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Human Resources

HR Administrator

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Primary Secondary Post-16

An HR Administrator is responsible for supporting the smooth running of a company's human resources department. This role involves handling a range of administrative tasks such as maintaining employee records, preparing HR documents, assisting with recruitment processes, and supporting payroll and benefits administration. HR Administrators are often the first point of contact for HR-related queries and play an important part in ensuring that policies and procedures are followed correctly. Good communication, organisational skills, and attention to detail are essential in this role. The job can be found in various sectors, including private businesses, public organisations, and charities.

HR Administrator

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for an HR Administrator in the UK is between £20,000 and £28,000 per year.

Job Openings

There were over 3,500 HR Administrator job postings in the UK in 2023 according to job market data.

Working Hours

Most HR Administrators work standard office hours, typically 37 to 40 hours per week.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Payroll Administrator

Handles employee pay, ensures salaries are processed accurately and on time, and manages payroll records.

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Recruitment Coordinator

Assists with organising job adverts, scheduling interviews, and supporting the hiring process for new staff.

Training and Development Assistant

Helps organise staff training sessions, tracks employee progress, and supports learning initiatives within an organisation.

Build Essential Skills

Develop Communication Skills

Work on both written and verbal communication, as HR Administrators need to communicate with staff, management, and external contacts clearly and professionally.

Consider joining public speaking clubs, participating in group projects at school or college, or volunteering for roles that require you to interact with others. Good communication is key to handling queries, writing emails, and supporting recruitment processes.

Learn IT and Office Software

Gain proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and HR information systems, as these are commonly used in the field.

You can take online courses or tutorials to improve your IT skills. Many schools and colleges offer modules on office software. Being comfortable with spreadsheets, email, and databases will help you manage HR records efficiently.

Gain Qualifications and Experience

Complete Relevant Education

Obtain GCSEs (including English and Maths) and consider A-levels, BTECs, or equivalent qualifications that focus on business, administration, or human resources.

While some HR Administrator roles accept GCSEs with strong IT and English skills, others might prefer candidates with higher qualifications. Subjects like Business Studies or Administration can provide useful background knowledge.

Consider an Apprenticeship or Work Experience

Look for HR support apprenticeships or seek administrative work experience in an office environment to build practical skills.

Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn and give hands-on experience in HR departments. Alternatively, work experience in any office setting can help you understand standard procedures and gain references for future roles.

Obtain CIPD Foundation Certificate (optional)

Pursue a Level 3 CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice to boost your HR knowledge and credibility.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is widely recognised in the UK. Their Level 3 certificate is designed for those starting out in HR and covers essential people management and HR administration skills. Some employers may sponsor you for this qualification.

Apply for HR Administrator Roles

Prepare Your CV and Cover Letter

Highlight your communication, IT, and organisational skills, as well as any relevant qualifications or experience.

Tailor your CV to each job by focusing on your most relevant skills and achievements. Include details of any work experience, volunteering, or coursework related to HR or administration. Use your cover letter to explain why you are interested in HR and what you can offer.

Apply for Entry Level Positions

Search for HR Administrator or HR Assistant roles on job boards, company websites, and through recruitment agencies.

Use sites like Indeed, Reed, or Totaljobs to find vacancies. Networking and attending local business events can also help you discover opportunities. Be prepared to start in a junior position and work your way up as you gain more experience.

🎯 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

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

An HR Administrator and a Human Resources Officer both handle employee records, assist with HR policies, and support recruitment processes. They require similar qualifications related to organisational and interpersonal skills within the HR sector.

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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