Human Resources Intern Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern corporate world, the focus on Human Resources interns has never been more significant.

As organizations grow and diversify, the demand for proficient individuals who can support, streamline, and enrich our human capital management escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Human Resources intern?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal intern,
• Or simply intrigued by the operations of human resources,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Human Resources intern job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Human Resources Intern Duties and Responsibilities

Human Resources Interns assist the human resources department in carrying out various HR functions and responsibilities, including recruitment, onboarding, employee data management, and training.

As part of a learning experience, they get an opportunity to acquire hands-on knowledge of human resources procedures and practices.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assisting with the recruitment process by identifying candidates, performing reference checks and issuing employment contracts
• Maintaining employee records (attendance, personal details, performance evaluation etc.) according to policy and legal requirements
• Supporting the onboarding process for new hires
• Helping in organizing and coordinating learning and development initiatives and programs
• Participating in developing organizational guidelines and procedures
• Assisting with performance management procedures
• Supporting the management in decision-making processes by preparing employee and workforce analytics reports
• Handling employee requests and potential issues, answering employee questions and addressing employee concerns

 

Human Resources Intern Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Human Resources Intern.

You will assist our HR department in important recruiting, onboarding, and employee satisfaction initiatives.

The Human Resources Intern will be responsible for learning our systems and working with the team to streamline our HR functions and operations.

The ideal candidate is a current student or recent graduate with a major in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist with the recruitment process by identifying candidates, conducting reference checks and issuing employment contracts
• Update company databases by inputting new employee contact information and employment details
• Assist in preparing reports relating to personnel activities (staffing, recruitment, training, grievances, performance evaluations etc.)
• Coordinate HR projects, meetings, and training seminars
• Collaborate with the HR team to post job ads on careers pages and process incoming resumes
• Provide orientation materials and onboarding assistance to new hires
• Maintain employee benefits programs and inform employees about their benefits
• Respond to internal and external HR related inquiries or requests and provide assistance

 

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a related Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
• Basic knowledge of labor laws
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
• Aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making
• Proficient in MS Office
• Ability to handle data with confidentiality

 

Benefits

• Internship stipend
• Potential for job offer after internship
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Networking opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Human Resources Intern
• Work Environment: Professional office environment. Some remote work may be possible.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Human Resources Manager.
• Pay: This is an unpaid internship, but a stipend may be available.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Internship
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Human Resources Intern Do?

Human Resources Interns are typically students or recent graduates who work under the supervision of the Human Resources Manager or Director in a company.

They assist in the day-to-day operations of the HR department and gain practical experience in the field of human resources.

Their primary tasks often include assisting in the recruitment process by posting job advertisements, screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and facilitating communication with potential candidates.

They also help in conducting background checks and verifying the qualifications and references of prospective employees.

They are often tasked with maintaining employee files and databases to ensure all employee data, such as contact information and employment records, are up-to-date.

They may also help in organizing and coordinating employee engagement activities or events.

Human Resources Interns may assist in administrative tasks such as preparing HR-related reports and presentations, processing employee requests, and answering inquiries about company policies and procedures.

Additionally, they may get exposure to areas such as benefits administration, payroll processing, and employee relations, thereby providing them a comprehensive understanding of the HR function.

They are generally expected to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Their role is crucial in supporting the HR team to ensure that the organization’s human resources needs are met efficiently and effectively.

 

Human Resources Intern Qualifications and Skills

A Human Resources Intern should have the skills and qualifications that would prepare them for a future career in Human Resources, including:

• Basic understanding of HR laws and regulations to guide their assistance in HR responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with employees at all levels of the organization and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent communication skills to assist in the distribution of company-wide announcements, resolving inquiries, and facilitating various HR processes.
• Organizational skills to help maintain employee records, schedule meetings, and manage multiple tasks at once.
• Attention to detail to help in tasks such as data entry, preparing reports, and auditing HR files.
• Problem-solving skills to assist in resolving employee concerns and inquiries.
• Proficiency in using HR software and digital platforms to update databases, prepare presentations, and track progress of various HR projects.
• Learning agility to quickly grasp new concepts and procedures in HR management and adapt to changes.
• Initiative and self-motivation, as the internship may involve working on independent projects or tasks.

 

Human Resources Intern Experience Requirements

Human Resources Interns are usually in the early stages of their careers or are still pursuing their academic degrees, particularly in fields such as human resources, business administration, psychology, or any related discipline.

Therefore, specific years of experience may not be a rigid requirement for this role.

However, any experience in an office environment or working within a team could be beneficial.

Internships or part-time jobs in the HR department or any administrative roles can provide an excellent platform to gain relevant experience.

This could involve tasks like managing employee data, assisting with recruitment processes, or helping with employee relations.

Moreover, participation in college or university clubs, particularly those related to business, leadership or human resources, can also provide valuable experience.

It can help develop soft skills such as communication, team collaboration, and problem-solving, which are crucial in the HR field.

Candidates with volunteer experience in organizing events or community service can also demonstrate their ability to manage logistics and people, which are key aspects of HR roles.

Finally, training or certification courses in HR management or related fields can be a valuable addition to the candidate’s profile and can provide practical knowledge, which can be applied during the internship.

 

Human Resources Intern Education and Training Requirements

Human Resources Interns are often undergraduate or graduate students studying human resources, business administration, psychology, or a related field.

They must possess a basic understanding of the principles of human resources management, including recruitment, hiring, employee relations, and labor laws.

Some internships may require the candidate to have completed specific coursework related to human resources, such as organizational behavior, labor relations, and employment law.

Interns should also have strong interpersonal and communication skills, as they will be interacting with employees and potential hires on a regular basis.

They should also have good organizational and multitasking skills to efficiently handle various HR tasks.

Knowledge of HR software systems, such as applicant tracking systems and human resources information systems, can also be beneficial.

Some organizations may prefer candidates who are pursuing certification from a recognized body like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), although this is not always a requirement for an intern role.

The internship itself is a form of training, providing real-world experience and practical application of human resources theories and principles.

It also provides an opportunity for the intern to learn from experienced HR professionals and gain insights into the daily operations of an HR department.

 

Human Resources Intern Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Human Resources Intern is $15.05 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly depending on the region, the size and type of the company, and the intern’s level of education and prior experience.

 

Human Resources Intern Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Human Resources Intern need?

An HR Intern should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills as they will be dealing with a diverse range of people within the organization.

Organizational skills are also important, as they may be involved in scheduling interviews, meetings, and training sessions.

They should be able to maintain confidentiality as they might come across sensitive employee information.

Basic knowledge of labor laws and HR best practices can be beneficial as well.

 

Do Human Resources Interns need a degree?

While a degree is not always necessary for an intern position, most companies prefer candidates who are currently pursuing or have completed a degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

This provides assurance that the intern has a basic understanding of the principles of human resources.

 

What should you look for in a Human Resources Intern’s resume?

You should look for previous internships or work experience that shows the candidate’s understanding of human resources practices and principles.

Any projects or coursework related to HR can also be beneficial.

In addition, look for skills such as communication, organization, problem-solving, and a basic understanding of employment law and HR best practices.

 

What qualities make a good Human Resources Intern?

A good Human Resources Intern is proactive and eager to learn about the many aspects of HR.

They should be able to work well in a team and have strong communication skills to liaise effectively with employees and management.

Confidentiality is another important quality, as HR Interns often deal with sensitive information.

They should also be organized and able to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Human Resources Intern?

Hiring a Human Resources Intern may not be as difficult as hiring for more senior positions, but it can still pose challenges.

Companies often look for candidates who show potential to grow and progress within the organization.

Therefore, finding an intern with the right blend of education, skills, and potential can take time and effort.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true nature of being a Human Resources intern.

And guess what?

It’s not just about managing personnel records.

It’s about shaping the backbone of an organization, one employee at a time.

With our ready-to-use Human Resources intern job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next move towards creating precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every employee is a valuable asset to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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