Career & application guide

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping

Get to know the work, the skills that matter, and how to prepare your next application.

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What do human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping do?

Compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports for employment records, file employment records, or search employee files and furnish information to authorized persons.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Human Resources Administrative Assistant (HR Administrative Assistant)
  • Human Resources Assistant (HR Assistant)
  • Human Resources Associate (HR Associate)
  • Personnel Clerk

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Process, verify, and maintain personnel related documentation, including staffing, recruitment, training, grievances, performance evaluations, classifications, and employee leaves of absence.
  • Record data for each employee, including such information as addresses, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports on performance, and dates of and reasons for terminations.
  • Explain company personnel policies, benefits, and procedures to employees or job applicants.
  • Provide assistance in administering employee benefit programs and worker's compensation plans.
  • Answer questions regarding examinations, eligibility, salaries, benefits, and other pertinent information.
  • Prepare and set up for new employee orientations.
  • Gather personnel records from other departments or employees.
  • Examine employee files to answer inquiries and provide information for personnel actions.
  • Search employee files to obtain information for authorized persons and organizations, such as credit bureaus and finance companies.
  • Compile and prepare reports and documents pertaining to personnel activities.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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