Job Description - Human Resources Specialist:
A human resources specialist helps companies and other organizations find the most qualified job candidates and matches them to the jobs for which they are best suited. She then helps her employer retain these employees. Human resources specialists include employment and placement managers; employment, recruitment and placement specialists; and compensation, benefits and job analysis specialists.
Employment Facts - Human Resources Specialist:
There were 225,000 human resources specialists employed in the U.S. in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Human Resources Specialist:
To work as a human resources specialist one needs a bachelor's degree. Those who want to enter this field can take courses in personnel administration, human resources and labor relations in addition to studying social sciences, business administration and behavioral sciences.
Other Requirements - Human Resources Specialist:
Human resources specialists aren't required to be certified, but becoming certified can increase the likelihood of advancement. Several professional associations offer certification programs.
Advancement Opportunities - Human Resources Specialist:
A qualified human resources specialist may be promoted to human resources director.
Job Outlook - Human Resources Specialist:
Employment of human resources specialists is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018.
Earnings - Human Resources Specialist:
In 2009 human resources specialists earned a median annual income of $56,440.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a Human Resources Specialist currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Human Resources Specialist's Life:
On a typical day a human resources specialist's tasks might include:
- recruiting potential employees
- interviewing job candidates
- hiring successful candidates
- answering employees' questions about benefits and company policies
- helping his or her employer find ways to limit turnover
- consulting with company executives about strategic planning
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists, All Other, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos021.htm (visited April 19, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists, All Other, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/13-1079.00 (visited November 23, 2010).
