What is an HR coordinator?
A human resources coordinator position is perfect for people who want to help others with their needs and questions. The HR coordinator represents the company’s human resources department and helps facilitate all human resources programs and functions throughout the organization.
The HR coordinator job will require wearing many hats, but it’s extremely rewarding for motivated candidates who enjoy working with people. It’s a great way to get experience in HR and impact the employee experience in the organization.
Duties and responsibilities
HR coordinators are responsible for coordinating recruiting efforts and the placement of workers. Daily duties will vary, but you’ll facilitate various HR department processes and help employees with questions and issues they run into. The role covers everything from benefits, like employee health plans, to managing employee relations and problem-solving when conflicts arise.
HR coordinators help with many of the HR department’s administrative processes, including recruitment, employee records, employee benefits, and payroll processing. You’ll assist the HR managers with the daily tasks and communications to provide excellent service to the employees.
Work environment
HR coordinators typically work in offices in front of computers and in meeting spaces. HR coordinators may be required to travel to attend job fairs, visit colleges, and meet with applicants off-site if they are helping with the recruitment.
Typical work hours
HR coordinators are typically in the office during standard hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Some companies have separate shifts, so the HR department is always available for employees onsite. There are some freelance or contractor positions for HR coordinator roles, especially in smaller companies that don’t have enough demand for full-time or large companies that are making huge changes in the benefits or compensation packages and need extra hands.
How to become an HR coordinator
In order to become a HR coordinator, you will need a combination of education, training, and experience. In this career guide section, we cover the steps you’ll need to take to achieve your goal:
Step 1: Obtain a bachelor’s degree
A four-year business, psychology, or sociology degree is the best education to become an HR coordinator. You’re entering the people business, so taking courses to help you understand people better is the best option. You can also start with an associate’s degree in business and earn certifications to start your career because not all positions require a bachelor’s degree.
Step 2: Take human resources courses
In addition to your degree, you should have a strong knowledge base in human resources. Take some of the courses offered online by top universities and organizations. Here are a few of our recommendations:
- The Introduction to Human Resources Concepts from Udemy is a perfect introduction course to learn about the job duties of the HR team, including recruitment, the orientation of new employees, employee retention tactics, training, and development. You’ll also begin learning about the legal issues in HR management that will be important for your career.
- Another great introduction class is Administrative Human Resources (HR) for Beginners from Udemy. This course covers the process of recruiting great talent, from analysis to writing interview questions and job postings. It also covers performance management processes.
- Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of HR with the course from Udemy called Learn HR Fundamentals for a Career in Human Resources. You’ll develop a better understanding of the different HR functions and be able to apply key HR concepts and principles in the workplace.
- Coursera offers the course Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers Specialization. Develop strategies and skills for hiring, handling performance issues, and rewarding employees. Learn how to avoid the key mistakes in HR and managing people.
- Dive into the recruitment piece with the Recruiting, Hiring, and Onboarding Employees course from Coursera. This is one of the most important roles of HR and can also be one of the most challenging. Find out how to find the most talented candidates that fit within your organization’s strategic goals.
Step 3: Earn a certification in HR
HR coordinators can boost their careers with certifications to help prove their knowledge and understanding of human resources roles. There are many to choose from, but these two are widely accepted and respected, so it’s a good place to start.
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR) – The HR Certification Institute offers this certification for HR professionals and proves your in-depth knowledge of the technical and operational aspects of HR management, laws, and regulations. The exam covers employee and labor relations, business management, talent planning and acquisition, total rewards, and learning and development. To be eligible for the PHR, you must meet one of several conditions for education and/or experience. This certification is valid for three years, and to maintain it, you’ll need to earn 60 recertification credits over three years or retake the exam.
- Certified Professional – Human Resource (IPMA-CP) – The International Public Management Association for HR offers the IMPA-CP for entry or mid-level HR professionals looking to gain expertise, build their knowledge, and set themselves apart in the workplace. To become certified, candidates must complete the Public Sector HR Essentials course and pass the IPMA-CP exam. You’ll need to recertify every three years.
Step 4: Look for jobs and gain experience
Once your education is complete, look for an entry-level HR position. Coordinator roles are entry-level in some organizations, but others might require some experience first. Get your foot in the door with a role on the HR team and build up your knowledge and on-the-job training.
How much do HR coordinators make?
There are many variables that go into determining how much a HR coordinator makes, from company size to experience to education just to name a few.
The top-paying states for HR coordinators to work in are (shown in annual mean salary):
- Virginia – $64,186
- California – $62,144
- New York – $60,737
- Illinois – $60,356
- Massachusetts – $58,027
The average national salary for a HR coordinator is:
$48,550
Top skills for HR coordinators
To get a job as an HR coordinator, you need a solid knowledge of business operations and human resources. Working with employees will require excellent communication and interpersonal skills. It’s essential to demonstrate responsible business ethics. Any experience with management or leadership can be helpful in this role.
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Career path
The career path for an HR coordinator starts with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business administration, or a related field. Employers often prefer candidates with an MBA in these fields. Also, achieving certification as a Professional in Human Resources can help lay the groundwork to advance in an HR career.
Position trends and outlook
According to SelectHub, the employee experience will become more central in the roles of human resources professionals; they will have to prioritize employee-centric culture and experience to recruit the best candidates. And while some automation and artificial intelligence (AI) may coexist with human resources jobs, they will serve as complementary technologies, helping HR coordinators do their jobs more efficiently.
Employment projections for HR coordinators
Human resources specialists are projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030 due to the need to oversee an ever-changing workforce and ensure employees are supported throughout their time at work.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of HR professionals in managing remote workforces and supporting employees during difficult times. Consequently, HR coordinators with skills in managing remote teams and supporting employees during stressful times may be in high demand.
HR coordinator career tips
Soft skills and traits for HR coordinators
HR coordinators need to be excellent communicators and really enjoy working with people. You’ll have to listen to many issues and concerns of employees and be able to show empathy and help solve problems. Excellent time management will help you with multi-tasking because there will be lots of things you need to handle at once. Conflict resolution skills will also assist in those situations.
Commonly required skills and qualifications
In addition to education, familiarize yourself with the software programs companies use for payroll and people management. HR coordinators must demonstrate responsible business ethics and an understanding of the laws and regulations in their location.
Develop a professional network
One of the best things you can do to advance your career is to build up your professional network. Make connections with your leaders and peers, but you should also look at groups you can join to meet people from other companies. Here are a few to look into:
- HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
- LinkedIn Groups and Communities
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
- National Human Resource Association (NHRA)
Where the jobs are
Top companies
- Amazon
- Capital One
- Lowe’s Home Improvement
- Marriott International
Top
states
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- New York
- North Dakota
- Massachusetts
Top industries
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Global professional services
- Aerospace
- Retail
Top
job sites
- Indeed
- ZIpRecruiter
- Careerbuilder
- Monster
FAQs
What are the common duties of an HR coordinator?
HR coordinators assist with many tasks, including payroll, benefits, performance management, onboarding, recruitment, and writing job descriptions. This role assists the HR department with administrative tasks, paperwork, and other tasks.
Which industries utilize HR coordinators?
Human resources are utilized in all industries because it’s required when there are any kinds of employees. Someone has to manage payroll, onboarding, benefits, and people. The specific coordinator role might not be required for every size company, but it’s not industry specific.
How much education is required to become an HR coordinator?
It’s good to have a four-year degree before applying to jobs in HR, but at minimum, you should have a two-year associate’s degree. Some companies might require at least a bachelor’s degree, so verify when applying.
Do HR coordinators make a good living?
The salary range for an HR coordinator depends on the company’s location, education, and size. Human resource is a great field to enter because there are many advancement opportunities, and it’s a job needed in every industry.
What are the career advancement opportunities for an HR coordinator?
Once you have experience as an HR coordinator, you can apply for promotions to manager and director positions. You can also use that experience to move to other areas of business.
Are certifications required to be an HR coordinator?
Most HR coordinator jobs do not require certification, but it can boost your resume and job prospects to earn a certificate. It shows your knowledge in the field and helps you stand out amongst your competition.
Is it stressful to be an HR coordinator?
The role of an HR coordinator comes with some challenges with conflicts and managing people and their emotions. If you are skilled in interpersonal communication, you should find these moments fairly simple.
What are the most challenging parts of the HR coordinator’s job?
An HR coordinator will face challenging times in recruiting and dealing with employee relations. Usually, people in leadership positions can assist you when faced with difficult situations. Make sure to observe as much as possible in those moments.
Are there specific areas of HR that the HR coordinators should specialize in?
The human resources department covers many specialties, including payroll, benefits, recruitment, onboarding, administration, and performance management. The HR coordinators often assist in multiple departments, but large companies might have more specialized roles.
What are the best parts of the HR coordinator’s job?
HR coordinators should enjoy working with people. The job revolves around communication and working with people to solve their problems and answer their questions. For most coordinators, the people are the best part of the job.