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Human Resources

HR Administrator

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Primary Secondary Post-16

An HR Administrator plays a key role in the human resources department of an organisation. This role involves supporting HR managers and teams by handling administrative tasks such as maintaining staff records, preparing documents for recruitment, dealing with payroll processes, and responding to employee queries. HR Administrators ensure that the HR office runs smoothly by organising interviews, managing databases, and helping with onboarding new staff. Attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to handle confidential information are essential in this role. This is often seen as a great entry point for those interested in a career in HR, offering opportunities to gain experience and progress into more senior HR roles.

HR Administrator

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

HR Administrators in the UK typically earn between £19,000 and £28,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Openings

There are over 7,000 HR Administrator positions advertised across the UK each year.

Working Hours

Most HR Administrators work full-time, around 37 to 40 hours per week, usually during standard office hours.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Recruitment Coordinator

Supports the hiring process by organising interviews, communicating with candidates, and preparing job offer documents.

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Learning and Development Assistant

Helps plan and organise training sessions for staff, keeping records of employee progress and supporting professional development initiatives.

Payroll Assistant

Processes staff pay, maintains payroll records, and helps ensure all employees are paid accurately and on time.

Gain Essential Qualifications

Achieve GCSEs or Equivalent

Obtain at least 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9 including English and Maths.

Most employers require a good general education, with GCSEs in English and Maths being particularly important due to the administrative and communication aspects of the role. Consider additional subjects such as ICT to strengthen your application.

Consider Further Study

Take courses related to business administration or human resources, such as A-levels, BTECs, or a Level 2/3 Diploma in Business Administration.

While not always essential, further study can improve your employability and give you a solid understanding of how businesses operate. Some employers may look favourably on candidates with relevant qualifications or apprenticeships.

Develop Key Skills and Experience

Build Administration Skills

Gain experience in office or administrative work, even in part-time or volunteer roles.

Look for opportunities to help with filing, data entry, or customer service. These experiences will help you develop organisation, attention to detail, and communication skills, all of which are essential for an HR Administrator.

Develop IT Confidence

Become proficient with office software such as Word, Excel, and HR systems.

HR Administrators need to use databases and spreadsheets regularly. Free online tutorials and practice with school or home software can help you build confidence in these areas.

Start Your HR Career

Apply for Entry-Level HR Roles

Look for HR Administrator or HR Assistant vacancies and apply with a tailored CV and cover letter.

Highlight your relevant qualifications, skills, and any experience you have gained. Show enthusiasm for HR and a willingness to learn. Use job sites, company websites, and speak to your school's careers advisor for help finding vacancies.

Consider Professional Development

Begin studying for a professional HR qualification such as the CIPD Foundation Certificate.

Professional qualifications from bodies like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) are highly valued in HR. These can be studied part-time while working and will help you progress to more senior HR roles in the future.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in HR Administrator. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

An HR Administrator and a Human Resources Officer both work within the HR department, handling employee records, recruitment, and administrative tasks related to personnel management. The roles require similar qualifications and skills in HR processes, employment legislation, and organisational support, making them closely aligned.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in any subject. You could then apply for a graduate human resources (HR) training scheme.

You may have an advantage if you study for an HR related subject like:

  • human resources management
  • business management and human resources
  • psychology

If you already have a degree, you could do a postgraduate qualification in human resource management, though this is not essential.

Graduate jobs

You can find graduate HR opportunities with:

  • small and medium sized private sector companies in most industries
  • large multi-national companies
  • charities and education organisations
  • public sector employers like the NHS and Civil Service

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

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College

You can study for human resources qualifications at college, such as the Foundation Certificate in People Practice, offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Courses like these are aimed at helping people to get some of the knowledge and skills needed to find their first job and get started in the profession.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship, for example:

  • HR Support Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • People Professional Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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Work

You could start as a human resources assistant or a business administrator in a company's HR department and work your way up through training and promotion.

Other Routes

You can study a range of professional qualifications in human resources, either online or at a training centre approved by the CIPD.

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Career tips

Take a look at the CIPD Profession Map to find out more about the values, knowledge and behaviours needed by HR officers.

Further information

You can learn about a career in human resources from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Personnel Today.

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