Role Description

1. Entry requirements

Employers will usually expect you to have:

• GCSEs in English and maths, or equivalent
• computer skills
• experience of office work

You may also find it useful to have qualifications in business administration. Some employers may expect you to have a qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

The CIPD has more information about working in HR.

2. Skills required

You’ll need:

• the ability to pay close attention to detail
• good written and spoken communication skills
• IT skills
• a well organised approach to work
• teamworking skills
• the ability to work flexibly
• 3. What you'll do
• Your day-to-day tasks may include:
• answering enquiries
• maintaining staff details on computer systems
• writing documents like letters and reports
• updating employee holiday and sickness records
• recording discussions during disciplinary procedures
• producing staff handbooks and newsletters
• organising meetings and taking ‘minutes’
• setting up recruitment and training events

4. Salary

Starter: £15,000 to £18,000

Experienced: £19,000 

Highly Experienced: £22,000

These figures are a guide.

5. Working hours, patterns and environment

You’ll work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Flexible hours, part-time and temporary work are widely available.

You’ll spend most of your time working in an office using a computer.

6. Career path and progression

With experience, you could become an HR officer or team leader.