HR Coordinator Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

What Does an HR Coordinator Do?

A human resources (HR) coordinator is an administrative position that is mainly responsible for assisting other human resources coworkers with recruiting, employee record-keeping, and payroll processing. Some of their administrative duties include scheduling interviews, producing reports on HR activity, and planning workplace preparation sessions. HR coordinators need to have excellent organizational, people and time management skills to be successful in this position.

This role allows HR coordinators to apply their knowledge to the workplace by using principles commonly used in HR settings. They must demonstrate good problem-solving and decision-making skills with a strong understanding of employee relationships. In this role, HR coordinators will have opportunities to grow in the workplace and take on higher positions such as HR director and HR manager.

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National Average Salary

HR coordinator salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.

The average national salary for a HR Coordinator is:

$54,840

HR Coordinator Job Descriptions

When it comes to recruiting a HR coordinator, having the right job description can make a big difference. Here are some real world job descriptions you can use as templates for your next opening.

Candidate Certifications to Look For

  • Professional in Human Resources (PHR). The HR Certification Institute offers this certification for HR professionals and proves a candidate’s in-depth knowledge of the technical and operational aspects of HR management, laws, and regulations. The exam covers employee and labor relations, business management, talent planning and acquisition, total rewards, and learning and development. To be eligible for the PHR candidates must meet one of several conditions for education and/or experience. The PHR certification is valid for three years. To maintain their PHR credential, they are required to earn 60 recertification credits over 3 years or retake the exam. 
  • Certified Professional – Human Resource (IPMA-CP). The International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) offers the IPMA-CP for entry or mid-level HR professionals looking to gain expertise, build their knowledge, and set themselves apart in the workplace. Candidates must complete the Public Sector HR Essentials course and pass the IPMA-CP exam to become certified. To retain certification, they must recertify every three years.

How to Hire an HR Coordinator

Consider the following when hiring an HR coordinator:

  • Recruiting: Do you have the internal resources and tools to source and recruit for this role successfully?
  • Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid, or even junior-level skills suffice?
  • Duration: Is this a one-time project, or an indefinite need?
  • Management: Can you effectively direct the work effort?
  • Urgency: Are there any deadlines associated with this need?
  • Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?

Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, various great options exist for every scenario, no matter how unique. When hiring an HR coordinator, we recommend the following options:

1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)

The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.

This is the best route to take when:

  • You need to fill the position quickly
  • You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
  • Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
  • You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff. 
  • You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets
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2. Advertise your opening on a top job board

Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice. 

We recommend using a job board when:

  • Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
  • You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort 
  • You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
  • You are prepared to respond to all applicants

We recommend CareerBuilder when hiring a HR coordinator:

CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.

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3. Leverage your internal resources

You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates. 

A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.

We recommend these options when:

  • Your brand has great name recognition
  • You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
  • You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
  • You have an effective employee referral program in place

If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.

Sample Interview Questions

  • What interests you about human resources?
  • How do you handle confidential information?
  • How have you used creativity in an HR position?
  • Which area of HR do you enjoy working in the most?
  • How would you go about recruiting the right person for a position?
  • How would you organize a team-building event for a diverse group of people?
  • How would you resolve a dispute on your team?
  • What are the most common mistakes HR administrators make, and how would you avoid them?
  • What do you think is the best way to stay up to date on HR regulations?
  • What was the most difficult decision you made relating to a coworker?
  • How would you handle any ethical concerns you had for a policy or decision?
  • What HR software are you familiar with?

Need Help Hiring a HR Coordinator?

We match top professionals with great employers across the country. From filling urgent job openings to developing long-term hiring strategies, our team is here to help. Review our staffing solutions, browse our award-winning Staffing Corner blog, or call today. We look forward to connecting with you soon.