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What does a Personnel Assistant do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A personnel assistant typically works in an office environment and is responsible for a variety of administrative tasks. These tasks may include maintaining employee records, scheduling interviews, and processing new hire paperwork. The personnel assistant may also be responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of employee training programs.

Personnel Assistant job duties include:

  • Maintain employee records
  • Assist with recruitment process
  • Onboard new employees
  • Process employee benefits
  • Handle payroll and employee taxes
  • Manage employee leave
  • Investigate and resolve employee complaints
  • Assist with performance management
  • Develop and implement employee policies

Personnel Assistant Job Requirements

Most personnel assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most employers provide on-the-job training. Certification is not typically required, but voluntary certification as a certified administrative professional (CAP) or certified professional secretary (CPS) may be beneficial. Previous experience in an administrative role is generally required.

Personnel Assistant Skills

  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Planning
  • Scheduling
  • Multi-tasking
  • Attention to detail
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Flexibility
  • Problem solving
  • Customer service
  • Computer skills

Related: Top Personnel Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Personnel Assistant

The personnel assistant occupation is a support position in the human resources field. The duties of a personnel assistant include maintaining employee records, assisting with the hiring process, and handling employee benefits. To become a personnel assistant, you will need to have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Some colleges offer programs specifically in human resources, which can be beneficial in learning more about the field and the various aspects of the job. However, many personnel assistants are trained on the job. If you are interested in becoming a personnel assistant, start by researching companies that you would like to work for and their human resources departments. Many times, internships or entry-level positions in human resources can lead to a career as a personnel assistant.

In addition to having strong communication and organizational skills, it is also important to be detail-oriented and able to multitask. As a personnel assistant, you will often be working with sensitive information, so it is important to be discreet and maintain confidentiality. Personnel assistants must also be able to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.

If you have the necessary skills and qualities and are interested in working in human resources, a career as a personnel assistant may be right for you. With hard work and dedication, you can succeed in this field and help contribute to the success of an organization.

Related: Personnel Assistant Resume Example

Related: Personnel Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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