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Human resource specialist skills for your resume and career

Q: What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Resource Specialists?

Ability to learn and work with HR Systems like payrolls systems: HRIS and Learning and Development Platforms. Can work effectively with data, understanding and applying knowledge, juggling multiple priorities, and problem-solving.

Q: What skills stand out on Human Resource Specialist resumes?

Soft skills: The ability to communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders from all levels of the organization, problem-solving skills to resolve employee relations issues. Being resourceful: the ability to have a broad perspective and understand functions of HR, strong administrative and project management skills, ability to build strong relationships, and understanding the business.

Q: What skills will help Human Resource Specialists earn the most?

Coachability: listen and receive feedback, communicate effectively, draw on Internship or prior job experience, show that you can manage multiple priorities, and willingness to learn and continue developing skills and manage multiple priorities. Additionally, care and compassion for all. Willingness to do what it takes to get the job done even when it may not be your favorite task or responsibility. Lastly, an innovative mindset!

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Vickie Hall,

J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D.

Human resource specialist example skills

One of the most important hard skills a human resource specialist can possess is data entry because a good handle on managing data is crucial for keeping personnel files and other important records organized. It's also important for human resource specialists to have the hard skill of conducting background checks.

When it comes to soft skills, human resource specialists should have strong oversight skills above all else. Human resource specialists need to do their work with customers in mind, so customer service skills are also crucial.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical human resource specialist skills. We ranked the top skills for human resource specialists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 10.0% of human resource specialist resumes contained data entry as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a human resource specialist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 human resource specialist skills for your resume and career

1. Data Entry

Data entry means entering data into a company's system with the help of a keyboard. A person responsible for entering data may also be asked to verify the authenticity of the data being entered. A person doing data entry must pay great attention to tiny details.

Here's how human resource specialists use data entry:

Worked with the HR Service Center to ensure data entry accuracy and completeness through independent review from daily/weekly/monthly/quarterly audit reports.
Performed data entry and quality management of all active duty officer performance evaluations into the US Government's software application.

2. Oversight

Having oversight of someone means to monitor a process or a situation. If someone has oversight of something, they are responsible for the completion of the project. Oversight is usually given to experts as they monitor their juniors or newbies as they go through a project.

Here's how human resource specialists use oversight:

Recognized for improving the tracking system for personnel within the organization allowing oversight and knowledge of all instructors and administrative personnel.
Supervised purchasing, equipment leasing and maintenance, all aspects of property management interface and other general office oversight activities.

3. Life Insurance

Here's how human resource specialists use life insurance:

Administered employee benefits including contract negotiation for medical and dental insurance; workers compensation; life insurance; retirement programs.
Maintained Service members personnel records and processed family members emergency notification, life insurance, and financial issues.

4. Human Resources Policies

Here's how human resource specialists use human resources policies:

Facilitated ongoing performance evaluations of employees and management in order to ensure compliance of human resources policies and procedures.
Provided guidance on human resources policies and regulatory compliance concerning the employment relationship with both union-represented and non-represented employees.

5. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how human resource specialists use customer service:

Provide verbal customer services responses to routine questions regarding employment eligibility verification; such as I-9 protocol and appropriate documentation.
Developed selection criteria, designed curriculum, training materials, and delivered program to high potential customer service representatives.

6. Timekeeping

Here's how human resource specialists use timekeeping:

Reviewed time worked and absences entered into the electronic timekeeping system Reconciled payroll expenses, account invoices and general ledgers.
Operated computer based applications including Microsoft suite, travel and reservation systems, electronic timekeeping system, and electronic mail.

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7. Background Checks

Here's how human resource specialists use background checks:

Administer all background checks to include previous employment and education verification and criminal felony and misdemeanor clearances.
Implemented fingerprint check-in/out process---supported background checks and teaching certification validity of all applicable employees.

8. HRIS

Here's how human resource specialists use hris:

Executed HRIS projects and related technology initiatives resulting in more efficient self-service options for employees.
Directed the HRIS system conversion and payroll and benefits integration process vastly automating HR functionality.

9. Payroll System

Here's how human resource specialists use payroll system:

Work in PeopleSoft payroll system for information regarding employment history, salary history, and verification of insurance.
Processed Disability payments and payroll tax adjustments through company defined payroll system for businesses unit internal client.

10. EEO

Here's how human resource specialists use eeo:

Reviewed and approve interview questions and perform EEO Adverse Impact Analysis and conducted data analysis to determine process effectiveness.
Completed quarterly EEO reports and submitted to corporate office, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

11. PowerPoint

Here's how human resource specialists use powerpoint:

Designed PowerPoint presentations for Senior Vice President of Human Resources for various performance appraisal presentations and Corporate University instructor led courses.
Coordinated and facilitated new hire orientations; significantly updated new hire orientation process and prepared company's first PowerPoint presentation.

12. Labor Relations

Labor relations refer to the relationship between the employer and its employees. It usually deals with labor-management wherein it focuses on the collective bargaining agreement regarding work between the union of the employee in making decisions for the organization. On the other hand, findings mean the proper wages, hours of duty, working conditions, safety, and employee protection while at work, grievances, and other related concerns.

Here's how human resource specialists use labor relations:

Developed labor relations/negotiations and leadership development.
Provided conference training to Management and employees in areas of Supervisory Training, employee management/ discipline and Labor Relations/ management.

13. Performance Management

Here's how human resource specialists use performance management:

Managed the executive/supervisory performance management training program.
Partner with strategic Human Resource departments to provide training, associate relations, organizational structure, compensation review and performance management.

14. Develop Recommendations

Here's how human resource specialists use develop recommendations:

Maintained and analyzed statistical data to identify and determine causes of personnel problems and develop recommendations for improvement.
Develop recommendations to resolve issues regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of organization's work operations and processes.

15. FMLA

Here's how human resource specialists use fmla:

Administered FMLA and short-term & long-term disability, including preparing documentation according to applicable laws and processes.
Facilitated revised FMLA policy through analysis of 8 comparable university FMLA benefits.

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What skills help Human Resource Specialists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on human resource specialist resumes?

Dr. Vickie Hall

Director Human Resources Operations, Wayne State University

Those skills that are technical (technology) in nature; customer service skills and facilitation skills abilities

What hard/technical skills are most important for human resource specialists?

J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Management & Human Resources, Saint Leo University

Even though these skills are much more trainable, it helps if HR professionals are familiar with HR information systems.
There are too many to name them all here (sorry, no free advertising)! It would be difficult for a candidate to be familiar with every platform a company might use for their HRIS, but it is good to know that they generally work in the same ways.
If the company asks if you have experience with a particular platform that you have never heard of, always be truthful but still be ready to ask intelligent questions about it: "I'm not too familiar with that platform, but I'd be curious to know about your employees' experiences with it. How long have you been using it, and how robust is the self-service interface?"

What soft skills should all human resource specialists possess?

J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Management & Human Resources, Saint Leo University

FYI, soft skills are a lot more difficult to train than hard skills. This is part of the reason that there is so much demand for soft skills - for the most part, they need to be innate to the candidate.
Here again, communication comes up - and here, it is important to recognize that communication is much more than just telling people. A good communicator is a great listener. He knows when to speak his mind and when to wait and see what happens. She knows how to collaborate effectively with people and how to take action when needed.

What human resource specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Michael Pasquale Ph.D.

Professor of Linguistics, Humanities Division Chair, Cornerstone University

Graduates should continue to develop expertise and fluency in their language learning and development. They should focus on developing language fluency in the career areas they are pursuing. For example, they should read extensively and listen to podcasts in their target language to understand the field and how to use the language fluently and effectively in those contexts.

What type of skills will young human resource specialists need?

Dwaine Turner Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, East Central University

Graduates will need to be multiculturally competent, have great interpersonal skills, and Telehealth exposure. Upcoming graduates will be faced with providing services to a diverse population that will be very challenging, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The graduates will have to implore the usage of their interpersonal skill set to strengthen the therapeutic alliance between counselor and client relationship. Also, the new trend in the profession is virtual sessions, which can be awkward at times but very necessary with the current landscape of society. The graduate will have to be more creative when creating an environment that is therapeutic in a virtual meeting room to allow the client to emote/divulge sensitive information.

What technical skills for a human resource specialist stand out to employers?

Adam Smith Ph.D.

Bicentennial Professor, Associate Professor of Management, Enactus Sam Walton Fellow, Indiana University Kokomo

That varies by industry, employer, level, and position. Also, it depends on their approach to hiring and training. It is important that students research employers and industries that interest them. But overall, it may be skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, critical thinking, time management, and collaboration that remain vital. Going forward, effective communication, tech savviness, a positive view of change (as opportunity), and an openness to continuous learning may set people apart in organizations.

Do you want to know more?

List of human resource specialist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a human resource specialist resume and required skills for a human resource specialist to have include:

Data Entry
Oversight
Life Insurance
Human Resources Policies
Customer Service
Timekeeping
Background Checks
HRIS
Payroll System
EEO
PowerPoint
Labor Relations
Performance Management
Develop Recommendations
FMLA
I-9
Shared Services

Personnel Actions
E-Verify
Open Enrollment
Workers Compensation
Training Programs
Employee Development
Administrative Functions
Exit Interviews
OPM
Reference Checks
Provides Administrative Support
ADP
Benefits Administration
Position Management
Disciplinary Actions
Applicant Tracking Systems
Hr Administration

Unemployment Claims
PeopleSoft
Cobra
FLSA
Kronos
Strength Management
Personnel Policies
PTO
Collective Bargaining
Recruitment Process
Payroll Processing
Leave Administration
Arbitration
Position Descriptions
Performance Reviews
Open Positions

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Human Resource Specialist skills FAQs

What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Resource Specialists?

What skills stand out on Human Resource Specialist resumes?

What skills will help Human Resource Specialists earn the most?

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Updated January 8, 2025

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