How To Become A Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant: What It Is and Career Path

What is a receptionist/human resources assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

One of the key roles in many bustling HR departments is the receptionist/human resources assistant. This is an important clerical job that performs many vital functions on a daily basis.

As a receptionist/human resources assistant, it will generally be your duty to support the department's human resources specialists. In addition to the basic desk work like answering phones, writing emails, and scheduling appointments, you will likely be responsible for several other HR-specific tasks.

These responsibilities can include assisting applicants in the hiring process, directing new employee orientations, maintaining up-to-date employee records, processing payroll, and more.

It might sound challenging, but by proving yourself in this role, it's possible to move up the ladder to the rank of benefit specialist or human resources manager.

You can usually start a career as a receptionist/human resources assistant with a high school diploma or GED. Working in this role can earn you an average salary of around $34,000 annually.

ScoreReceptionist/Human Resources AssistantUS Average

Salary

2.8

Avg. Salary $35,765

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

9.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.95%

Asian 8.09%

Black or African American 10.74%

Hispanic or Latino 21.38%

Unknown 4.92%

White 53.93%

Gender

female 94.17%

male 5.83%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.9

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.0

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a receptionist/human resources assistant

Explore receptionist/human resources assistant education requirements

Most common receptionist/human resources assistant degrees

Bachelor's

41.0 %

Associate

24.0 %

High School Diploma

21.9 %

Start to develop specific receptionist/human resources assistant skills

Skills	Percentages
Greeting Visitors	11.09%
Data Entry	10.15%
Customer Service	7.69%
Phone Calls	7.13%
Background Checks	6.73%

Complete relevant receptionist/human resources assistant training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New receptionist/human resources assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a receptionist/human resources assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real receptionist/human resources assistant resumes.

Gain additional receptionist/human resources assistant certifications

Receptionist/human resources assistant certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific receptionist/human resources assistant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for receptionist/human resources assistants include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP).

More About Certifications

Research receptionist/human resources assistant duties and responsibilities

Operate TALEO software system for managing prospective and current employee application status and procedures
Prepare PowerPoint presentations for all new hires.
Set up systems, for FMLA tracking, benefits and EEO tracking.
Investigate and resolve EEO complaints internally and with EEOC and local agencies.

Prepare your receptionist/human resources assistant resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your receptionist/human resources assistant resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a receptionist/human resources assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable receptionist/human resources assistant resume templates

Build a professional receptionist/human resources assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your receptionist/human resources assistant resume.

Apply for receptionist/human resources assistant jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a receptionist/human resources assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do receptionist/human resources assistants rate their job?

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Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2024

Pros

Good work life balance, low stress and responsibility