendance
Administer employee discipline and performance management
Assist with payroll processing and timekeeping
Monitor and update HR database information

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of HR policies and procedures
Excellent communication skills
Proficiency in MS Office, Excel and other software programs
Ability to organize and prioritize work
Strong attention to detail
Ability to handle confidential information
Excellent problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and in a team
Good time management skills
Understanding of labor laws and regulations

A Human Resources Clerk plays a vital role in an organization. Good communication and organizational skills are paramount for this role, as they are responsible for communicating with employees and keeping accurate records of employee information. In order for an HR Clerk to be successful, they must have excellent interpersonal skills.

This allows them to effectively communicate with both employees and management, as well as facilitate the resolution of any disputes that may arise. They must also be organized, as they must maintain accurate records of employee information, such as payroll, vacation and benefits. The ability to analyze and interpret data is also necessary.

Human Resources Clerks are responsible for determining the best way to utilize data to improve workplace processes, such as hiring and training new employees. They must also be able to identify trends in employee performance and suggest appropriate solutions to any issues that may arise. Finally, HR Clerks must have a thorough understanding of applicable laws and regulations related to employment, such as tax laws and labor regulations.

This is essential for the development of policies and procedures that ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

Human Resources Trainee, Human Resources Recruiter, and Human Resources Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in Human Resources?
How would you handle a difficult employee or customer situation?
Describe a time when you had to multitask and prioritize to meet a deadline.
What computer programs are you proficient with?
How do you stay organized and ensure accuracy in your work?
What strategies do you use to maintain confidentiality in the workplace?
What have you done to improve your knowledge of Human Resources processes?
How do you handle feedback, whether positive or negative?
Describe a time when you had to make an ethical decision in the workplace.
What kind of environment do you find most conducive to your work performance?

Common Tools in Industry

Applicant Tracking System (ATS). A software system used to manage the recruitment process, from job postings to applicant tracking and hiring. Example: Taleo.
Performance Management System. A software system used to track employee performance and objectives. Example: SAP SuccessFactors.
Time and Attendance System. A software system used to track employee hours and attendance. Example: ADP Workforce Now.
Employee Database. A software system used to store employee information, including contact details, job history, and salary information. Example: Oracle Human Capital Management.
Learning Management System (LMS). A software system used to deliver training and track employee progress and development. Example: Cornerstone OnDemand.
Employee Survey Software. A software system used to conduct surveys of employee satisfaction and engagement. Example: Qualtrics.

Professional Organizations to Know

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
The International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR)
National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS)
American Management Association (AMA)
WorldatWork Society of Certified Professionals (WorldatWork)
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP)
American Payroll Association (APA)
National Human Resources Association (NHRA)
Association for Talent Development (ATD)
Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)

We also have Human Resources Payroll Specialist, Human Resources Benefits Analyst, and Human Resources Change Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Human Resources (HR). The department responsible for overseeing employee recruitment, orientation, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations, and other personnel-related matters.
Employee Benefits. Non-wage compensation a company offers its employees, such as health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and other perks.
Recruiting. The process of sourcing and selecting qualified individuals to fill open positions within an organization.
Onboarding. The process of introducing a new employee to the organization and providing them with the information, tools and resources they need to succeed in their new role.
Performance Management. The process of setting performance goals for employees and providing feedback and support to help them achieve those goals.
Labor Relations. The relationship between employer and employees with regards to collective bargaining agreements, wage and hour regulations, and other labor-related issues.
Payroll. The process of paying employees for their work and calculating related taxes and deductions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary responsibilities of a Human Resources Clerk?

The primary responsibilities of a Human Resources Clerk include maintaining employee records, performing administrative tasks, and assisting with recruitment and onboarding processes.

What qualifications are required to become a Human Resources Clerk?

To become a Human Resources Clerk, one must possess strong organizational and communication skills, as well as a basic understanding of human resources processes and procedures.

What type of salary can a Human Resources Clerk typically expect to earn?

The average salary for a Human Resources Clerk is approximately $35,000 per year.

Are there any additional certifications or courses that could help advance a Human Resources Clerk's career?

Yes, there are several certifications and courses that can help a Human Resources Clerk advance their career, such as the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification or a course in human resource management.

What other roles within the Human Resources field could a Human Resources Clerk move into?

With additional experience and qualifications, a Human Resources Clerk can move into roles such as Human Resources Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, or Recruiter.