what is an HR administrator?
As an HR administrator, your work is a combination of admin and human resources responsibilities. Some companies utilise HR administrators for administrative functions, while others require you to do both roles. Technically, the role of an HR administrator has less to do with employee services and more to do with administering company policies, data management and evaluating employee relations.
what does an HR administrator do?
Most people often confuse an HR administrator with an HR generalist, but they are separate roles. For instance, a generalist manages all employee-related issues while an administrator assists the HR manager with daily tasks like processing new hires, HR data systems and documenting policies. In large organisations, the HR administrator role is broken down into different areas of specialisation like payroll administration or data entry. However, in smaller companies, your role as an HR administrator will cover all the human resources functions, including recruiting, training and employee relations. That is why HR admins in small organisations get more exposure and broader experience.
As an HR administrator, you need to understand the intricacies of data management. Since you play a crucial role in managing the information flow between employees and managers, you need communication and people skills.
Would working as an HR administrator suit your data management skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an HR administrator role.
average salary of an HR administrator
According to ONS, the average salary of an HR administrator is £21,517 annually or £11.03 per hour. At entry-level, your earnings start at £19,069 per year, but when you gain more experience, your earnings increase to £26,500. Apart from your basic salary, most companies offer allowances and benefits like health insurance and house allowance. Some companies also pay end year bonuses and overtime wages for working long hours.
what factors affect the salary of an HR administrator?
Multiple factors determine your salary as an HR administrator. If you want to boost your compensation package, you need to improve your credentials. Becoming an HR administrator requires formal training, and the level of education impacts your salary range. That is why acquiring additional certification or qualifications makes you eligible for a bump in salary. Aside from wages, the scope of the job also affects your pay. For instance, if you manage a small group of employees, you will earn less than an HR admin in charge of thousands of employees.
Some job responsibilities also offer an array of benefits. If you handle complex personnel matters, typically, you are awarded higher wages. The location also influences the compensation package due to the varied cost of living and demand for human resources services in various places. Large cities have better opportunities for human resources administrators and a higher cost of living hence the higher salaries. Small towns have a low cost of living, which reduces the compensation package.
types of HR administrators
As an HR administrator, you can specialise in one of the responsibilities. Some of the types of HR administrators include:
- HR coordinator: as an HR coordinator, you facilitate human resources programmes. Your tasks include scheduling orientations, coordinating training and dealing with employee problems. You also research industry trends and help the company create better HR processes.
- employee relations: as an HR administrator in charge of employee relations, you maintain a harmonious work environment. That includes addressing behaviours in the workplace and finding ways to resolve conflicts among employees.
working as an HR administrator
If you want a career as an HR administrator, read on to find out the work schedule and the specific duties.
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HR administrator job description
Each organisation has unique duties and responsibilities for an HR administrator, but the general roles include:
- keeping employee records: as an hr administrator, you maintain statutory employee records. You need to document necessary details, ensure they are up to date and provide them when required. Aside from validating the records, you have to feed them into the company's human resources Information System (HRIS).
- organising interviews: hr administrators work closely with recruiters to ensure they have the necessary resources to conduct interviews. That means you will compile the shortlisted candidates and ensure the hiring manager has the necessary records. You also organise interview venues and communicate with the shortlisted candidates. An HR administrator maintains contact with potential candidates throughout the selection process.
- maintaining company policies and procedures: whenever the managers amend the organisation's human resources policies and procedures, they are passed on to the hr administrator. Your job is to document the changes in the HRIS system and inform employees of the changes. Sometimes, you have to organise training to ensure employees are conversant with the new procedures.
- preparing onboarding procedures: as an HR administrator, you ensure recruits feel welcome by organising onboarding processes. You will conduct office tours and IT registration, prepare their workspace and denote any upskilling required by recruits.
- payroll data management: your job is to gather data necessary for payroll processing. That means you need to check for accuracy and ensure the payroll team has relevant information.
- handling employee queries: as an HR administrator, you are the first point of contact between employees and management. Your job is to pass on employee requests and queries to the manager. You can also clarify questions arising from company policies or procedures.
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work environment
As an HR administrator, your work is primarily office-based. You spend your day going through human resources data and preparing necessary documents in the office. Sometimes, you have to travel to organise training or interviews if the company conducts them in offsite venues. Most HR administrators work in-house, providing services to one employer. However, some HR administrators are employed in human resources consultancy companies and provide services to various clients. That means you have to visit your clients from time to time.
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who are your colleagues?
As an HR administrator, your colleagues might include the hiring manager, compensations and benefits manager and HR compliance specialists. You may also be working in close proximity to HR business partners, HR directors and HR strategists, as well as other specialists that could include recruiters or recruitment consultants roles, accountants and team leaders.
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work schedule
Your work schedule as an HR administrator depends on whether you work full-time or part-time. Depending on the company and role, your work hours will range from 35 to 40 hours a week. Full-time HR administrators work the typical 9 am to 5 pm office hours. As an HR administrator, it is common to work on weekends, especially if the company has training workshops or orientation programmes. You also work evenings organising employee company events or holiday parties. Part-time opportunities for HR administrators are available in consultancy companies.
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job outlook
In large organisations, the HR administrator role is an entry-level position in the human resources field. From here, you can progress into a managerial position or specialise in the various specialisms in HR. Most hr administrators improve their qualifications and become HR managers, HR strategists and then HR directors. Alternatively, different specialisms are available for HR administrators such as payroll specialists, employee relations specialists or recruiters. You can advance into consultancy with expert knowledge and years of experience.
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advantages of finding an HR administrator job through randstad
Finding your HR administrator job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an HR administrator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Multiple routes are available into a career as an HR administrator:
- you can start with a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 in personnel support or Level 4 NVQ in personnel management.
- alternatively, get an undergraduate degree in human resources, business management or psychology.
- you can gain experience as an intern in a general administrative role or human resources department with a degree.
While most HR administrators receive on-the-job training, some employers require a certification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). When you finish training, you receive a Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP). It gives you basic skills in personnel management while a Certificate in Recruitment and Selection (CRS) provides specialist knowledge.
HR administrator skills and competencies
As an HR administrator, you need a firm set of skills, also soft skills, to succeed, including:
- computer skills: as an HR administrator, you need basic computing skills to aid in data management and other HR functions. Knowledge in MS Office applications like Excel, PowerPoint and Word makes your job simpler.
- organisational skills: your role involves juggling numerous tasks, and some will fall behind schedule without organisational skills. Administrative skills help you prioritise tasks and improve efficiency.
- communication skills: as an HR administrator, you need good communication skills to assist employees with their queries and requests. Most of your duties also involve communicating with job applicants, and communications skills will come in handy.
- integrity and approachability: you need to be approachable and trustworthy to make employees feel safe. That way, they can discuss sensitive issues with you. You should also give workers good advice on their queries.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an HR administrator
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what does an HR administrator do?
An HR administrator performs all the administrative functions in the human resources department. The responsibilities include compiling employee data and keeping track of the company procedures and policies.
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what qualifications does an HR administrator need?
You need an NVQ qualification or an undergraduate degree in human resources to be an hr administrator. Alternatively, you can participate in on-the-job training.
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what is the salary of an HR admin?
The salary varies depending on the expertise and the scope of responsibilities. As an HR administrator, you will earn an average salary of £21,517 annually. With experience, you can earn up to £26,500 per year.
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is there a difference between an HR generalist and an HR admin?
The difference between an HR generalist and an HR administrator is the tasks involved. The HR admin focuses on office and data management functions while the HR generalist manages all aspects of human resources.
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why do you want to be an HR administrator?
The HR administrator role is an exciting career if you love working with people. If you enjoy working in an office environment, the role will suit your interest.
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how do I apply for an HR administrator vacancy?
Applying for an HR administrator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
