2024

How to Write an HR Assistant Resume

Want to perfect your HR assistant resume? Then you came to the right place. Since you’ll be reporting to the HR manager, your human resources assistant resume should be top-notch and list relevant skills to land the HR assistant job.

An HR assistant is a mid-career level position in the HR department. Your job as an HR assistant will be to help your HR manager and the department in maintaining employee records & data, writing letters, and performing routine administrative tasks.

A human resources assistant is a lucrative career option with an average salary of $38,040.

Don’t worry. We’re here to help you in writing that job-winning human resources assistants resume.

An HR assistant requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills in the department. They are the helping hands of the HR department, ensuring its smooth functionality.

The HR assistant job description may differ from company to company, and this guide shows everything you need to write a resume that caters to each one of them. Here’s what we’ll be covering here:

  • Job-winning HR assistant resume sample.
  • List the right set of relevant skills.
  • Mention your qualifications, certifications, and experiences relevant to each job.
  • Use the Applicant Tracking System to land job interviews.
  • Learn to differentiate yourself from others.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

How to Write an HR Assistant Resume?

An HR assistant reports to the HR manager of the company and works as an administrative assistant with other team members.

Here are four steps in writing a job-winning professional resume for the position of HR assistant:

  1. Conduct deep research about the company and the HR manager on the official website and Linkedin.
  2. Create a personalized cover letter.
  3. Create an HR assistant resume with the relevant skillsets and experiences.
  4. Proofread and apply.

But before you start applying for the jobs, you need to ask the following questions from yourselves:

  • Do you have experience in creating employee orientation programs?
  • Have you scheduled interviews with job applicants in the past?
  • How did you manage employee relations in your previous company?
  • Have you updated yourself with the most relevant human resources knowledge?
  • How can you improve the hiring process for the new company?
  • Did your previous work experience match today’s human resources knowledge?

Many HR assistants include details not relevant to their resumes. Having these will not create a positive impact on the hiring managers. The problem with these skills is that you cannot quantify them:

  • Managed employment records.
  • Helped HR managers in the hiring process.
  • Improved recruiting process.
  • Worked with the human resources team.
  • Created employee paperwork.
  • Crafted workers’ compensation programs.
  • Assessed employee performances.
  • Quality customer service.

As an HR assistant, you are expected to perform the responsibilities mentioned above. But listing them won’t help you land the job. Instead, you need to provide the impact you’ve made while working in previous companies. How did you improve the hiring process? What were the results? How did you handle employee requests? What was the process of ensuring confidential information? What steps do you take to improve the new employee orientation process?

How about you rewrite the above statements with quantifiable results? Here’s what they would look like:

  • Managed employment records using a human resources information system and saved 30% time in approving leave applications and managing personnel files and records.
  • Helped HR managers in the hiring process and reduced the new hire orientation process from 3 weeks to 10 days.
  • Improved recruiting process for new employees by hiring through job fairs and witnessed a 26% reduction in employee turnover in 6 months.
  • Worked with the human resources team to maintain new hire paperwork and digitalize all personnel records.
  • Created employee paperwork for new and current employees.
  • Developed workers’ compensation programs that increased employee retention rate by 25% within 3 months.

Did you notice the difference? You need to quantify and justify your results with numbers.

The numbers stand out from the text, creating a positive impression on the HR manager.

Want to create the best human resources assistant resume and land your dream job? Then head over to this course that provides insights on job interview questions, resume building, and interview preparations.

What is the Best HR assistant Resume Example?

The best HR assistant resume example is the one with reverse chronological order. That’s because it saves the precious time of HR managers to understand your most recent work experience. Here are some additional tips to make your resume appealing to the HR manager:

  • ATS-compliant with relevant keywords
  • No more than 1 pager.
  • Attractive copy for each heading and description of work experience.
  • Relevant work experiences.
  • Results with numbers.
  • Relevant certifications.

It is not easy for HR managers to score through resumes for each job application. They need to know the job candidate’s most recent work experience. The hiring manager is preoccupied with a number of tasks. If you want the HR manager to have a second look at your resume, it needs to be well-formatted, with the most recent work experience first.

It is your first and only chance of creating a solid impression. Don’t take it for granted.

How to Make Your HR Assistant Resume ATS-Friendly?

ATS(Applicant Tracking System) has reduced the time and effort it takes to scan resumes and shortlist candidates. This is an automated method of searching resumes with relevant skills, keywords, education, and experience. Consider it as a Google search engine for the hiring managers.

If the resume is a match, ATS will forward it to the HR manager.

Once you have added the relevant skills and keywords in the ATS, the system finds resumes matching the criteria. Your employer will only call you if your resume makes it through the ATS.

Your resume can never make it to the human eye if it is rejected by the ATS. In short, without relevant keywords, it will be discarded in the blackhole of resumes. Consider it like the Recycle Bin of resumes.

Did you know that 99% of Fortune 500 companies use it to scan and find the most relevant applicants for the job? Here’s another eye-opening fact:

According to research, 90% of the resumes fail to convince the employers. And that’s because HR assistants do not put in the necessary time and effort to create a professional resume.

Since you are applying as an HR assistant, here are some of the most relevant keywords to include in your resume. Please note that not all skills may be relevant. Only add those specific to the job position:

  • Created job descriptions for the recruitment process.
  • Crafted human resources policies with the HR manager.
  • Created HR calendar, and planned and scheduled meetings.
  • Managed employee files in the HRIS program.
  • Managed a variety of administrative performance aspects of human resources management.
  • independently developed and adapted techniques and procedures to accomplish work.
  • Worked with HR business partners to determine the need for employee training programs.
  • Assisted employees with their insurance programs.
  • Crafted workers’ compensation programs.
  • Hard and soft skills.
  • Confidential management of employee data.
  • Maintained employee personnel files in the HRIS database.

Here are some additional tips to make your resume ATS-compliant:

  • Reverse chronological order with the most recent experience at the top.
  • Use long-form and acronym versions of the keywords.
  • Use bullet points.
  • Don’t use tables, columns, or graphs.
  • Use 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font for readability.
  • Avoid putting any information in headers and footers.
  • Do not submit at multiple openings in the same company.
  • Do not stuff your resume with all keywords, remain relevant.
  • Do not try to trick the ATS.
  • Only apply to jobs you are qualified for.

An ATS reads, scans, and parses your resume. Apply the tips above and you’ll avoid slipping your resume into the digital file shredder.

What Sections Should You Put on Your HR Assistant Resume?

There are many sections of an HR assistant resume, but you need to include the following ones:

Professional Header

The hiring managers will glance at your professional header when they receive the application.

Make sure to include the following details:

  • Full name and contact information including phone number and email address.
  • Job title.
  • A portfolio, if you have one.
  • City without a residential address.
  • Educational institutes with names of degree, and graduation year.
  • Relevant skills, tools, and certifications.

Other than the essentials, you also need to include the most relevant experiences when applying to different jobs. Weigh in on the following factors before finalizing everything:

  • Does your resume have relevant keywords?
  • Can you justify the skills and results?
  • Does it fit one page?
  • Do the job responsibilities define your roles?
  • Is your resume formatted for ATS?
  • Does your resume reflect your personality as a professional HR assistant?

It’s your resume, don’t take it for granted.

Here is one example of the HR assistant resume example and format.

Did you notice it is ATS-compliant? There are no tables, graphs, or columns. Yet, it appeals to the hiring manager.

The most important keywords are in bold, and there is no headshot in the resume.

HR Assistant Resume Responsibilities Example

HR assistants have on average 5 years of experience working in the HR Department.

What are some of the most important job responsibilities that you can write in your HR assistant resume? Here are these:

  • Maintained accurate human resource files, employee records, and documentation.
  • Answered frequently asked questions related to human resources policies, workers compensation benefits, pay scales, and others.
  • Ensured data entry of employee records and other confidential information.
  • Performed periodic audits of employee files and records.
  • Conducted administrative tasks to support the HR team.
  • Assisted the HR team with human resources functions including payroll processing, bank account openings, and check distribution.
  • Provided external customer service to the third parties.
  • Conducted and assisted the HR team with new employee orientation.
  • Assisted the human resources department with planning and execution of special events such as benefits enrollment, meetings, employee recognition events, holiday parties, and retirement celebrations.
  • Processed documentation and prepared reports relating to staffing, recruitment, training, grievances, and performance evaluations.
  • Coordinated HR projects with the human resources specialists.
  • Handled employee complaints and grievances through a standard procedure.
  • Coordinated communication with candidates for scheduling interviews.
  • Initiated promotions and bonuses for eligible employees.
  • Submitted online job postings.
  • Maintained digital and electronic employment records.
  • Assist with the recruitment process by identifying candidates, performing reference checks and issuing employment contracts.
  • Oversee the completion of compensation and benefit documentation.
  • Assisted with performance management procedures including workers compensation.
  • Coordinated training sessions and seminars.
  • Conducted termination paperwork and exit interviews.
  • Kept up-to-date with the latest HR trends, best practices, and state and federal laws.

Take into account the following when writing experiences:

  • Remain relevant and only list work history specific to the job title.
  • Take assistance from a resume builder.
  • What HR tools do you have proficiency in?
  • Why are you the best fit for this job?
  • What makes you different than others?

Listing Skills

As an HR assistant, you have mastered the art of crafting successful policies, boosting employee morale, orchestrating talent acquisition programs, and advising the senior management on the future direction of the company.

It is now time to shine. List these skills under the “skill” section of your resume:

  • Office management skills including employee personnel files handling, and maintaining confidential employee documents in a secure database.
  • Human resources specialist with demonstrated ability to create and implement winning HR strategies.
  • Scheduling interviews for new hires.
  • Strong grip over state and federal laws to ensure compliance with EEO.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to manage a team of HR generalists and professionals by delegating tasks.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn HRIS and talent management systems.

Listing HR assistant Resume Education

The minimum degree requirement for an HR assistant is Bachelor’s in HR, business administration, or a relevant field.

Listing Certifications

Investing your time, effort and hard-earned money in acquiring the latest certifications is crucial to succeeding in a competitive environment. You need to stand out and differ from the rest on all grounds, or you will have a hard time competing with 200+ candidates applying for the same job as you are.

Here are some relevant HR certifications to get ahead of others as an HR assistant:

Listing Achievements

Hiring managers need to know not the work you’ve done, but the results you’ve achieved in the human resources field. Here are some questions to help you write the best achievements:

  • How does your work contribute to the business objectives?
  • Can you justify and explain human resources policies in the interview?
  • What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
  • What are your career goals?
  • How you’ve strengthened the HR Department?
  • Have you implemented HR processes leading to improvements?
  • How often did you work with the management team?
  • What you’ve done to reduce the employee turnover rate, and foster a healthy work culture?

Talk about your work history in numbers.

Many HR assistants will write:

“Overlooked the recruitment process and shortlisted candidates for interviews.”

As an HR assistant, this is obvious. It doesn’t prove any results.

Here are some great examples of HR assistant achievements:

  • Assisted the HR team to introduce orientation programs for newly hired employees that led to a 24% increase in employee retainment.
  • Advised the HR manager on organizational policy development and recommended solutions that reduced employee turnover by 30%.
  • Researched, created, and launched successful employee health and wellness programs that improved employee morale by 35% according to a company-wide survey.

Listing Interests

Leave the interests out. Employers are neither interested nor have the time to go through them. They also won’t make any difference in your job prospects.

Listing Languages

Most companies in the US only require exceptional communication skills in the English language. If your hard and soft skills in English are good enough to convince the hiring manager, you need not have command in any other language.

HR Assistant Resume Example

After going through many human resources resume samples, here is one format you can copy:

This is an excellent HR assistant resume format that fits one page and lists all skills, certifications, and experiences in a well-organized manner.

Shotgun vs Sniper Approach

It doesn’t matter how tempting a job description might be, do not apply unless you’re a qualified applicant. Regardless, here are two approaches that most HR assistants use when applying to different jobs:

  • The shotgun approach – Applying on all jobs without customizing your cover letter and resume.
  • The sniper approach – Applying on relevant jobs with a customized cover letter.

The shotgun approach works like this:

  • 60 job applications submitted
  • 2 responses

Laser-focused sniper approach works like this:

  • 40 job applications submitted
  • 7 responses to interviews
  • 4 last round interview
  • 2 job offers

The difference is self-explanatory.

How Many Pages Should Your HR Assistant Resume Be?

Employers only skim and scan your resume, which is why it should never exceed one page.

Five HR Assistant Resume Tips

You must have a clear resume and present your qualifications and skills to land the HR assistant job. Remember, your resume is a reflection of your professionalism. You only have one chance to make an ever-lasting impression and convince the hiring manager to schedule an interview with you.

Here are 5 HR assistant resume applying tips:

1. Personalized cover letter for each role

Many HR assistants send a cover letter shorter than the length of a tweet. In a few lines, many candidates request the HR managers to consider them for the job. This is a competitive market and that’s now how cover letters work. Cover letters need to build your rapport and develop a strong connection with the prospective hiring manager. It should address the person, and be friendly in nature, yet professional. Here are some tips to write a professional cover letter:

  • Address the manager with their full name.
  • Mention the company name.
  • Explain why you are the best person for the role of HR assistant.
  • What motivates you to apply for the job?
  • Use active voice.

Use the above tips to write a cover letter addressing the hiring manager.

2. Highlight achievements

Including job responsibilities are important, but even more critical is mentioning important achievements in each role. Adding numbers is a great way to demonstrate the KPIs you achieved in previous companies.

3. Use 1-inch margins

Your resume should have single spaces between the text, with a 1-inch margin across all sides.

4. Proofread your resume before applying

One grammatical error or spelling mistake is enough to get rejected. If you’re having a hard time proofreading your HR assistant resume, let an expert copyeditor do it for you.

5. List your LinkedIn profiles

If you haven’t made a Linkedin profile, it’s better you do it now. Linkedin is the most popular social media platform for HR professionals. And hiring managers often go through your Linkedin profile and other social media accounts to study the type of person you are.

HR Assistant Resume Don’ts

Here are a few other don’ts.

Resume objective and summary

Your skills, education, and relevant work history do the job for you. Do not add in objective and summary.

Headshot

When applying in the US, do not add a picture as the ATS may not scan your resume for the relevant skills and keywords.

Old experience

The average experience of an HR assistant is 4 to 5 years. Many career experts do not advise including work experience older than 10 years on your resume.

Where Can You Apply with Your HR Assistant Resume?

Here are some of the most common and popular websites with great openings for the post of HR assistant. Use your resume and apply to these job boards:

Key Takeaways and Summary

We’ve discussed a lot about the Human Resources assistant resume. Here are key takeaways and summary:

  • Stay relevant and use a reverse chronological order for your resume.
  • Use an ATS-compliant format with the most relevant keywords from the HR assistant job description.
  • Be clear, concise, and use simple language.
  • Do not stuff your resume with all keywords and skills.
  • Proofread before applying.
  • Highlight relevant achievements.
  • Do not include objectives, summaries, and a headshot.

Good luck in job hunting. Now go ahead and apply this guide in writing that perfect CV.

 


If you are new to Human Resources and are looking to break into an HR role, we recommend taking our HR Certification Courses, where you will learn how to build your skillset in human resources, build your human resources network, craft an excellent HR resume, and create a successful job search strategy.

 

author-image
Josh Fechter
Josh Fechter is the founder of HR.University. He's a certified HR professional and has managed global teams across 5 different continents including their benefits and payroll. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.