human resources assistant

Versatile, a human resources assistant is able to manage various daily tasks within an establishment quickly, efficiently… and empathetically. What is your main objective? Help managers to properly administer the establishment by playing the role of internal relay between employees and managers.

You are able to carry out behind-the-scene tasks for HR executives and leaders. Your role includes a large share of administrative functions, and you are the main point of contact for employees internally.

The various human resources professions may, for example, require you to perform the following tasks:

• Analysis and resolution of conflicts between employees
• Dissemination of job advertisements and establishment of the ranking of the various applications
• Management of job interviews and recruitment of employees
• Staff training and skills assessment
• Reception of the public wishing to obtain information on possible vacancies
• Payroll management (establishment of pay slips, calculation of bonuses, etc.)
• Administration of staff absences, leaves or medical visits
• Drafting of administrative documents (employment contracts, decrees, etc.)
• Dissemination of all information concerning the professional life of employees (changes of schedules, bonuses, exceptional work outside working hours, etc.)
  Regular exchanges with the various services of the establishment and the unions
  Establishment of a monthly social report on the operation of the establishment
  Definition of a development policy for the human resources department

A human resources assistant generally performs her duties face-to-face, within an establishment and in an office. Landline and cell phone, computer and printer, fax machine: you carry out your tasks using complete technological equipment, which allows you to communicate and keep in touch with the team you supervise alongside a director of human resources.

Some remote human resources assistant jobs are sometimes offered by companies or administrative establishments. These are often temporary positions and renewable employment contracts depending on the circumstances, made available during the absence of the current HR assistant. Your physical presence, however, remains an essential element if you want to fully develop in this profession: direct contact is an essential factor in exercising the profession of human resources assistant in an efficient and active way.

A large majority of Canadian companies and industries seek human resources assistants to improve the functioning of their company and the coordination of their activity.

You therefore have the possibility of practicing this profession in all structures that include an HR department, whether in the public or private sector: small and medium-sized enterprises, industry, technical subsidiary, office of a manufacturing company, etc.

(no text in document)

As a Human Resources Assistant, you typically work standard working hours: 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. The profession is usually offered, because the presence of an HR manager has a considerable influence on the proper functioning of an establishment. Your working hours can nevertheless be slightly flexible, depending on your needs and your employer.

Since HR assistant jobs are entry-level positions, you have multiple opportunities for career growth in the human resource field. If you improve your educational qualifications and work experience, you can join managerial roles like HR manager or HR director. As an HR assistant, you can also become a generalist or specialize in any HR specialism. Some HR assistants become employee relations experts, payroll specialists or recruiters.

Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits. 

always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from 

• many training opportunities 
• a range of jobs in your area

You need the following skills as an HR assistant:

• Knowledge in human resource software: As an HR assistant, you should be familiar with the talent management software (TMS), HRIS and applicant tracking software (ATS). Most companies use the ATS to sort through applications or the TMS to manage the entire recruitment process and performance appraisals. Hence, knowledge of the software makes your work easier.
• Basic computer skills: Your computing skills come in handy when recording employee details or managing schedules for the managers. Extensive knowledge of using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel can help you accomplish your tasks efficiently.
• Communication skills: Since you are the link between the employees and management, you need exceptional communication skills. Aside from oral communications, you need to be proficient in written and digital methods of communication. It will help you pass information to various stakeholders within the company. You also liaise with outsiders, and having communication skills help you provide accurate information to applicants and vendors.
• Organizational skills: Being an HR assistant involves multitasking and handling various duties. Proper organization helps you prioritize and complete all tasks on time and stay on top of the work demands.
• Conflict resolution: Employees forward complaints and conflicts through the HR assistant. While some issues require the manager's attention, you can resolve conflicts between employees. As an HR assistant, you need to be a good mediator with skills in conflict resolution to avoid escalating the problems. Conflict resolution skills help you avoid biases and listen to both sides before providing a verdict that is agreeable to both parties.
• Teamwork: As an HR assistant, you work alongside many HR professionals, and without teamwork skills, the work environment can become unbearable. Interpersonal skills help you collaborate with others and accommodate their ideas in the workplace.
• Proactivity: When you are proactive, you can identify a potential problem and find solutions before it disrupts the work environment. For instance, if some employees have grievances, it is crucial to address the issues before they escalate to strikes or low productivity. You also need to stay updated and ready for changes in the human resource sector.

The tasks assigned to a human resources assistant vary from day to day and according to the specific needs of each establishment. It is therefore in your best interest to possess or acquire all the skills necessary to quickly deal with each request that is made of you, whether at the social, administrative or IT level. The general and more specific qualities of a human resources assistant are:

• Excellent listening and oral and written communication skills
• Good notions in the behavioural field
• The ability to spot and identify relational problems between employees
• The ability to create a relationship of trust between managers and staff
• Excellent command of office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Real knowledge in the field of finance, economics, and laws governing a company
• The ability to use all current means of communication (telephone, email, social networks, videoconferencing applications, etc.)
• A great sense of diplomacy and discretion in particular situations, such as a warning, a reprimand, or the announcement of a dismissal

Finally, bilingualism is a great asset: many companies require their future human resources assistant to speak French and English.

(no text in document)

You can join the HR assistant profession through a degree program. Since it is an entry-level position, you need a bachelor's degree in labour relations, industrial relations, business administration or human resources. Apart from the course, you need relevant work experience or additional certification. Vocational programs and internships give you an edge over other applicants. You also need a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) certification to work with top human resource professionals.

(no text in document) 

Finding a job near you as an HR assistant is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.