Human Resource Specialist: An Overview

Amelia Jackson
3 min readMar 23, 2022

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The most valuable asset in any business, regardless of industry, is its human capital. Human resources are responsible for ensuring that this asset is cultivated and encouraged in the workplace. A functioning human resource specialist is incredibly vital to the success of any firm and here is a detailed guide on becoming one. However, before we go any further, you must first comprehend the meaning of Human Resources.

HR specialists are in charge of hiring, screening, interviewing, and placing employees. Employee relations, wages and benefits, and training are all common responsibilities they manage.

Human resources specialists’ responsibilities

HR specialists often do the following tasks:

  1. Consult with companies to determine job requirements.
  2. Interview job applicants about their expertise, education, and talents. References are contacted, and background checks are performed
  3. Inform job seekers on responsibilities, benefits, and working circumstances
  4. Organize or assist with new employee orientation
  5. Maintain employment records and complete documentation

Human resources specialists are frequently trained in all areas of human resources and undertake work across the department. They assist employees in navigating all hrm procedures and answering questions regarding policies, in addition to recruiting and placing people.

Although many experts may engage more in strategic planning and hiring than administrative chores, they do often administer benefits, payroll processing, and manage any related concerns or difficulties. They also assure that all hr functions adhere to federal, state, and municipal laws.

Human resources specialists have different roles to perform, such as:

  1. Human resources generalists: They are responsible for all levels of the management. They may be responsible for all aspects of human resources, including hiring, employee relations, remuneration, benefits, training, and administration of HR policies, processes, and projects.
  2. Recruitment specialists: commonly referred to as staff recruiters or “head hunters,” are responsible for locating, screening, and interviewing candidates for unfilled positions inside a company. They recruit candidates through posting job openings, holding job fairs, and touring college campuses. They may also do background checks, contact references, and extend job offers.

Demand and salaries for HR specialists

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resources specialists’: employment is expected to expand 10 percent between 2020 and 2030, roughly as quickly as the global average

Over the next ten years, an average of 73,400 opportunities for HR specialists are expected.

Human resources experts earn a median yearly salary of USD 63,490.

Here is a tabular representation of the industries or their employers seeking these specialists:

Steps to become an HR specialist

How to become an HR Specialist

A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a similar discipline is normally required for those seeking work as a human resources expert.

  1. They should have prior work experience in a related field. Some jobs, particularly those in HR, may require prior work experience. Candidates can work as HR assistants, customer service representatives, or in other relevant professions to obtain experience.
  2. Many professional institutions that concentrate on human resources offer courses and hr certification programs that help their members improve their abilities. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications. The Talent Management Institute (TMI) offers Senior Talent Management Practitioner (STMP™). The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) also offers a variety of certifications for different levels of experience.
  3. Certifications usually entail passing a test, as well as meeting certain educational and experience requirements. Exams assess candidates’ human resources knowledge as well as their ability to apply that knowledge and judgment in a variety of circumstances.

To conclude

Large companies can afford to hire separate professionals to handle different elements of the HR department and conduct specialized jobs. However, if you choose to work as a specialist, you would most likely go through the processes outlined above.

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Amelia Jackson

Human Resource Professional. Passionate about Human Resources. Writing has always been a passion with strong interest in talent management & HR Industry.