Human resource coordinators play a critical role in both staffing and developing an organization’s most valuable resource: its employees. Often the first person a potential hire will interact with at an organization, human resources coordinators must be equipped to act as the public face of the company.
Job Outlook
As employment law and healthcare options become increasingly complex, the need for human resources coordinator jobs was projected in 2018 to grow at 5% over 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is as fast as the average for all occupations. Growing industries, like science, technology and professional services, are expected to see a high increase in demand for human resources coordinator jobs.
What Does a Human Resources Coordinator Do?
Human resource coordinators assist the senior members and teams in helping to maintain accurate records, coordinating recruiting activities, reviewing resumes, and checking background references. Additionally, they may help conduct benefits seminars alongside benefits specialists and answer questions about enrolling in company-sponsored health insurance, dental, life insurance and 401k programs. Human resource coordinators also help ensure that all company policies and procedures continue to comply with federal and state laws.
A human resources coordinator’s job duties typically involve all facets of the human resources department, including:
- Facilitating HR processes
- Coordinating employee performance reviews, including merit increases and disciplinary action or termination
- Supporting problem resolution for benefits, employee engagement, hiring or retention
- Helping with the hiring and training process
- Conducting research based on employee surveys or existing data to understand work processes and productivity
- Partnering with hiring managers to understand employment needs
- Interviewing applicants to understand experience, education and skill level
- Informing applicants about job duties, benefits and working conditions
- Hiring candidates
- Maintaining employment records and process paperwork
Most human resource coordinators are required to keep a close eye on employee turnover rates and may prepare turnover and retention reports for upper management. They may also play a role in helping employee and managers measure performance factors or implement proper disciplinary actions.
Potential Salary
Human resources specialists earned a median annual wage of $60,880 in May 2018, according to the BLS*. Industry, among other factors including education and work experience, can influence salary, and human resources specialists in professional, scientific or technical services can expect to earn on the higher end (median wages were $68,620 compared to $52,140 in healthcare and social assistance).
Similar Jobs Titles
You might also want to consider different human resources roles that human resources coordinators can advance to after gaining experience and education:
- Benefits Specialist
- Human Resources Manager
- Training Development Manager
- HR Generalist
How Do I Become a Human Resources Coordinator?
Professionals can begin their careers as a human resources coordinator by earning a bachelor’s degree, typically in human resources, business, or a similar field. Most of these professionals require a degree to be hired. Obtaining a professional certification can also increase competitive advantage for human resources coordinator positions. For example, The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers HR professionals certifications, depending on experience. Most of them require at least a bachelor’s in a related field or another HR certificate. When immersed in the field, human resource coordinators should consider that certifications are a great tool to increase their chances of a promotion.
If you want to earn a BA in Human Resources Management, make sure that the program offers specialized courses in training and development, compensation and benefits, and selection and placement. Florida Tech’s program offers students courses that cover topics on psychology and leadership dynamics in the workplace, such as Principles of Management and Organizational Behavior and Development. Work experience is often a requirement as well for human resource coordinator positions, and aspiring professionals can get started by working as a human resources assistant or customer service professional to gain experience.
Is a Human Resource Coordinator Job Right for You?
Successful human resource coordinators must have strong communication and interpersonal skills. You will need to be able to communicate details to potential hires, listen and resolve employee problems, and work across the organization with an array of backgrounds and cultures. If you have sharp attention to detail and confident decision-making skills, a human resource coordinator position may be an excellent career choice for you.