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Job outlook for human resources secretaries in the United States
Human resources secretary job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected human resources secretary job growth rate is 0% from 2018-2028.
About -5,200 new jobs for human resources secretaries are projected over the next decade.
Human resources secretary salaries have increased 11% for human resources secretaries in the last 5 years.
There are over 121,107 human resources secretaries currently employed in the United States.
There are 49,749 active human resources secretary job openings in the US.
The average human resources secretary salary is $35,107.
Are human resources secretary jobs in demand?
Human resources secretary job and salary trends over time
Human resources secretary jobs over time
Human resources secretary job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 121,107 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 121,156 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 127,696 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 131,697 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 137,892 | 0.04% |
Average human resources secretary salary over time
Human resources secretary salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $35,107 | $16.88 | +4.4% |
| 2025 | $33,630 | $16.17 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $32,785 | $15.76 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $32,047 | $15.41 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $31,673 | $15.23 | +2.4% |
Human resources secretary jobs by state
Most common states for human resources secretaries
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 212 | 31% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 178 | 13% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 731 | 11% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 110 | 11% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 68 | 11% |
| 6 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 104 | 10% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 701 | 9% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 496 | 9% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 367 | 9% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 673 | 8% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 423 | 8% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 278 | 8% |
| 13 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 131 | 8% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 111 | 8% |
| 15 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 57 | 8% |
| 16 | Alaska | 739,795 | 57 | 8% |
| 17 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 877 | 7% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 635 | 7% |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 416 | 7% |
| 20 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 413 | 7% |
Most common cities for human resources secretaries
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zion | 1 | 4% | $33,336 |
| 2 | Teaneck | 1 | 3% | $45,027 |
| 3 | Manchester | 1 | 2% | $39,644 |
| 4 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $36,191 |
| 5 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $37,463 |
| 6 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $36,706 |
Human Resources Secretary job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of human resources secretary experts
University of Arizona
Indiana University Southeast
Ohio University
Neumann University
Washington State University- Vancouver
Land O Lakes
Springfield College
Missouri University of Science & Technology
University of Pittsburgh
Miami University
NSU Florida
Western Carolina University
Francis Marion University
California State University Fresno
Andrew College
Northern Arizona University
Indiana University Southeast
Concordia University Texas
Appalachian State University
College of Charleston
What Human Resources Secretary skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lori Poloni-Staudinger PhD: Do not be afraid to advocate for your own worth. Do your homework and understand going rates in the field and if possible in the organization in which you seek employment. If salary increases are not possible, consider other aspects of compensation that may be important to you and ask for this. Practice your ask-with a mentor, family or friend-- before your negotiation.
Dr. Gregory Kordsmeier
Director, Institute for Learning and TeachingIndiana University Southeast
Sociology
What Human Resources Secretary skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Gregory Kordsmeier: Many employers are looking for the skills that sociology majors have developed over the course of their major, but many of these employers will not phrase it as looking for a sociology major. Skills like working in teams, data analysis and communication, written and oral visualization, and an ability to work with diverse populations are all prized by employers and common among sociology majors. Your job as a recent graduate is helping translate the work that you did and the skills you developed in college into terms that prospective employers can understand.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Resources Secretaries?
Allison White: In addition to production software skills, including MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, we often taught database skills using MS Access. Every employer has an employee database and a customer/client database that requires input and sometimes maintenance by office personnel. Keyboarding (65+ wpm), basic bookkeeping/accounting, and filing skills are a must.
What skills will help Human Resources Secretaries earn the most?
Allison White: I'll put professionalism at the top of the list, and then specialized skills come second regarding salary. The medical secretary used to be the one to earn top dollar. Now that there are Medical Assisting programs and licenses, the student must seek the special skills in terminology and clinical service from that degree to earn top dollar in the medical field. Employers want office skills (filing, customer service, scheduling, etc.) and clinical skills (vitals, patient intake, registration, etc.). Still, I recommend that those who are inexperienced seek skills and licenses in the area of their personal interest (law office, government office, medical office, education, and more). I took courses in legal terminology and legal office procedures while completing my associate's degree. I also pursued a business analyst certification and the MOS certifications early on. Later, I continued my education by earning a bachelor's degree in a dual major (business administration and marketing).
What skills stand out on Human Resources Secretary resumes?
Allison White: Knowledge of spreadsheets software such as MS Excel is a commonly sought-after skill. Employers want word processing and spreadsheet skills but often say they want high school graduates and pay accordingly. These skills aren't always taught in high school. Those in the field should seek these skills. Additionally, medical and legal assistants have highly sought after. Terminology courses for these specialized areas are sometimes offered at the vocational schools but are usually offered at the post-secondary level.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Secretaries possess?
Allison White: Employers have told me repeatedly that soft skills are often the most important. They will ask for my reference after I've gotten to know a student and been able to identify their communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. They want someone to take the initiative yet know when to ask questions. Customer service skills and confidentiality were also voiced by our internship supervisors. Verbal and non-verbal communication is a must. The applicant must be able to write well!!
Robert Till Ph.D.
Professor EmeritusNeumann University
Management Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Resources Secretaries?
Robert Till Ph.D.: Employers expect that you will be proficient in Microsoft office, plus exposure to other HR-related software is important. Another hard skill that is highlighted frequently is familiarity with the employment law: HR professionals must be aware of EEO laws, ERISA, FMLA, Fair pay, and healthcare regulations. Finally, a few graduates highlighted the importance of basic financial skills, such as budgeting, forecasting, and basic statistics.
Adriana Thomas
Advisor, Internship Coordinator, InstructorWashington State University- Vancouver
Department of Human Development
What skills stand out on Human Resources Secretary resumes?
Adriana Thomas: Organization. Students are often interested in administrative work, supporting a company and employees (the company may be working with clients, so the HR department is supporting them in that work), policies.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Secretaries possess?
Adriana Thomas: People skills. Communication, collaboration.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Resources Secretaries?
Adriana Thomas: Keeping track of details, attention to detail.
What skills will help Human Resources Secretaries earn the most?
Adriana Thomas: Leadership skills. Drive, ambition, and commitment to a company. Students may start in an entry-level position and then are often promoted over time.
Philomena Morrissey Satre
Director of Diversity Equity & Inclusion and External Strategic PartnershipsLand O Lakes
What skills will help Human Resources Secretaries earn the most?
Philomena Morrissey Satre: 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!
Megan Harvey Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Health ScienceSpringfield College
School of Health Sciences
How have salaries changed over time for Human Resources Secretaries?
Megan Harvey Ph.D.: They've generally increased but not equally in all professions. Some professions are highly paid (physicians) and some are not well paid at all (community health workers). We would argue that both are extremely important health professionals! We also see inequity within fields - surgeons are paid far more than family practice physicians, but we need many more family practice physicians. I hope we will see some of this inequity addressed moving forward - it would help with recruitment and retention.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Secretary job market given the pandemic?
Megan Harvey Ph.D.: I suspect we'll see an increase in people who are interested in joining the health professionals, particularly nursing and public health professions (both applied and research oriented).
What soft skills should all Human Resources Secretaries possess?
Megan Harvey Ph.D.: There was an awesome Google study released a few years ago that we focus on teaching our health science students about. Employers care about content expertise, but they really need employees who can communicate well, listen to others, elevate and encourage their peers (rather than be competitive), being a good team player, and brainstorm solutions to problems and try things before asking for help.
Christi Patton Luks
Professor (NTT) and Associate Chair for Academic AffairsMissouri University of Science & Technology
Linda & Bipin Doshi Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering
What's a good job out of college for Human Resources Secretaries?
Christi Patton Luks: A good job out of college is one that can be adapted to the individual's skills and interests and encourages them to stretch. Frequently, students think they want to work in a particular type of job. Once they have it, they discover that it was not what they thought it would be. Many companies rotate new employees through a variety of positions. Those are great for helping people find their own hidden talents. I know that I have discovered abilities that I would not have even attempted when I was 20.
What will help Human Resources Secretaries increase their earning potential?
Nisha Nair Ph.D.: Highlighting competencies for managing under uncertainty, effective collaboration, being a self-starter and an ability to multitask are likely to weigh in one's favor for effective salary negotiations.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Human Resources Secretaries?
Nisha Nair Ph.D.: I imagine there will be an impact of the pandemic on graduating students.
From job prospecting to interviewing for jobs, an adjustment to remote modes in this very important first step of their career has many graduates feeling disadvantaged as they enter the workforce.
With most career and job fairs going remote, job prospecting has been different with the pandemic, offering limited opportunities for interaction with organizations and their recruiters.
Those who do get hired are likely to have to pivot to remote work without adequate onboarding and socialization into the culture of the organization. Much of the tacit, informal modes of acculturation that a real-world interaction accords will be missing in the socialization of graduates in their jobs amidst the pandemic.
The resulting connections and sense of identification with the organization is also likely to be weaker owing to the pandemic-necessitated restrictions at work.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Human Resources Secretaries?
Nisha Nair Ph.D.: Given the effects of the pandemic on the transition to remote or flexible work formats, I would imagine an ability to work effectively in a changing landscape would be a skillset that will be valued.
So, change management certifications and agility-related trainings may be valued more.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Secretary job market given the pandemic?
Robert Baker: Traditionally in an economic downturn a lot of people enter graduate school looking to escape the job market and re-enter later with better qualifications. This time higher education has been hit particularly hard and there simply aren't a lot of opening for graduate students. I've heard of numerous institutions including Miami that are accepting fewer graduate students than usual. Post pandemic I think the workforce will need more training than usual if the US is going to continue to be competitive on the international scale. I think some of the reorganization we are seeing at the federal level may spur hiring in places like the USDA, EPA, USFS, NIH, etc.
What technical skills for a Human Resources Secretary stand out to employers?
Robert Baker: Data analytics and communication have made been huge. For biologists and botanists we are reaching an era where we are no longer data limited we are instead limited by how fast we can process data, synthesize it into an easily communicable format, and rapidly make decisions. This isn't just genetics and genomics but we also have real-time field-scale monitoring of plant physiology in agriculture and vegetation cover in ecology/land management. Making the right decisions in a timely fashion based on solid data analysis will likely become more and more important.
How have salaries changed over time for Human Resources Secretaries?
Robert Baker: It is my sense that salaries in public service have stagnated. In the private sector, there is a huge demand for skilled workers and salaries seem to be doing quite well. It's no surprise that public sector workers make less but I think this trend will continue and will be exacerbated by COVID related economic setbacks and reductions in the tax base. Although public sector jobs are often more secure, I think private industry will be able to make a faster recovery.
What will help Human Resources Secretaries increase their earning potential?
Dr. Hal Strough Ph.D.: Workers who are nimble, can work across environments, and work successfully remotely/virtually will have opportunities.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Human Resources Secretaries?
Dr. Hal Strough Ph.D.: Yes, there will be an enduring impact from COVID. We've already seen a pivot to remote and virtual environments and those will not completely change back. Both education and healthcare delivery can be accomplished remotely for some phases.
What's a good job out of college for Human Resources Secretaries?
Dr. Hal Strough Ph.D.: There are lots of people that need help whether it be physical maladies, behavioral health issues, or other. Any job that will help meet those needs will be valued.
How have salaries changed over time for Human Resources Secretaries?
Sarah Minnis Ph.D.: HR salaries have remained competitive and the field strong in growth in spite of significant changes in the past year. Through numerous organizational challenges, including shifts to teleworking and downsizings, HR professionals have been in high demand earning competitive salaries. The field of HR has changed over time with preferences for more education, credentials, and certifications. With the increased specialization in the field, salaries have kept pace and are anticipated to continue as the field remains steady in the future.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Secretary job market given the pandemic?
Sarah Minnis Ph.D.: Post-pandemic, the economic marketplace will look different. Having seen the potential financial value of letting go of square footage in favor of employees working from home, numerous organizations have or will eliminate large office spaces, particularly those with set office spaces. Retained spaces will be organized around collaborative work spaces and shared single offices that can be reserved for private meetings as needed. With fewer organizations retaining large office footprints, we will also likely see fewer small businesses to accommodate the workers such as restaurants and florists.
A move to working online could allow organizations to shift their hiring and staffing strategies. Technology has been the savior and beneficiary of the pandemic work situation and will continue to deliver opportunities for doing things differently. Organizations that choose to remain primarily online may opt to consider a hiring pool outside the local area in order to maximize the accessible talent available. Technology companies that became prominent providers, like Zoom, over the past year may continue to see investment in their growth and ability to provide advanced services to organizations.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Secretaries possess?
Sarah Minnis Ph.D.: As I engage in career coaching with diverse populations and teach HR students, these are the primary skills I encourage them to demonstrate on their resume through their prior work experience. Field and industry specific knowledge is, of course, necessary, but the soft skills are most vital for their career success.
Communications Skills (listening, verbal, written).
Flexibility/Adaptability/Managing Multiple Priorities.
Interpersonal Abilities.
Leadership/Management Skills.
Multicultural Sensitivity/Awareness.
Planning/Organizing.
Problem-Solving/Reasoning/Creativity.
Teamwork.
Adaptability/Flexibility.
Self-Motivated/Ability to Work with Little or No Supervision.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Secretary job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Scott Kaufman Ph.D.: I think that we will see an increase in the number of positions by which business is conducted virtually. But it should be kept in mind that it all depends on the types of businesses. As restrictions are lifted, I anticipate that those firms which rely on face-to-face operations (restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, and hotels) will witness an uptick in patronage. I am less certain about the cinema industry, as people may have decided that it's more convenient (and cheaper) to use HBO-MAX, Disney+, and other such services, even if they are not on the big screen. Even before Covid, large corporations that used to send workers by plane for meetings were moving to virtual gatherings, and I expect that Covid has accelerated that trend.
How have salaries changed over time for Human Resources Secretaries?
Dr. Scott Kaufman Ph.D.: That is a tough one to answer, as it depends on a variety of factors. I do know that Covid has had a serious impact on salaries nationally. I think that this article can help you: Insidehighered.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Human Resources Secretaries?
Dr. Scott Kaufman Ph.D.: It's hard for me to answer that question, as each field is going to have their own requirements. I do know that there is an acute shortage in my states of K-12 teachers who specialize in STEM and Social Studies. Hence, certifications to teach will be vital. This blog article from West Virginia University sums up the situation nicely: WGU
Dr. Breck Harris Ed.D.
Adjunct Faculty MemberCalifornia State University Fresno
Department of Marketing & Logistics
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Secretary job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Breck Harris Ed.D.: I believe the biggest trends we will see in the job market is given the pandemic is a huge nationwide permanent loss of a large sector of the small business sector of our economy. The severe restrictions placed on all types of business organizations by state governments due to the pandemic has radically transformed the entire business community in ways that will take many years to recover from.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Secretaries possess?
Dr. Breck Harris Ed.D.: I believe the most important soft skills graduates need to possess are 1) oral/written communication skills, 2) be a person of strong ethical character, 3) ability to work well in groups and 4) be strong in digital technology skills.
How have salaries changed over time for Human Resources Secretaries?
Dr. Breck Harris Ed.D.: Until the pandemic, during the last four years I believe business salaries have generally been on an increase in the state of California.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Secretary job market given the pandemic?
Kirsten Cochran: Law enforcement are working on the frontlines with government and health officials to contain the spread of Covid-19 and maintain order within communities. The job market will see is a societal shift in how officers are viewed. The "crime-fighter image" that is portrayed of an officer will take a back seat. This is a long standing distorted image of our law enforcement officers. The pandemic is allowing society to begin the process of seeing law enforcement officers as the everyday average "Joe" hero, not a villain, but a human being who is facing the same challenges as everyone else. Ultimately, this will increase a draw to the profession from the statistical decline in recent years. The cultural climate around law enforcement has been strained in recent years, but the pandemic is shining a new light on law enforcement.
How have salaries changed over time for Human Resources Secretaries?
Kirsten Cochran: Salaries among law enforcement have stayed pretty consistent throughout recent years at a national level. The largest contributing factor to salary increase is the number of years of experience within the field. Salaries of the local level are influenced by local revenue, thus salaries can vary based on location.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Human Resources Secretaries?
Kirsten Cochran: First and foremost, a driver's license will have the utmost impact on job prospects within this field. CPR and First Aid certifications are essential to law enforcement officers, as well. Other resources that can greatly influence the amount of job prospects currently are taking social justice and victim advocacy courses or certifications. Associate degrees in criminal justice, social justice, or victim advocacy will increase in value. Keep in mind, a person cannot be over educated.
Christopher Johnson
Professor of Visual Communication, Motion DesignerNorthern Arizona University
School of Communication
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Human Resources Secretaries?
Christopher Johnson: I've been teaching the Capstone course for almost 20 years at NAU. I started teaching at NAU in 1996. Last spring I had to transition the course completely online. I had already shifted the course from Graphic Design to Motion Design. The biggest shift that will last the longest is being remote. It is not only convenient but also is a more efficient use of resources. Students have figured out how to integrate the remote component into their overall educational experience. The second biggest impact is the importance of their online presence. This would include the top 4 - LinkedIn, Behance, Instagram and Twitter. The students need to put their most professional digital face forward. They can't use cute email names like "pinkpikachu@hotmail.com" This graduating group is already digital savvy but they are continually needing to up their skill sets. I like to think that I teach them to, "learn how to learn." Change is inevitable, they need to be ready to embrace it.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Human Resources Secretaries?
Christopher Johnson: Adobe certification is good ... but I can honestly say that the biggest impact will be the quality of their demo reel, cover letter and resume. How do you make yourself stand out. How do you make yourself unique?
What will help Human Resources Secretaries increase their earning potential?
Christopher Johnson: Good question. Your undergraduate degree was great for you to figure out what you want to do and what you don't want to do. Now is the time to dive deep into learning new application such as Zbrush or Redshift or Unreal or Unity. Producing work and being passionate about that you are working on.
Alysa Lambert Ph.D.
Professor of HR ManagementIndiana University Southeast
School of Business
What's a good job out of college for Human Resources Secretaries?
Alysa Lambert Ph.D.: There are multiple options for college graduates to get their feet in the door. The number one goal is to get an advantage over the competition. Gaining work experience is probably the best way to gain an edge and internships are a great way to gain experience prior to graduation. Many successful internships result in a permanent job offer. Even if that does not happen, the experience gained during the internship will make the graduate more attractive than an applicant with no work experience in the field. Especially, if the graduate can demonstrate the value of the work they did during the internship and how they may be able to apply it to future opportunities.
Another way to gain an advantage in the job market is to pursue a certification. For example, HR students can take the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification exam within one year before or after graduation. If successful, this validates the knowledge a student learned in their college program and gives them a competitive edge over other graduates.
Consistent efforts in networking can also help give a graduate an edge. Getting involved in a student chapter or a local professional chapter will help students meet practitioners in their area. It is likely the college or university faculty have connections in the community and can direct students to some great places to start networking. Many professional chapters welcome students and even have mentoring programs to pair students with a professional.
Another good option for graduates is to look in the non-profit sector. Non-profits, generally, are not able to pay market value but the amount of experience to be gained is tremendous. Employees in non-profit organizations must wear many hats and therefore, gain experience in multiple areas throughout the business. It also forces one to become a good problem solver and to use resources efficiently because funding is not readily available. These are abilities that will serve graduates well in the long-term.
A key issue is to manage expectations. It is very unlikely, that a graduate will find their dream job immediately after graduation. College graduates will need to start at the bottom and work hard to create opportunities for advancement.
What will help Human Resources Secretaries increase their earning potential?
Alysa Lambert Ph.D.: My advice to increase earning potential is very simple--never stop learning. An undergraduate degree in most areas is just breaking the surface on the knowledge in each field. These programs are designed to give the student foundational knowledge but cannot fully explore all topic areas. To take the next step, seek certifications in your field. Be aware many of these require a minimum amount of work experience before one can qualify to take the exam.
Also, pursue a graduate degree. Individuals with advanced degrees can earn significantly more than those without a graduate degree. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement programs to encourage their employees to get advanced degrees. When comparing companies to apply to, look at the overall benefits package to see if this option is available. What better way to get a graduate degree, than to get it for free or partially paid for by your organization?
Both options demonstrate an individual's desire to learn and grow in their field. This sends a strong message to potential employers and will help to give applicants an edge over their competitors.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Human Resources Secretaries?
Alysa Lambert Ph.D.: Yes, I assume there will be lingering effects of the pandemic. While some of these changes will be a challenge, such as competing against possibly more qualified applicants for jobs due to a higher unemployment rate right now. I do believe many effects will be positive. For example, many organizations prior to the pandemic were reluctant to allow employees to work from home. Now those organizations have seen firsthand the productivity of telework and I believe many will maintain this option after the pandemic is over.
Abigail Pfiester Ph.D.
Director of the College of Business and Communication and Associate Professor of CommunicationConcordia University Texas
Communication Department
How have salaries changed over time for Human Resources Secretaries?
Abigail Pfiester Ph.D.: The general trend is up, but not staggeringly so. The business jobs that tie more into the digital world (e.g., data analytics), the social media world (e.g. public relations), and the health world (e.g., hospital administration) have seen the largest growth and, therefore, the largest salary gains.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Secretary job market given the pandemic?
Abigail Pfiester Ph.D.: Due to the impact COVID-19 has had on our globe, one major trend in business-related jobs is the need to perform the work virtually. For many college graduates just entering the job market, this may be quite appealing. Gone are the days of 9am-5pm schedules, working in cubicles, and staying put in one company (or even one career) for life. The attitude has shifted more to "just get your work done, wherever you are, and at whatever time works best for you." Additionally, we are seeing a rise in companies hiring our students who possess visual communication and design skills. Companies now want employees who can translate the excel file to an infograph, the company report into a video summary, and the benefits package into an eye-catching flyer.
What soft skills should all Human Resources Secretaries possess?
Abigail Pfiester Ph.D.: Being a self-starter has never been more important. Strong employees are initiators; they don't wait for a supervisor to tell them to fix a problem, they fix it themselves. And because video conferencing is the new norm (and is here to stay), effective public speaking is a must. Knowing how you present yourself in front of a camera is a critical skill.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Resources Secretary job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Frank Aycock Ph.D.: As a professor in a fully integrated department, there will be differences in trends for each of our majors. For our advertising, public relations, and communication studies graduates, more work - whether in a group setting or individually - will be done remotely using the technology tools we are seeing exploited throughout those industries today during the pandemic. Saving money by using shared files for group projects and videoconference meetings and pitches will be much more numerous and may become the preferred method of meeting because the cost savings in both time and dollar ($) expense will be significant.
For our journalism and electronic media and broadcasting (EM/B) graduates, the internet, webcams, and videoconference software have shown to be superior to the traditional methods of remote newsgathering both in cost and in delivery. The pandemic has only increased the usage of such equipment as network reporters and anchors have continuously delivered programming from their homes and reporters have used those same tools in a variety of ways across a variety of platforms. For everyone, 5G will only increase the widening gulf between traditional methods of communication and the new, technology-driven forms of communication.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Human Resources Secretaries?
Dr. Frank Aycock Ph.D.: Each major in our integrated communication department has different certifications that can be obtained, depending on the career interests of the graduate. As such, no one certification is important for all our graduates. What may be available to an advertising graduate likely won't be for our EM/B graduates and vice versa. The same is true across the other majors as well. For our four mass media majors, and even for many of our communication studies majors, knowledge of website building and maintenance will be critical as more and more employers desire to see work on a personal website rather than the traditional work reel/portfolio/etc. - it's easier and quicker.
Additionally, knowledge of the latest communication technologies is critical as these graduates will spend their careers in a technology-driven world that is still in its infancy. Whether it be 5G, holographic television and newsgathering, payments in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin and Etherium (as well as others), personal webcasting/blogging/vlogging, or something that has yet to be thought of much less invented, the ability to quickly adapt to an ever-changing culture and set of industries will be critical to the success or failure of graduates today and going forward.
How have salaries changed over time for Human Resources Secretaries?
Dr. Frank Aycock Ph.D.: While salaries have increased for all the five majors in our department, the better salaries go to the graduates who can demonstrate they are excellent in their abilities and in quickly adapting to change. Even so, starting salaries in all our areas remain low compared to the hard sciences and business graduates. Even those graduates in advertising and public relations - which are, at times, located in colleges of business - are not as high as graduates in other business fields. However, the possibilities for living comfortably and even well are more numerous today than in the past because of the many opportunities in the newer communication fields that are available to the graduate willing to look outside the traditional boundaries of her/his chosen industry.
What experience really stands out on Human Resources Secretary resumes?
Jacob Craig Ph.D.: I believe strongly in dexterity and a language of expertise. That means that if a student can show they can adapt to new demands by learning a new way of working, learning about a new audience, learning how to address a new purpose, learning a new genre or style, and learning a new technology, that employee attractive. Especially at the entry-level, the ability to learn and adapt is valuable. Being able to talk about their experience using a persuasive vocabulary is often useful. For instance, if students can describe their approach to communication without using cliches (short and sweet, clear) and something along the lines of purpose, audience, situation, genre, medium--that's persuasive.