what is an HR coordinator?
As an HR coordinator, you support the functions of the company's human resources (HR) department. You work with the human resources manager, assisting in departmental activities like employee recruitment, orientation and payroll administration. While you don't take part in strategic decision-making, you implement human resources policies and create a good working environment for staff by ensuring the HR processes run smoothly.
Your duties range from administrative to clerical tasks, like managing HR records by preparing contracts, reviewing performance and handling employee benefits forms. Since most HR departments use human resources information systems (HRIS) to track employee data, you maintain the system to ensure accurate information is made available to the management team for informed decision-making. While you don't participate in recruitment, you support recruitment activities by assisting with creating job postings and performing reference checks. After the interviews, you write and send job offers to successful candidates.
Due to the sensitive nature of employee records, you act professionally and tactfully. You are also the link between the management and the employees, so it's important to portray a positive attitude and be approachable and friendly.
Would working as an HR coordinator suit your exceptional people and communication skills? If so, read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an HR coordinator role.
HR coordinator jobsaverage HR coordinator salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of an HR coordinator in Canada is $64,997 per year. Your earnings vary depending on various factors, including education, location and experience. When starting your career as an HR coordinator, you take home a salary of $48,750 yearly. With experience and additional certifications, your earnings increase gradually, and you can take home over $146,014 annually.
how to increase your earnings as an HR coordinator
Your salary depends on your experience and external factors like company size and location. Your professional qualifications determine your salary since employers are interested in the expertise and skills you bring to the company. Having additional certifications in human resources can boost your earnings. While HR coordinator is an entry-level role, having prior HR working experience improves your salary potential. After gaining years of experience, your value to the company goes beyond performing daily job duties, and you consistently contribute to company growth. Hence, you can negotiate a higher salary that's equivalent to your experience.
The industry and budget of your employer could also influence your earnings. In a labour-intensive industry that relies on many employees, such as restaurants, construction and healthcare, you coordinate multiple HR functions compared to industries with automated processes. When making hiring decisions, employers set a budget, determining how much they are willing to pay for your skills.
types of HR coordinators
As an HR coordinator, you handle employee-related issues in various areas of the human resources department. You can focus on any of the following areas:
- Recruitment and selection: you assist the recruitment team with administrative tasks, like researching potential candidates for various positions. You also write job postings and compose follow-up letters for unsuccessful candidates. After recruitment, you coordinate employee onboarding programs and ensure they complete the right paperwork before starting their jobs.
- Employee compensation and benefits: you coordinate various employee pay and benefits activities, including administering payroll and managing employee health and benefits paperwork. You also ensure employees are registered to benefits plans, including the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP).
- Training and development: you plan and organize training programs for employees. While you don't conduct the training, you find the training sites and research the best trainers. You also set up the training venue and ensure employees have the necessary training materials.
- Employee relations: in a unionized employment setting, you should have labour relations skills. Part of employee relations is handling conflicts and documenting them after resolution. As an HR coordinator, you are responsible for safety-related tasks, from conducting safety training to preparing incident reports.
working as an HR coordinator
If you have a cooperative team approach and the ability to earn the trust of employees, consider becoming an HR coordinator. Let’s explore the duties, responsibilities and work environments of HR coordinators.
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what does an HR coordinator do?
As an HR coordinator, you are responsible for an array of human resource duties. Your exact duties depend on the employer, but you are likely to perform the following tasks:
- Managing hard and digital employee records: as an HR coordinator, you are in charge of employee records. During onboarding, you ensure employees sign the necessary contracts and fill in their personal information. You also document employee benefits and salaries and maintain up-to-date records of performance reviews and participation in training and development programs. To comply with labour laws, you keep digital records as well as hard copies.
- Assisting with recruitment and selection: aside from writing job descriptions and advertising vacant positions, you are also responsible for role classifications. You establish positions that match organizational requirements and conduct regular reviews to ensure the company meets industry needs. During recruitment, you perform reference checks and prepare job offers.
- Coordinating HR events, campaigns and meetings: you handle the administrative tasks associated with HR events. For instance, you pick the right venue and plan the events during interviews.
- Planning seminars and training sessions: you keep track of the company's training and development activities. You also organize training seminars, from choosing the venue to compiling training materials and helping with the initial setup.
- Handling employee inquiries: as an HR coordinator, you handle internal and external inquiries from employees. You are the first person employees contact when they have questions about their employment benefits and other requests. You resolve employee problems and escalate issues to the HR manager as needed.
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work environment of an HR coordinator
HR coordinators work in diverse organizations, from small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to large non-profit institutions and government organizations. You can work in the industry of your choice, including financial institutions, healthcare and manufacturing. Regardless of your industry, the role of an HR coordinator is an office-based position. Unless you are planning a training seminar or have interviews in another location, you perform most of your duties in an office. Your role involves minimal travel since you only attend company events a few times a year.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry you work in, you are likely to work alongside HR administrators, HR managers and recruiters. You also work alongside payroll administrators, accountants and data entry clerks. Since you spend most of the day in the office, you are likely to work with administrative support staff, including administrative assistants and office managers.
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HR coordinator work schedule
The typical schedule of an HR coordinator in a full-time role is 40 hours a week. When you work regular office hours during the workweek, your day typically starts around 9 am and ends at 5 pm. However, you may work occasional evenings when you have additional duties to handle. For instance, when planning training sessions or company events, you might need to work evenings or attend weekend events. Remote HR coordinator jobs and hybrid work options are available in some companies.
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career opportunities as an HR coordinator
Becoming an HR coordinator is the first step into the field of human resources, and you have endless opportunities for career advancement. If you are interested in advancing your career, work your way into the role of a senior HR coordinator. Alternatively, become an HR specialist in employee relations, payroll or recruitment. After gaining extensive experience in your specialized area of expertise, become an HR consultant or move into an HR manager role.
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advantages of finding a job as an HR coordinator through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- Always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- Many training opportunities
- A range of jobs in your area
HR coordinator skills and education
To work as an HR coordinator, you require the following educational qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree: most employers require a bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration to work as an HR coordinator. A degree in social science, such as psychology or sociology, will prepare you for the role of an HR coordinator.
- Certifications: you may require certification to work in some provinces throughout Canada. For instance, in Quebec, you should be a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), while in Saskatchewan, you can obtain a Chartered Professionals in Human Resources certificate from CPHR Saskatchewan. You can also boost your HR knowledge with professional certification from CPHR Canada (formerly CCHRA).
competencies and characteristics of HR coordinators
- A career as an HR coordinator requires a balance of educational qualifications and personal attributes. You need the following skills to excel in the role:
- Knowledge of HR software: as an HR coordinator, your job involves managing the digital copies of employee records. You require extensive knowledge of HR software, such as employee management and applicant tracking systems. Having basic technical skills helps you maintain up-to-date records.
- Solid communication skills: you handle inquiries from employees and communicate them to the management team. You require good communication skills to relay information clearly. Having good listening skills is also important when handling issues affecting employees.
- Organization skills: most of your tasks involve planning and coordinating activities, which requires organization and time management skills. Having good organizational skills helps you plan and coordinate various activities.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an HR coordinator.
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what is an HR coordinator?
An HR coordinator performs administrative and clerical functions in the human resources department to support HR managers and other HR officers. You support HR functions like recruitment, payroll administration and training. Since you handle various responsibilities, you should be proactive with an employee-centric approach.
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how much do HR coordinators make in Canada?
As an HR coordinator, your salary depends on your experience and educational qualifications. The average salary of an HR coordinator in Canada is $65,059 per year. In an entry-level position, you can expect to earn around $48,826 annually. When you have extensive experience, you can take home over $162,298 yearly. Working in large cities with a high demand for HR coordinators increases your earning potential.
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what is the difference between HR administrators and HR coordinators?
As an HR coordinator, you oversee and ensure efficiency in all human resource functions. You collaborate with payroll administrators to ensure employees are paid on time and assist with employee performance reviews. You also coordinate training sessions and ensure the HR department runs efficiently. On the other hand, HR administrators focus more on clerical and administrative tasks, such as updating the records of new and existing staff and managing digital copies of the records.
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what is the main responsibility of an HR coordinator?
As an HR coordinator, you report to the HR manager of the company and assist in all departmental duties. Your primary role is to ensure HR functions run smoothly. You assist with the recruitment process by headhunting potential candidates and writing follow-up letters after successful recruitments. You also manage employee health and benefits plans, administer payroll, and process paperwork for changes in compensation or benefits.
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what qualities are necessary for HR coordinators?
As an HR coordinator, you balance empathy with efficiency when managing employee needs. The role requires patience and understanding when dealing with employees and conflicts that arise. It is also important to have critical thinking skills and the ability to exercise discretion when handling sensitive information.
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how do I find a job as an HR coordinator?
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