Are you thinking about pursuing a career in human resources? If so, a position as an HR clerk can be a great way to get your foot in the door. This is an entry-level position, so you should be able to land a job as an HR clerk as soon as you complete your educational training. So, what does an HR clerk do on a daily basis?
What Does An HR Clerk Do?
As an HR clerk, you may be responsible for many human resources tasks like publishing and updating job ads, employee record maintenance (tracking vacation and sick time), preparing attendance and monthly compensation spreadsheets, and updating the company database with information on new hires.
Some companies might also ask you to schedule interviews and screen resumes, though the actual onboarding process is usually left up to the HR generalist or manager. Be prepared to perform a few simple administrative tasks, such as the distribution of training material or copying and scanning handbooks and other company policy information.
The following skills are required for a position as an HR clerk:
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively.
- Above-average organizational and time management skills.
- Working knowledge of labor legislation.
- Understanding of HR operations (including recruiting, onboarding, and compensation).
- Experience with basic software applications, such as MS Office.
Who Does An HR Clerk Work With?
In this position, you’ll collaborate with other members of the HR and payroll departments. Most HR clerks answer to their HR manager, but this may vary depending on the nature of the business.
In addition to the HR manager, you’ll likely be working with recruiters, both internal and contract, when scheduling interviews and vetting new hires. Some degree of collaboration with the payroll manager may also be required.
Where Does An HR Clerk Work?
Positions as HR clerks are available at many different companies. Since most corporations enlist the aid of an HR department to handle their hiring and employee affairs, you should have no trouble finding a position.
However, you’re more likely to find work at a large corporation than a small business. Most mom-and-pop operations handle all the aspects of the business themselves, including training and payroll.
Though the required skills and daily tasks don’t vary much from company to company, consider taking a position in a field that you’re interested in. For example, if you have a background in manufacturing, you can look for a job at a production facility. Interested in learning more about the healthcare system? Insurance agencies are always looking for qualified people to join their teams.
How Do You Become An HR Clerk?
Since some education is typically required of someone applying for a job as an HR clerk, your first step is to find a trade school that offers training courses in that field.
You don’t need a four-year degree to become an HR clerk. Since it’s an entry-level position, two years of school and the resulting associate degree should be enough to get you in the door. Once you have a few years of experience, you’ll be able to move even further up the ladder.
What Do You Learn During An HR Management Program?
Here’s a brief program overview to familiarize you with what you’ll cover during your HR training course.
Recruiting, Hiring and Training Employees
As an HR clerk, your primary duties will be to ensure that you hire the right people for your organization. Since this is a major concern for companies, you’ll want to hone those skills.
During this course, you’ll learn how to identify candidates who are most qualified for the positions you’re looking to fill. More importantly, you’ll learn how to look for the qualities that make them the correct fit for the company. Natural talent and acquired skills only go so far, the individual should be willing to go the extra mile to help the business achieve its goals.
You’ll also go over the legalities as well as the practicalities of recruiting. Since most companies use social media and hiring analytics for this process, you will learn about them as well during the training program.
Onboarding is another essential step in the hiring process. There’s more to onboarding than familiarizing the new hire with the basics, such as where to find the restroom and the attendance policies. It’s also about employee engagement and commitment, and making the new recruit feel at home in their new work environment.
Employee Development
Once the employee is comfortably ensconced in their new surroundings, the training period begins. As an HR clerk, you’ll need to be familiar with this process, even if your responsibilities don’t cover this process.
To be successful, employees need to understand the practical functions of their positions. For example, if certain software programs are required, they’ll have to familiarize themselves with them before they can move forward. It’s up to the HR team to help them achieve that in a way that feels easy and natural.
Of course, employee development doesn’t end when new hires can perform the basic tasks on their own. During the program, you’ll also learn about evaluation methods and instructional events that can help your team members continue to learn and grow throughout their tenure.
Payroll
For obvious reasons, payroll duties are an important responsibility. If workers aren’t paid correctly and on time, it can lead to serious legal issues. When you enroll in a payroll administration course, you’ll be one step ahead.
During a payroll administration course, you’ll learn how to classify workers according to their labor code. Calculations of gross pay, deductions, and exemptions are covered as well.
Most payroll software applications will take care of the tax withholding calculations for you. However, you should understand what it means to claim allowances, in case anyone asks you for advice.
There are other aspects of payroll administration to consider as well. You may be asked to administer deferred compensation, sick pay, vacation time, or any other compensations that may be required. If the company offers reimbursements for relocation or other business-related expenses, things can get even trickier.
When you have access to payroll information, discretion is key. That’s true especially if you also handle the bank transfers to the business payroll account, or the bookkeeping. One of the “soft skills” you’ll learn is the importance of choosing your words carefully when discussing delicate information.
Benefits Administration
Regardless of how rewarding a position might be, a solid benefits package is always a major draw for job seekers. The creation of benefits may fall beyond the scope of your responsibilities, but their implementation and administration could be a big part of your job.
As with payroll administration, there are legal and technical issues that make it challenging even for seasoned professionals. It’s important to administer the benefits properly. Staying up to date on current policies and laws is equally critical, especially when it comes to dealing with new hires.
Workers who have already acquired these skills are in high demand as companies strive to attract the hottest new talent. Your training in benefits administration will help you to stand out.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know which skills and tasks are required of an HR clerk, does it sound like a job that appeals to you? If the answer is yes, your next step is to find a trade school that will suit your needs. Interactive College of Technology is here to help.
During the course of your training, you’ll take advice from experienced experts while honing your people skills with your fellow students. Since Interactive College of Technology offer a hands-on approach to learning, you’ll practically be an HR clerk by the time you’ve received your associate degree. Best of all, you won’t have to wait four years to start enjoying your new career in human resources. When you have the skills and associate degree to become an HR clerk, the sky is the limit.
Want to Learn More?
Now that you know what you can do with an HR Associate degree, it is time to learn more about the Interactive College of Technology. At the Interactive College of Technology, we offer Human Resources Management training that can help you get started in a new career or advance your current one. You’ll get hands-on training, industry recognized certifications, and real-world experience prior to graduation! We also offer continuing education courses to refresh and build on your current skills.
Let’s take the first step together! Contact us now to learn more.
