So you’re interested in kick-starting a career in human resources? Great choice! An HR Coordinator or HR Assistant role is one of the most common entry points into the HR field, perfect for new graduates and career changers alike. In this article, we’ll explore what these roles entail, the skills you’ll need, the demand and salaries you can expect in different countries, and practical ways to land that first HR coordinator/assistant position. Whether you’re coming straight out of school or transitioning from another career, this article will give you a clear roadmap to becoming an HR Coordinator or Assistant.
What is an HR Coordinator or Assistant?
Defining the roles: An HR Coordinator (sometimes called an HR Assistant) is an entry-level human resources professional who supports the HR department’s daily operations. In many organizations, the titles “HR Coordinator” and “HR Assistant” are used interchangeably for junior HR staff. Both roles typically involve handling administrative and coordination tasks to ensure the HR team runs smoothly. The exact scope can vary by company – for instance, one company might use “HR Assistant” to emphasize administrative support, while another uses “HR Coordinator” to indicate coordinating HR programs – but in general, they cover similar responsibilities of supporting HR managers and specialists.
Typical responsibilities: HR Coordinators/Assistants act as the backbone of the HR department. They help with recruiting and onboarding new employees, which can include posting job ads, scheduling interviews, and collecting new-hire paperwork. They often maintain employee records and HR databases, ensuring information is up-to-date. These professionals also answer employee questions about policies or benefits and route more complex inquiries to the appropriate HR person. In practice, an HR coordinator might assist with identifying and interviewing candidates and handle the administrative side of bringing them onboard. They also take care of a host of administrative tasks – from updating HRIS (Human Resources Information System) records and processing payroll changes to scheduling meetings and staff training sessions. In short, they wear many hats to keep all HR processes running efficiently.
Where they fit in the HR team: As entry-level roles, HR Coordinators and Assistants usually report to a more senior HR professional, such as an HR Manager or HR Director. They serve as a link between employees and upper HR management, often acting as the first point of contact for employee inquiries. For example, an HR Assistant might relay employee concerns or documentation to the HR Manager, ensuring communication flows smoothly. In smaller companies, a single HR Coordinator may support the entire people operations function, whereas in larger organizations there could be multiple coordinators specializing in areas like recruitment, training, or benefits. In any case, these roles are foundational – they give you exposure to many facets of HR and can be a stepping stone to higher positions like HR Generalist, HR Specialist, or HR Manager as you gain experience.
HR Coordinator / Assistant Skills
Being successful as an HR Coordinator or Assistant requires a mix of interpersonal skills, organizational ability, and basic HR knowledge. Here are some of the key skills and qualities you’ll need to develop:
- Communication: Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) are a must. You’ll be interacting with employees of all levels, from new hires to executives, and often conveying important information. Strong listening skills and a friendly, professional demeanor help in resolving employee queries and conducting orientations.
- Organization and Attention to Detail: HR involves a lot of paperwork and processes, so being highly organized is crucial. Whether you’re updating employee files, scheduling interviews, or ensuring compliance forms are completed, attention to detail prevents costly errors. A good HR Coordinator can juggle multiple tasks and still keep everything well-documented and orderly.
- Time Management & Multitasking: An HR Coordinator often handles many duties at once – for example, coordinating a benefits enrollment while also planning a training session and onboarding a new hire. The ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively is vital to keep things from falling through the cracks. Balancing multiple responsibilities comes with the territory, so knowing how to switch gears efficiently will serve you well.
- Confidentiality and Ethics: In HR you deal with sensitive personal information (like salaries, medical info, performance issues). Trustworthiness and a strong sense of ethics are non-negotiable. Employers need to know that as an HR Assistant, you can handle confidential data with discretion and integrity, maintaining employee privacy at all times.
- Basic HR Knowledge: While you’re not expected to be an expert right away, a foundational understanding of HR principles and employment laws is helpful. Familiarize yourself with key HR functions – recruiting, benefits, payroll, labor laws, etc. For instance, knowing the basics of labor regulations or how hiring processes work will help you perform tasks correctly and identify when to escalate issues.
- Tech Savvy: Modern HR relies on software for applicant tracking, payroll, employee engagement, and more. Being comfortable with technology, especially typical HR tools (HRIS systems like Workday or BambooHR, payroll software, Excel, and communication platforms like email and Zoom), will make you a more effective HR Coordinator. Don’t worry, you don’t need to know every tool from the start – but showing that you can quickly learn new software is a big plus.
- People Skills and Empathy: At its core, HR is about humans. Being approachable, empathetic, and patient helps you assist employees with their needs. Whether you’re helping someone navigate their healthcare benefits or listening to a workplace concern, demonstrating care and understanding builds trust. Strong interpersonal skills also help in team collaboration within the HR department.
Most of these skills can be developed over time. If you’re coming from another field, you might already have relevant skills without realizing it. For example, experience in customer service or administration often translates well into communication, multitasking, and software usage in an HR context. The key is to highlight these transferable skills when pursuing an HR coordinator or assistant role.
HR Coordinator / Assistant Employer Demand
Human resources is an essential function in nearly every medium-to-large organization, which means HR coordinators and assistants are consistently in demand. Companies need capable people to handle hiring, onboarding, and employee support, especially as businesses grow or adapt to new challenges. Let’s talk about what the demand looks like for these roles:
Overall job outlook: The good news is that HR roles aren’t going away – in fact, they’re growing. In the United States, for example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 8% growth in employment for HR specialists this decade, which is faster than average. That category includes many entry-level HR positions, implying steady opportunities for newcomers. Roughly 86,000 HR job openings are expected each year in the US (accounting for growth and turnover). This means companies will continue hiring HR coordinators and similar roles to support their people operations. Other English-speaking countries show similar trends of stable or increasing demand as organizations recognize the value of robust HR practices.
Industry and regional demand: Demand for HR coordinators spans virtually all industries – corporate offices, hospitals, universities, non-profits, government agencies, tech startups, you name it. If an organization has employees, it needs HR. Some sectors are especially booming: for instance, tech companies (including SaaS startups) have been scaling up HR teams to manage rapid growth. In the UK, the number of advertised HR jobs was reported to be up 4% year-over-year in one survey, reflecting how employers were expanding their HR staff as business confidence grew. Even graduate interest in HR careers is surging; one 2024 analysis showed massive increases in searches for HR graduate schemes and jobs in the UK. All this points to a healthy demand for HR coordinators and assistants, as organizations big and small invest in people management.
Opportunities in the SaaS/tech sector: It’s worth noting that some of the highest-paying HR Coordinator and Assistant roles are found in the tech sector, especially at SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) companies. These high-growth companies often need HR help early and are willing to pay competitively to attract talent. For example, a fast-growing SaaS startup might hire an HR Coordinator to set up HR processes and could offer a salary above the typical market rate to get someone capable on board. The tech industry’s focus on culture and talent means HR is seen as a strategic partner, not just an administrative necessity. So, if you have an interest in tech, targeting HR roles in that sector can be a smart move. Later in this article, we’ll talk about how to find these opportunities – including using specialist job boards like The SaaS Jobs – to give you a leg up in landing a coveted role.
HR Coordinator / Assistant Salary
How much do HR Coordinators and Assistants earn? The answer depends on where you live, your experience, and the industry you work in. Here we’ll break down typical salaries in a few major English-speaking countries. Keep in mind these figures are averages for early-career HR roles – entry-level hires might start a bit lower, while experienced coordinators or those in high-cost cities might earn more. All amounts are in local currency.
United States (USD): In the US, HR Coordinators/Assistants usually earn around the equivalent of $45,000 – $55,000 per year to start. According to recent data, the average base pay is about $23.44 per hour (roughly $48k annually) for an HR Coordinator. Salaries can vary by region – major urban centers or tech hubs might offer higher pay. For example, an HR Coordinator working for a Silicon Valley tech firm could see a higher salary (and possibly stock or bonuses) compared to one at a small business in a rural area. As you gain experience or move into specialized HR roles, your earning potential will increase. It’s also common for companies to offer additional compensation like annual bonuses; some data puts the average total pay (including bonuses) in the mid-$50k range in the US.
United Kingdom (GBP): In the UK, an entry-level HR Assistant or Coordinator typically earns somewhere in the mid-£20,000s to low £30,000s per year. Nationwide averages show a base salary around £28,000 – £29,000 per year for HR coordinators. For instance, recent reports put the average at about £28,600 annually. London and other big cities tend to pay on the higher end (often crossing £30k) due to higher living costs and larger companies being based there. Conversely, smaller towns or the public sector might offer lower salaries in the low £20k range. With a couple of years of experience, HR coordinators in the UK can move up the pay scale, and senior HR assistants or advisors might earn in the £30k+ range. Remember that benefits like pension contributions, healthcare, or bonuses can add extra value to UK compensation packages beyond the base pay.
Canada (CAD): Canadian HR Coordinators and Assistants see average salaries in roughly the CAD $50,000 – $60,000 per year range. The national average salary for an HR Coordinator in Canada is about $57,900 per year. Entry-level positions might start closer to the low $50k’s, especially outside major cities. In big metropolitan areas like Toronto or Vancouver, or in in-demand industries, you might find HR coordinator roles offering mid to high $60k’s. Some sources even cite averages in the mid-$60k range for Canada, indicating that opportunities with higher pay do exist (likely for those with some experience or in tech/finance sectors). Overall, Canada’s HR salaries are competitive and tend to come with standard benefits (e.g. health insurance, RRSP matching) that further boost the total compensation.
Australia (AUD): Down under in Australia, HR Coordinators usually earn around AUD $65,000 – $80,000 per year. According to recent figures, the average is approximately $80,000 per year for an HR Coordinator in Australia. This can range from entry-level salaries in the low $70k’s up to higher earnings in the $80k+ range for those in large companies or expensive cities. For example, averages in cities like Sydney or Perth are often in the upper $70k’s. Entry-level HR assistants might start a bit lower (somewhere in the $60k’s), but the trajectory is positive with experience. Notably, Australia’s robust economy and large corporate sector (as well as a growing tech industry in cities like Melbourne and Sydney) mean there are plenty of opportunities. Also, Australian employers tend to offer superannuation (retirement contributions) and other perks that add to the overall compensation package.
Salary factors and the impact of industry: It’s important to remember that these numbers are averages. Actual salaries can depend on your education, any HR certifications you hold, the size of the company, and the industry. As mentioned, tech and SaaS companies often pay at the higher end for HR roles – in those environments, an HR Coordinator’s salary might significantly exceed the national average. For instance, a coordinator role at a well-funded SaaS startup or a multinational tech firm might come with a premium (sometimes including bonuses, stock options, or other incentives). On the other hand, non-profit organizations or small businesses might budget a bit less for HR support roles. Geography plays a role too: high cost-of-living areas pay more, but you’ll also spend more to live there. The good news is that as an HR professional, you have flexibility to move across industries. You might start in a modest-paying sector to get experience, then leverage that to jump into a higher-paying industry like tech or finance once you have a year or two under your belt.
Ways to Become an HR Coordinator or Assistant
Now that you know what the role is about and the opportunities it offers, let’s get into how you can actually become an HR Coordinator or Assistant. There’s no single “one-size-fits-all” path, but there are common steps and strategies that can significantly improve your chances. This section is especially useful if you’re looking for an entry-level HR role or trying to transition into HR from another field. Here are some effective ways to launch your HR career:
- Get the right education or training: While it’s possible to land HR coordinator jobs without a specialized degree, having some relevant education will make you a stronger candidate. Many HR coordinators have a Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, psychology, or a related field. A college degree isn’t always mandatory, but employers often prefer it because it shows you have a foundational understanding of business and people management. If you’re in the UK or other countries where specific HR qualifications are common, you might consider pursuing a credential like the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) certification. In the US or Canada, you could take courses in HR management or even minor in HR if you’re still in school. For career changers who already have a degree in another field, you don’t necessarily need to go back for another degree – instead, you can supplement your experience with HR certificate programs or online courses. Many universities and platforms offer part-time HR certification programs that provide a solid overview of recruitment, employment law, compensation, etc. The key is to show employers that you have a baseline knowledge of human resources principles, either through formal education or self-directed learning.
- Consider HR certifications for extra credibility: While not required for entry-level roles, earning a well-known HR certification can help your resume stand out – especially if you’re a career changer without direct HR work experience. Certifications demonstrate commitment and competency in HR. For example, the SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional) or the aPHR (Associate Professional in HR) from HRCI are internationally recognized credentials that you can pursue early in your HR career. In Canada, you might look at the CPHR designation, and in the UK, CIPD certifications come in levels (Level 3 or 5 are geared toward HR newcomers). Studying for these can also build your knowledge in areas like HR law, recruitment, and employee relations – which will come in handy on the job. Again, this step is optional, but if you have the time and resources, a certification can signal to employers that you’re serious and already proficient in HR fundamentals.
- Gain practical experience (even if you have to start small): Experience is often the trickiest part of the “no experience, no job” cycle. The good news is you can start building experience in HR or related work even before you land a formal HR job. Here are a few ideas:
- Internships: If you’re a student or recent grad, internships in an HR department are invaluable. They let you observe and participate in HR tasks firsthand – maybe helping with recruiting or sitting in on training sessions. Even a part-time HR internship can give you talking points for interviews and some references in the field.Volunteering and extracurriculars: Look for opportunities to take on HR-like responsibilities wherever you can. Perhaps you could volunteer to assist the HR or recruitment team at a non-profit organization a few hours a week. Or, if you’re involved in any club or community group, you might help organize events, track membership (which is analogous to managing employee records), or coordinate training workshops. These activities develop relevant skills (coordination, people interaction) and can be spun as experience on your resume.Current job crossover: If you’re currently working in another role, try to get involved with people operations. Maybe you can offer to help HR organize the next company event, or assist with onboarding the next new hire in your department. Small projects like these let you peek into HR work. For example, if you work in an office as an administrative assistant, you could ask to help HR with filing employee paperwork or updating the HR database – suddenly you have HR assistant experience to talk about.Temp or contract roles: Don’t overlook temporary positions. Companies sometimes hire temp HR Assistants during busy periods (like open enrollment for benefits or large recruitment drives). Signing on with a recruitment agency that places HR temps can get you short stints that provide experience and could even turn into a permanent job if you impress the employer.
- Highlight transferable skills (especially for career changers): If you’re transitioning from another career, you likely have skills that are highly relevant to HR – you just need to connect the dots for potential employers. For instance, maybe you worked in retail or hospitality; you probably have strong customer service and communication skills, which are directly applicable to an HR role that involves helping employees. Or perhaps you were a project coordinator in another industry – you likely have experience organizing information, scheduling, and ensuring projects run on time, all of which translate nicely to the coordination aspects of HR. Leadership experience (like if you led a small team or project) shows you can manage people and tasks. Even technical skills like proficiency in certain software can be a boon, since HR teams often use similar tools (spreadsheets, databases, scheduling tools). In your resume and interviews, emphasize these transferable skills. You might say, “As a team supervisor in retail, I learned to handle scheduling, conflict resolution, and training new staff – which are the same strengths I would bring to an HR Coordinator role.” By framing your past experience in HR-friendly terms, you reassure employers that you’ll be able to handle the coordinator/assistant job despite coming from a different background.
- Network and build connections in HR: Networking can significantly accelerate your journey into an HR role. Many HR jobs (especially at the entry level) are filled by candidates who have connections or referrals. Start by joining professional associations – for example, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has local chapters in the US, and there are similar groups in other countries (like CIPD in the UK, or HRPA in parts of Canada). These organizations often host events, workshops, or webinars where you can learn and meet people. Attend local HR meetups or industry events; talking to professionals already in the field can give you insight and sometimes leads on job openings. Don’t be shy about letting your friends and acquaintances know you’re pursuing HR – someone might know of an opening or be able to introduce you to an HR manager. LinkedIn is another powerful tool: make sure your profile reflects your HR ambitions and start connecting with HR professionals or recruiters. You can even request informational interviews with experienced HR coordinators or managers to ask for advice (most people enjoy sharing their story and helping newcomers). Building a network not only can uncover hidden job opportunities, but also gives you mentors who can guide you. For example, a connection might alert you that their company is looking for an HR Assistant, giving you a chance to apply early. In summary, don’t job-search alone – tap into the HR community, because who you know can be just as helpful as what you know.
- Use smart job search strategies (specialist boards first!): When you’re ready to start applying, how you search for jobs can make a big difference. A key tip is to leverage specialized job boards and resources before general sites. Since you’re aiming for HR roles, start with niche and industry-specific job boards. For example, The SaaS Jobs is a specialist job board that focuses on SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) industry roles, and it frequently features HR Coordinator and Assistant positions at tech companies. Why use a board like this? Because specialist boards often list high-quality opportunities that might not be all over the big sites – plus, SaaS companies are known for offering competitive salaries and growth opportunities for HR staff. By checking a niche board like The SaaS Jobs, you could find a promising HR role in a tech company before it appears elsewhere. After exploring specialized boards (there are also HR-specific boards and local recruiting agencies), you can expand to general job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Seek (in Australia) to cast a wider net. When using general sites, tailor your search keywords – look for “HR Coordinator,” “HR Assistant,” and also related titles like “People Operations Coordinator” or “Talent Acquisition Assistant,” as different companies label the roles differently. While applying, make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each HR role. Highlight your HR coursework, any relevant experience, and those transferable skills we discussed. Show enthusiasm for the company and the HR function – for instance, mention that you’re excited about helping build a positive workplace culture, or that you were impressed by something specific about the company’s people practices. This kind of personalization can set you apart from generic applications. When you do land some interviews, prepare by reviewing common HR coordinator interview questions. Be ready to talk about why you want to work in HR, how you handle multitasking, and examples from any past experience where you demonstrated the skills needed (communication, organization, confidentiality, etc.). Even if your experience is from a different field, you can craft answers that show you have the right mindset and capabilities for HR. And don’t forget to have some questions of your own – ask about the team, the company’s HR software, or what a typical day looks like for their HR assistant. This shows your genuine interest in the role.
Bonus tip: persistence pays off. Entry-level HR jobs can be competitive, but don’t get discouraged by a few rejections. Keep learning (through articles, books, online courses, webinars, maybe even attending a workshop on HR trends) and keep networking while you apply. Sometimes it takes a little while to break in, but once you’ve got that first HR Coordinator/Assistant job, you’re on your way. The experience you gain in that role – understanding HR processes, supporting employees, coordinating programs – will open up even more opportunities down the line, whether it’s a promotion within your company or a jump to a new company with a bigger title.
Becoming an HR Coordinator or Assistant is an achievable goal with the right preparation and approach. By understanding the role, building up your skills, and strategically seeking opportunities (remembering to check specialized boards like The SaaS Jobs early in your search), you can land a position that kicks off a rewarding career in human resources. Good luck on your journey into HR – with dedication and the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to joining the ranks of HR professionals who help make workplaces better for everyone!
