Highlight your experience with HR software and tools

Hiring managers want to see that you have experience with the HR software and tools they use. Some examples:

• Managed employee data and records using Workday for 500+ employees
• Created and administered employee surveys using SurveyMonkey, with an average response rate of 85%
• Analyzed employee data using Excel pivot tables and VLOOKUP to identify trends and insights

Avoid simply listing the names of software or tools without context, like this:

• Workday
• SurveyMonkey
• Microsoft Excel

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   Quantify your impact and results

Use numbers and metrics to show the impact of your work. This helps hiring managers understand the scope and significance of your experience. For example:

• Reduced time-to-hire by 25% by implementing a new applicant tracking system
• Improved employee retention rate from 60% to 85% through new onboarding and training programs
• Managed benefits enrollment for 1,200 employees across 5 states

Avoid using vague descriptions without any quantification, like:

• Improved hiring process
• Responsible for benefits administration
• Handled employee onboarding

   Show your experience with different HR functions

HR Specialists often wear many hats and are responsible for various functions like recruiting, onboarding, benefits, employee relations, and more. Highlight your experience across different areas, for example:

• Recruited and hired 50+ employees for engineering, sales and marketing roles
• Managed leave of absence and workers compensation programs for 600+ employees
• Led employee engagement initiatives resulting in 30% improvement in employee satisfaction scores
• Partnered with legal team to update and maintain employee handbook and policies

   Tailor your resume to the job description

Read the job description carefully and make sure your resume highlights the skills and experience that the employer is looking for. For example, if the job description mentions experience with a specific HRIS like Workday, make sure to call that out on your resume.

Here's an example of a tailored bullet point:

• Administered Workday HRIS for employee data management, benefits enrollment, and performance reviews for 750+ global employees

Avoid using the same generic bullet points for every job application, like:

• Entered data into HRIS system
• Assisted with benefits enrollment
• Participated in performance review process

   Include relevant HR certifications and training

HR certifications like SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, and SPHR show your expertise and commitment to the field. Include them on your resume, especially if they are listed as a requirement or preference in the job description.

Here's an example of how to list certifications:

Certifications

SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional), 2019
PHR (Professional in Human Resources), HR Certification Institute, 2016

Also include any relevant HR training or coursework you have completed.

Avoid simply listing the certification acronyms without context, like:

• SHRM-CP
• PHR

   Highlight your soft skills

In addition to technical HR skills, soft skills are critical for success as an HR Specialist. Highlight skills like communication, problem-solving, empathy, and attention to detail. For example:

• Resolved 100+ complex employee relations issues with empathy, discretion and professionalism
• Collaborated cross-functionally with finance, legal and IT teams to implement a new HRIS with minimal disruption
• Presented HR metrics and insights to executive leadership team to inform strategic decision-making

Avoid simply listing soft skills without any context or examples, like:

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Collaboration