One particular challenge you may encounter as an HR assistant is ensuring that the CVs collected are effectively organised and easily accessible for future reference. Our comprehensive guide offers detailed strategies and practical tools to streamline your CV management process, enhancing both efficiency and accuracy in your recruitment tasks.
- Applying best practices from real-world examples to ensure your profile always meets recruiters' expectations;
- What to include in your work experience section, apart from your past roles and responsibilities?
- Why are both hard and soft skills important for your application?
- How do you need to format your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker Software (ATS) assessment?
If you're writing your CV for a niche hr assistant role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:
Resume examples for hr assistant
By Experience
Junior HR Assistant
- Content Presentation with Clear Structuring - The CV showcases an excellent clarity and structure with neatly organized sections such as experience, education, skills, and achievements. Each section is concise yet informative, allowing readers to easily identify Freya Richardson’s qualifications and contributions in the HR field.
- Career Trajectory Demonstrating Growth and Specialisation - Freya's progression from an HR Intern at Randstad UK to a Human Resources Assistant at Hays Recruitment highlights a growth-oriented career path. Her increase in responsibility and the complexity of tasks handled reflect a deepening expertise in HR processes, particularly in onboarding and compliance.
- Unique Use of HR Tools and Technical Insight - The CV highlights significant technical depth, listing specific tools such as Ultipro and Relias LMS. These mentions underscore Freya’s aptitude in leveraging industry-standard software to boost HR efficiency and streamlining onboarding processes.
Senior HR Assistant
- Clear and Organized Content Presentation - The CV's structure is methodical, with each section distinctly labeled and the information within presented concisely. This clarity ensures that readers can quickly assess the candidate’s qualifications, work history, and achievements, which are precise and to the point, reflecting a disciplined approach to managing HR documentation.
- Progressive Career Path in HR - Thomas Walker's career trajectory demonstrates steady progression through increasingly responsible HR roles, from an HR Administrator to an HR Assistant at reputable firms. His advancement in the legal and business services sectors highlights adaptability and competence, particularly valuable for an HR professional in complex international environments.
- Impressive HR Achievements with Tangible Impact - The CV effectively highlights measurable achievements, such as a 20% increase in exit process efficiency and improved employee satisfaction by 30% through logistical coordination for international assignments. These metrics not only show his capability to enhance HR processes but also underline significant contributions to overall business efficiency and employee morale.
By Role
HR Assistant in Recruitment
- Organized Career Progression - Eva Fisher’s CV exhibits a logical career advancement, starting as an HR Administrative Coordinator and progressing to her current role as a Recruitment Consultant. This trajectory showcases a solid foundation in HR responsibilities and a steady rise in professional responsibility, emphasizing her growth and adaptability within the field.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV highlights Eva’s accomplishments through specific outcomes like reducing average hiring times by 20% and increasing candidate engagement by 30%. These achievements are not just numbers; they indicate tangible impacts on business efficiency and effectiveness of recruitment strategies, underlining Eva's ability to contribute value to the organization.
- Impressive Use of Advanced Recruitment Tools - Eva’s proficiency in using applicant tracking systems and her ability to streamline CV screening processes by 25% illustrate an in-depth technical understanding of HR technologies. Her involvement in developing data management systems manifests her capability to leverage technology for improved process efficiency, setting her apart in the HR field.
HR Assistant in Employee Relations
- Structured with Clarity and Conciseness - The CV is well-organized, with distinct sections that begin with a clear header showcasing personal details, followed by grouped categories such as experience, skills, and education. Each role in the experience section is detailed with concise bullet points, allowing the reader to efficiently grasp responsibilities and achievements.
- Exemplifies Strong Career Progression - Starting as an Administrative Assistant at CBRE and advancing to an HR Coordinator at Savills demonstrates a clear upward career trajectory. This path illustrates the candidate's ability to take on increasing levels of responsibility and adapt to complex HR functions over time, reflecting both personal growth and leadership potential.
- Emphasizes Industry-Specific Technical Skillset - The CV highlights specialized HR tools and methodologies, such as implementing filing systems, managing payroll processes, and using ticketing systems for communication. These elements exhibit the candidate's technical competence and dedication to continuous improvement in HR operations.
HR Assistant in Training and Development
- Strategic Integration of Training Programs - The CV effectively highlights the structured presentation of achievements, showcasing a strategic approach to designing training programs that align with broader business objectives. It combines measurable outcomes, such as a 25% increase in engagement, with the creation of bespoke programs, underscoring the candidate's ability to integrate strategic goals into training design effectively.
- Progressive Career Advancement - Demonstrating clear career progression, the CV outlines Isaac Scott's growth from an HR Coordinator to a Training & Development Specialist, with a focus on employee growth strategies. This trajectory not only showcases Scott's dedication to the field but also reflects his capacity to assume increasing levels of responsibility and leadership, marked by significant achievements at each stage of his career.
- Utilization of Advanced Learning Tools - By emphasizing the use of modern tools like Learning Management Systems (LMS) and e-learning methodologies, the CV highlights Scott's technical depth and adaptability to industry-specific trends. This focus on leveraging technology for enhanced training delivery demonstrates a commitment to cutting-edge methodologies, ensuring training programs remain relevant and impactful.
HR Assistant in Payroll
- Content Presentation and Structure - The CV is well-organized with distinct, easily identifiable sections including experience, education, skills, courses, achievements, languages, and passions. This clear structure allows for efficient navigation, ensuring that potential employers can quickly find the most relevant information. The concise yet comprehensive bullet points under each experience entry effectively communicate key accomplishments and responsibilities.
- Career Trajectory and Industry Focus - Ruby Gibson’s career trajectory illustrates a consistent growth path within the HR and payroll domain, especially within the education sector. The progression from HR Support Officer to HR & Payroll Coordinator highlights increasing responsibilities and leadership roles. The focus on educational institutions showcases her dedication to the niche, positioning her as a specialist with valuable sector-specific insights.
- Achievements and Business Impact - The CV emphasizes not just the tasks completed, but the impact of these tasks, such as a 20% reduction in payroll errors and a 35% reduction in data processing time. This approach highlights Ruby's ability to drive efficiency and accuracy within organizational processes, aligning her contributions with business objectives and demonstrating a keen understanding of operational improvements.
HR Assistant in Benefits and Compensation
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is well-organized, clearly presenting each section in a logical flow. This enhances readability and ensures that critical details are easily accessible. The concise bullet points effectively communicate the candidate’s achievements and roles without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary information.
- Consistent Career Growth in HR - Over the course of nearly a decade, the candidate has shown consistent career development in human resources. From starting as an HR Coordinator to advancing to an HR Assistant at Syngenta, each role builds upon the previous, showcasing a clear trajectory of increasing responsibilities and deeper expertise within the industry.
- Demonstrated Impact on Business Processes - The candidate's achievements illustrate a significant impact on business processes, particularly in recruitment, payroll, and employee engagement. The improvements such as reducing hiring time by 25% and payroll discrepancies by 15% result in operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, underscoring the candidate's contribution to the organizational success.
HR Assistant in Talent Acquisition
- Structured and Detailed Content Presentation - The CV expertly organizes information, starting with a comprehensive summary and following with distinct sections including experience, education, skills, and achievements. Bullet points are used effectively to maintain clarity and conciseness, ensuring key accomplishments and responsibilities are easily digestible.
- Evidence of Strong Career Progression - Sophia's career trajectory shows a clear path of growth, moving from HR Coordinator to Talent Acquisition Specialist. The progression highlights increased responsibilities and expertise, particularly in HR management within the healthcare industry, indicating a commitment to advancing in her field.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV includes achievements that underline Sophia's ability to produce significant business impacts, such as a 30% increase in recruitment efficiency through HRIS implementation and a 20% reduction in turnover rate. These accomplishments demonstrate her strategic influence and effectiveness in HR roles.
HR Assistant in Performance Management
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV stands out through its clear and concise structure, which allows readers to quickly grasp the candidate's qualifications and experience. Each section is well-defined and focused on showcasing relevant information, making it easy for hiring managers to find the key details that pertain to Harry Williams' expertise as a Performance Management Specialist.
- Progressive Career Growth - Harry Williams has demonstrated a clear career trajectory with progressive responsibility in performance management and human resources. Starting as a Human Resources Assistant and growing into a Performance Management Specialist at HSBC, his career path reflects continuous advancement and a deepening expertise in HR practices essential for strategic business outcomes.
- Utilization of Advanced HR Techniques - The CV highlights Harry's use of advanced HR tools and methodologies, particularly in performance management and incentive program design. His participation in courses like 'Advanced Performance Management Techniques' and 'Incentive System Design' underscores his commitment to employing industry-specific strategies to optimize human resource functions and improve business performance.
HR Assistant in Organisational Development
- Strategic Clarity and Structured Presentation - The CV is well-organized, featuring a clear structure that presents information concisely and logically. Key sections like experience, education, and skills are distinctly separated, making it easy for potential employers to digest the information quickly. The use of bullet points under each job role ensures the accomplishments and responsibilities stand out, providing a clearer understanding of the candidate's professional achievements and capabilities.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - William's career showcases a steady progression through increasingly responsible roles in the facilities and asset management sector. Starting as a Junior Projects Officer and advancing to a Facilities and Projects Manager, his career path reflects growth through experience and expertise in leading complex projects. This progression highlights his ability to adapt, grow, and take on increased leadership responsibilities effectively.
- Industry-Specific Achievements and Technical Depth - The CV emphasizes William's technical proficiency in implementing strategic changes and managing sophisticated facilities operations. His achievements, like increasing project efficiency by 30% and reducing operational costs by 15%, underscore the significant business impact of his work. These accomplishments are not just about numbers; they demonstrate his ability to leverage industry-specific tools and methodologies to drive substantial improvements and efficiencies in facilities management.
HR Assistant in Health and Safety
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is meticulously structured, presenting information clearly across distinct sections like Experience, Education, Skills, and Achievements. This approach ensures that each component is concise yet informative, allowing the reader to quickly grasp the applicant's qualifications and expertise.
- Progressive Career Growth - Leo's career trajectory displays a logical progression from HR Administrative Assistant to HR Assistant, reflecting steady growth and increasing responsibility over time. This demonstrates his capability to adapt and excel in varied roles within the HR domain while gaining valuable experience at reputable organizations such as AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline.
- Achievements with Business Impact - The CV stands out by highlighting achievements that emphasize not only numerical improvements but also their impact on business operations, like improving onboarding time, boosting employee engagement rates, and enhancing data accuracy. These accomplishments underline Leo's ability to drive value and efficiency in HR processes, contributing positively to the organizations he was part of.
HR Assistant in Data Analysis
- Clear and Structured Content Presentation - The CV excels in clarity and structure, with clearly defined sections such as experience, education, and achievements. Each section concisely outlines relevant information, making it easy for the reader to quickly understand the candidate's qualifications and experience. The use of bullet points under experience allows for quick absorption of key achievements and skills.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Louis Wood's career trajectory is marked by steady progression in the HR field, from an HR Assistant at PwC to an HR Consultant at EY. This demonstrates career growth and an increasing level of responsibility, highlighting a strong commitment to advancing in the HR industry. His move through major companies also suggests an ability to adapt and thrive in competitive environments.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV showcases achievements that go beyond mere metrics to underline their business relevance, such as the implementation of an employee recognition program that uplifted morale by 30%. These accomplishments not only demonstrate Louis’s impact on organizational culture and efficiency but also highlight strategic thinking and successful project execution.
HR Assistant in Labour Relations
- Strategic Clarity in Content Presentation - The CV presents information with clarity and conciseness, effectively utilizing bullet points to highlight key responsibilities and achievements. This structured approach ensures that the reader absorbs essential information quickly, showcasing the candidate’s ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and efficiently.
- Rich Career Trajectory with Progressive Responsibilities - Leo Brown’s career trajectory showcases significant growth and expertise in labour relations and HR management. With multiple promotions over the years, progressing from a Labour Relations Coordinator to an Employee and Labour Relations Specialist, the CV reflects a clear advancement path that highlights the candidate's increasing capabilities and leadership roles within the industry.
- Substantial Impact Through Industry-Specific Achievements - The CV emphasizes achievements with substantial impact, such as reducing workplace disputes by 25% and improving employee satisfaction scores by 20%. These accomplishments are not just quantified but contextualized in terms of their real-world business relevance, demonstrating Leo's significant contribution to organizational well-being and efficiency.
HR Assistant in Policy Development
- Concise presentation and structured layout - The CV is well-organized, featuring clear sections that allow easy navigation. Each part, from experience to skills, is concise and directly relevant to HR roles, ensuring clarity and efficiency for the reader.
- Steady career advancement in HR - Alfie Edwards shows a clear trajectory of growth, moving from HR Assistant to HR Officer within prestigious NHS Trusts. This progression highlights his growing responsibilities and expertise in the healthcare sector.
- Noteworthy achievements with business impact - The candidate's accomplishments are not just about numbers; they indicate significant business implications. For instance, the increase in employee satisfaction and reduction in conflict resolution time suggest improved workplace harmony and productivity.
HR Assistant in Compliance
- Structured and Clear Presentation - The CV is well-organized with clearly defined sections and bullet points, allowing for quick and easy reading. Key achievements and responsibilities are concisely outlined, ensuring clarity. Each section logically builds upon the previous one, effectively guiding the reader through Ruby Gibson's career path and competencies.
- Career Trajectory and Growth - Ruby’s career shows a logical progression from a Legal Office Administrator to a Compliance Specialist, indicating steady growth and increased responsibilities in the compliance and risk sector. Moving through reputable firms such as PwC, KPMG, and Deloitte, the CV showcases her successful journey and professional development over several years.
- Achievements with High Business Impact - The CV highlights significant achievements with concrete results, such as achieving a 20% reduction in processing time or zero compliance violations during audits. These achievements are not just numbers but emphasize the impact Ruby had in enhancing efficiency and compliance adherence, underlining her value to past employers and potential future ones.
HR Assistant in Diversity and Inclusion
- Structured Career Progression - Mia Ward's CV reflects a clear and structured career trajectory in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EDI). It showcases a logical progression from an Inclusion and Diversity Coordinator to the Head of Diversity and Inclusion, indicating her growth and commitment in the EDI domain. This structured narrative not only highlights her advancement but also her increasing responsibilities within her roles.
- Engagement and Impact-Focused - The CV is laden with achievements that emphasize significant improvements in workplace and educational settings. These include measurable enhancements like a 30% increase in underrepresented group representation and a 25% increase in employee engagement. These achievements underscore her capacity to bring about meaningful change and drive long-term, impactful results within organizations.
- Diverse Skill Set with Leadership Emphasis - The CV showcases a robust combination of strategic leadership and practical skills such as EDI Strategy Development and Stakeholder Management. Her leadership abilities are also reflected in her role in achieving a national EDI award and contributing to policy adherence improvements, which demonstrates her effectiveness in implementing change and leading transformative projects across different organizational levels.
HR Assistant in Strategic Planning
- Impressive Career Advancement - Isabelle Reed's career trajectory showcases a steady climb through various important roles within the HR and strategic initiatives domains. Starting from a role as an Organizational Development Consultant to becoming the Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives at the World Health Organization, her progression reflects both a deepening expertise and a commitment to leadership in complex environments.
- Focus on High-Impact Leadership - The CV emphasizes Isabelle’s strong focus on leadership development and employee satisfaction, showcased through her implementation of leadership training and staff engagement projects. These initiatives not only improved promotion readiness by 50% but also resulted in a significant increase in employee retention rates, emphasizing the depth of her influence on organizational culture and human capital advancement.
- Strategic and Global Health Alignment - Her efforts in linking global health strategies with organizational and talent management objectives underscore her adeptness in merging strategic planning with broader health initiatives. The development of a global health people strategy, which increased productivity by 20%, highlights how her background is not only aligned with industry standards but also focused on tackling far-reaching challenges in global health.
HR Assistant in Employee Engagement
- Clarity and Structure of Content Presentation - The CV is well-organized with clear section headings that allow for easy navigation. Each experience entry lists specific roles, dates, and accomplishments in bullet points, aiding the reader in quickly grasping key achievements. The use of quantifiable data within these bullets succinctly conveys impact.
- Career Trajectory and Industry Growth - Sophia has progressively advanced her career within the sports industry, transitioning from an HR Assistant at Leeds Rhinos to an Employee Engagement Manager at Leeds United. This upward trajectory signifies a clear growth in responsibility and the ability to adapt and excel in various HR roles, portraying her as a proactive professional.
- Significant Achievements with Business Impact - The CV highlights impressive accomplishments such as a 25% increase in employee satisfaction and a 15% reduction in turnover. These numbers illustrate not only operational competency but also the candidate's significant positive impact on the organizations she's been a part of, emphasizing her ability to drive business-critical changes.
HR Assistant in HR Information Systems
- Content presentation is clear and structured - The CV is well-organized, presenting each section systematically, which makes it easy to navigate and understand. The concise bullet points within the experience section provide clarity and showcase the candidate's contributions effectively.
- Demonstrates a strong career trajectory - The candidate shows clear career progression through roles from HR Administrator to Human Resources Specialist. This upward movement within the HR domain reflects a dedication to the field and the acquisition of substantial experience.
- Emphasizes impactful achievements - Notable accomplishments are supported by specific metrics, such as the reduction in employee turnover by 15% and a 30% reduction in onboarding time. These achievements not only reflect the candidate's capability but also their impact on business efficiency and employee satisfaction.
HR Assistant in Change Management
- Clear Structure and Concise Presentation - The CV presents Daisy Shaw’s professional background in a straightforward and organized manner. Each section is distinct, effectively conveying her expertise in HR policy development and employee engagement. The use of bullet points enhances clarity, allowing the reader to quickly grasp key responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Consistent Career Advancement - Daisy’s career trajectory illustrates steady growth within the HR field, moving from an HR Advisor to HR Policy Specialist. This progression reflects not only a deepening of expertise but also increased responsibility, showing her capacity to handle more complex initiatives and lead strategic projects.
- Integration of HR Technologies and Tools - The CV highlights Daisy's proficiency in using HR software and managing SharePoint, emphasizing technical skills that are crucial in today’s HR environments. Her ability to streamline processes and manage document integrity showcases her technical depth and continuous improvement mindset necessary for efficient HR operations.
How to ensure your profile stands out with your hr assistant CV format
It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your hr assistant CV to stand out amongst a pile of candidate profiles, yet you don't want it to be too over the top that it's unreadable. Where is the perfect balance between your CV format simple, while using it to shift the focus to what matters most. That is - your expertise. When creating your hr assistant CV:
- list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
- include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
- organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
- use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
- format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins, with colours to accent key information.
Once you've completed your information, export your hr assistant CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS. A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:
- Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
- All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
- Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS;
- Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.
PRO TIP
For certain fields, consider including infographics or visual elements to represent skills or achievements, but ensure they are simple, professional, and enhance rather than clutter the information.
The top sections on a hr assistant CV
- Personal Statement highlights passion for HR: It provides a snapshot of your goals and HR interest.
- HR-Relevant Work Experience details progression: Shows your journey and expertise within the HR field.
- Key HR Skills and Competencies showcase ability: Demonstrates specific HR skills pertinent to the role.
- Educational Background with HR emphasis: Indicates your foundational knowledge and specialised HR training.
- HR Certifications and Memberships add credibility: Reflects commitment to ongoing professional HR development.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your understanding of HR systems and databases by mentioning your proficiency in specific HRM software such as Sage HRMS, BambooHR, or Workday, to demonstrate your technical competence relevant to an HR Assistant role.
- Emphasise your communication skills, showcasing experiences where you've successfully mediated workplace disputes or facilitated internal communication, as these are crucial for employee relations and HR tasks.
- Include any experience with recruitment processes, such as scheduling interviews or posting job ads, as these are key responsibilities for HR Assistants and demonstrate your capability in managing the end-to-end hiring process.
- Showcase your organisational skills through examples where you've managed employee records, coordinated training sessions, or handled sensitive documents, proving your ability to maintain meticulous HR administration.
- Detail any relevant qualifications, such as CIPD certification or HR-specific training modules, to affirm your dedication and specialised knowledge in Human Resources practices.
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Tips and tricks on writing a job-winning hr assistant CV header
The CV header is the space which most recruiters would be referring most often to, in the beginning and end of your application. That is as the CV header includes your contact details, but also a headline and a professional photo. When writing your CV header:
- Double-check your contact details for spelling errors or if you've missed any digits. Also, ensure you've provided your personal details, and not your current work email or telephone number;
- Include your location in the form of the city and country you live in. If you want to be more detailed, you can list your full address to show proximity to your potential work place;
- Don't include your CV photo, if you're applying for roles in the UK or US, as this may bias initial recruiters' assessments;
- Write a professional headline that either integrates the job title, some relevant industry keywords, or your most noteworthy achievement.
In the next part of our guide, we'll provide you with professional CVs that showcase some of the best practices when it comes to writing your headline.
Examples of good CV headlines for hr assistant:
- HR Assistant | CIPD Level 3 Qualified | Payroll & Recruitment Expertise | 2 Years of Experience
- Senior HR Assistant | Employee Relations & Compliance Specialist | 5+ Years in HR Management
- Junior HR Assistant | Talent Acquisition & Onboarding Focus | Recent Human Resources Graduate
- HR Administrative Assistant | Data-Driven Performance Analysis | HRIS Proficient | 3 Years in HR
- HR Assistant | Reward & Benefits Coordinator | Employment Law Enthusiast | CIPD Associate
- HR Support Assistant | Diversity & Inclusion Advocate | Training & Development Experience | 4 Years in HR
What's the difference between a hr assistant CV summary and objective
Why should it matter to you?
- Your hr assistant CV summary is a showcasing your career ambitions and your unique value. Use the objective to answer why your potential employers should hire you based on goals and ambitions. The objective is the ideal choice for candidates who happen to have less professional experience, but still meet some of the job requirements.
Before you select which one will be more relevant to your experience, have a look at some industry-leading CV summaries and objectives.
CV summaries for a hr assistant job:
CV objectives for a hr assistant job:
- Eager to bring my strong interpersonal skills and proficiency in HR software to Smith & Co as an HR Assistant, aiming to support the HR team in optimizing employee engagement and streamlining recruitment processes in a dynamic environment.
- Seeking an HR Assistant role at a forward-thinking environmental nonprofit, utilizing my background in psychology and talent for organization to enhance team performance and contribute to effective talent management practices.
- Aiming to apply my bilingual skills and solid understanding of labor laws at Global Tech Industries, striving to facilitate a well-organized HR department that upholds a productive and multicultural workforce.
- Looking to leverage my experience in HR administration and adept use of payroll systems to become an integral part of the HR team at HealthCare Corp, focusing on employee satisfaction and accurate data management in a fast-paced setting.
- Determined to use my passion for people development and knowledge of competency frameworks in the function of an HR Assistant with Jasper International, helping to cultivate a skilled and motivated workforce that aligns with strategic business objectives.
- Aspiring to join the HR department of Blue Ocean Real Estate, bringing my sharp attention to detail, advanced proficiency in HRIS, and commitment to maintaining a productive work environment, while supporting various HR initiatives and personnel tasks.
Swapping your professional experience (when you have none) with skills and more
Never underestimate the importance of relevancе when it comes to your hr assistant CV. Even if you don't happen to have much or any standard (full-time contract) professional experience, this doesn't mean you shouldn't apply for the role. Instead of a bespoke CV experience section:
- Showcase more prominently any internships, part-time roles, and volunteer experience that are applicable to the role and have taught you job-crucial skills;
- Feature a strengths or achievements section with your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your work or life experience;
- Write an objective statement that clearly outlines your values as a candidate and defines your career ambitions;
- List your education or certificates that match the job profile closer to the top of your CV.
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PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your hr assistant CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your hr assistant CV:
Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)
Recruitment & Onboarding
Employee Relations
Payroll Processing
Benefits Administration
Employment Law
Performance Management
Scheduling
Training & Development
Data Entry & Reporting
Communication
Interpersonal Abilities
Problem-Solving
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Discretion and Ethics
Teamwork
Adaptability
Time Management
Empathy
PRO TIP
If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
Your university degree and certificates: an integral part of your hr assistant CV
Let's take you back to your uni days and decide what information will be relevant for your hr assistant CV. Once more, when discussing your higher education, select only information that is pertinent to the job (e.g. degrees and projects in the same industry, etc.). Ultimately, you should:
- List only your higher education degrees, alongside start and graduation dates, and the university name;
- Include that you obtained a first degree for diplomas that are relevant to the role, and you believe will impress recruiters;
- Showcase relevant coursework, projects, or publications, if you happen to have less experience or will need to fill in gaps in your professional history.
PRO TIP
If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
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Key takeaways
Write your professional hr assistant CV by studying and understanding what the role expectations are. You should next:
- Focus on tailoring your content to answer specific requirements by integrating advert keywords through various CV sections;
- Balance your technical know-how with your personal skills to showcase what the unique value would be of working with you;
- Ensure your CV grammar and spelling (especially of your key information and contact details) is correct;
- Write a CV summary, if your experience is relevant, and an objective, if your career ambitions are more impressive;
- Use active language by including strong, action verbs across your experience, summary/objective, achievements sections.