Human resources specialist

Human resources specialists recruit, screen and interview workers. They may manage employee relations, rights and training.

Also known as

Human resources adviser, human resources consultant, human resources coordinator, human resources representative, recruitment consultant

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours
  • Usually work in offices, and may travel locally
  • Need to be responsible, communicate well and identify and solve problems

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$56K-$155K 56000

Typical tasks

  • Interview, check backgrounds and hire job applicants
  • Manage staff relations and rights
  • Explain workplace regulations, policies and procedures
  • Oversee staff hiring and recruitment tasks
  • Manage pay and benefits for workers
  • Make sure companies follow employment laws
  • Keep records and data of workers
  • Make sure hiring processes follow rules
  • Plan and create training materials
  • Stay up to date on work laws and policies

Outlook

Human resources is evolving as organisations respond to workforce changes, artificial intelligence and new employee expectations. In New Zealand and globally, there is growing focus on employee wellbeing, workforce planning, diversity and inclusion, and flexible ways of working. Digital HR systems, people analytics and automation are helping organisations make more informed decisions while improving employee experiences.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to handle sensitive information professionally
  • Problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Confidence using digital systems and workplace technology
  • Organisation and attention to detail
  • Ability to work collaboratively with different people

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.