Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Human Resources Specialist
What human resources specialists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review new applications in the applicant tracking system and schedule phone screens. From there, the day usually includes recruit, screen and interview candidates, coordinate offers, background checks and onboarding, and complete Form I-9 and maintain employee records. Usually full-time weekday hours, with occasional evenings for recruiting events or busy periods like open enrollment.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a human resources specialist working full time.
- Review new applications in the applicant tracking system and schedule phone screens.
- Run new-hire orientation and complete Form I-9 verification for three employees.
- Conduct structured interviews for a warehouse supervisor role with the hiring manager.
- Answer employee questions about FMLA leave and benefits.
- Prepare an offer letter and coordinate a background check.
- Update the HRIS and plan next month’s open enrollment communications.
Where human resources specialists work
HR specialists work in offices across every industry, as well as for staffing and recruiting firms. Many roles are hybrid or remote, with some travel for recruiting events.
Hours and schedule
Usually full-time weekday hours, with occasional evenings for recruiting events or busy periods like open enrollment.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Recruit, screen and interview candidates
- Coordinate offers, background checks and onboarding
- Complete Form I-9 and maintain employee records
- Administer benefits enrollment and leave
- Answer employee questions about policies and pay
- Support investigations and employee relations issues
- Help ensure compliance with employment laws
Tools you’ll use every day
- Applicant tracking systems (ATS)
- HRIS platforms such as Workday or BambooHR
- Payroll systems
- Background check services
- E-Verify
- Excel and survey tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Work in any industry
- Meaningful impact on people’s careers
- Strong pay and growth to HR management
- Hybrid and remote options
What’s hard
- Handling sensitive and emotional situations
- Complex, changing employment laws
- Balancing employee and employer interests
- Recruiting can be high-pressure
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I enjoy helping people and solving workplace problems
- I can keep sensitive information confidential
- I’m fair and level-headed in tense situations
- I like a mix of people work and administration
- I’m comfortable learning laws and policies
- I’m interested in how organizations work
Not sure? Take the free Human Resources Specialist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect employee personal and medical information
- Follow anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws
- Document investigations and decisions carefully
- Consult legal counsel on complex employment issues