What Is a Human Resources Coordinator?
What is an HR coordinator? Human resources (HR) coordinators help job seekers and employers connect. After working with the employer to understand what positions need filling, the HR coordinator reaches out to potential applicants to begin the interview process. The HR coordinator role is responsible for hiring employees, scheduling new hire orientations, coordinating employee activities and responding to worker compensation claims.
Most of these professionals work in comfortable office settings, but travel is often required to meet with potential job candidates. Some HR professionals regularly work overtime.
HR Coordinator Career Information
| Degree Level | Bachelor's degree; master's degree often preferred |
| Degree Field | Human resources, personnel management, public administration, business administration |
| Licensure/Certification | Voluntary but often preferred |
| Experience | 2-4 years of general human resources or administrative support experience |
| Key Skills | Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and decision-making skills; attention to detail; customer service and conflict management; knowledge of HRIS systems, Microsoft Office, and database programs |
| Median Salary (May 2019)* | $116,720 (for human resources managers) |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029)* | 6% (for human resources managers) |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Careerbuilder.com Job Postings (March 2020)
HR Coordinator Job Duties
A human resources coordinator can have several duties, depending on the job level within the organization. For example, if they are the only HR coordinator in the organization, they'll likely carry out many managerial functions. If there are other HR coordinators, they may split the work or cover certain departments. In general though, HR coordinators have similar job duties. Some of these include:
- Coordinating staff tasking and roles
- Overseeing recruitment efforts
- Consulting with managers on workplace issues
- Supervising employees
- Handling benefit programs enrollment
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Human Resources Coordinator Job Requirements
This career typically requires a bachelor's degree, and coordinators may benefit from additional education, job experience and voluntary certification. A bachelor's degree in human resources management or a related subject is essential, and a master's degree may be helpful for career advancement.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some common requirements for obtaining a position as an HR coordinator include a bachelor's degree in the field of human resources, personnel management or a business-related field; earning voluntary certification; and previous work experience. Employers tend to look for 2-4 years of general human resources or administrative support experience, strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail and strong verbal and written communication skills, along with decision-making skills. In addition, the ability to use various computer systems, such as HRIS systems, Microsoft Office and the ADP database program would also be necessary skills. Some HR positions may require travel.
How to Become an HR Coordinator
There are several steps to take to become an HR coordinator. These include earning a bachelor's degree, gaining work experience, earning certification, and advancing your career. Continue reading to learn more about each step of the process.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
An individual who wishes to become an HR coordinator can complete a bachelor's degree program in human resources management, business or a related field. In a human resources management degree program, individuals examine a variety of topics, such as operations management, employee development and employee benefits. Business programs may also offer human resources options through concentrations and minors.
In addition to coursework, consider joining a professional association. Joining a professional human resources organization can give individuals access to networking and career development opportunities. Organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offer student chapters that organize meetings, internship programs and student conferences.
Also, for success in this career, learn about Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS). Since human resources is becoming a more technological field, knowledge of how to use human resources software may help one stand out when applying for certain positions. Students can complete an elective course in human resources information system software to gain knowledge of applicable software applications.
Step 2: Gain Work Experience
Employers prefer HR coordinators who hold 2-4 years of experience. Many entry-level HR coordinators start out in positions assisting other human resources managers. Internships are excellent experience opportunities for HR coordinators who are still enrolled in school. Many employers have new HR coordinators enter into a job training program where future coordinators learn how to interact with applicants, identify job titles and examine work performance.
Step 3: Earn Certification
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HR coordinator certification is a voluntary process. Many professional organizations offer certifications in the area of human resources, including the HR Certification Institute. Certification designations that are offered by this association include the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
Those looking to gain success as an HR coordinator should consider earning multiple certifications. Human resources certifications require different levels of education and degree programs. HR coordinators that choose to gain multiple certifications in the field can demonstrate competence across several human resources areas.
Step 4: Career Advancement
HR coordinators looking for increased pay and benefits may want to consider acquiring a master's degree. Human resources is a common major at the master's degree level, and HR coordinators can find master's-level programs in human resources and business administration with a concentration in human resources management. Classes in these programs often examine topics such as organizational development, finance, consulting, leadership development and global workforce management.
HR Coordinator FAQ
What do HR coordinators do?
An HR coordinator is responsible for the personnel related tasks for an organization. This includes recruitment, staffing, supervising, handling issues, and handling personnel paperwork.
What are the education requirements for an HR coordinator?
HR coordinators are usually required to have a bachelor's degree, though some employers prefer or even require a master's degree.
What technical skills are required for HR coordinators?
Employers may require HR coordinators to be proficient with Microsoft Office, Kronos, human resource information systems (HRIS), and database applications. They might also require knowledge of any other software programs the organization uses.
So, when contemplating a career as a human resources coordinator, take several things into consideration. For one, you will need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in the field of human resources or a similar business-related field such as public administration or business administration. Some employers might even want a master's degree instead. You will also need two to four years of experience. Some employers will ask for general HR experience while some might specifically ask for HR management experience. Also important is the willingness to learn software, develop strong communication and people skills. In order to advance further in the field, achieve certifications and/or a master's degree.
