Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an HR Assistant
What HR assistants actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an HR assistant?
Post new job openings. From there, the day usually includes post jobs, schedule interviews, and process new hire paperwork. Full-time business hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an HR assistant working full time.
- Post new job openings.
- Schedule interviews.
- Process I-9 forms.
- Answer benefits questions.
- Update the HRIS.
- Plan new hire orientation.
- File records.
Where HR assistants work
HR assistants work in offices.
Hours and schedule
Full-time business hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Post jobs
- Schedule interviews
- Process new hire paperwork
- Update employee records
- Run background checks
- Answer employee questions
- Help with HR events
Tools you’ll use every day
- HRIS
- Applicant tracking systems
- Background check portals
- E-Verify
- Microsoft 365
- Scheduling tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Entry to HR careers
- Office hours
- Variety of tasks
- Helping employees
What’s hard
- Declining employment
- Paperwork
- Confidential pressure
- Modest pay
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want an HR career
- I keep things confidential
- I’m organized
- I like helping employees
- I like steady work
- I’m detail-oriented
Not sure? Take the free HR Assistant fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect employee records
- Follow I-9 rules
- Avoid discrimination
- Secure personal data