Top HR skills to look for in candidates

1. Communication skills

Included in 46.67% of HR job postings

HR professionals must communicate effectively in various situations, including resolving employee issues and delivering training sessions. Strong communication builds trust, facilitates collaboration and enhances the overall employee experience.

Employers should consider including phrases like “exceptional verbal and written communication skills” or “demonstrated ability to tailor communication style to diverse audiences” in HR job descriptions.

When assessing communication skills, request writing samples, conduct behavioral interviews and incorporate role-playing scenarios to evaluate under-pressure communication competencies.

2. Human resources

Included in 36.35% of HR job postings

A deep understanding of HR principles and practices is vital for success across all HR positions. It enables HR professionals to address employee concerns, manage compliance and strategically contribute to the organization’s goals.

Employers seeking experienced candidates should include terms like “strong knowledge of HR principles” or “familiarity with employment law” in job descriptions.

To assess candidates’ HR skills, carefully review resumes for relevant experience and job titles. You might also consider using a brief knowledge-based quiz or presenting hypothetical HR situations to candidates and asking them how they would respond. This can also help ensure their approach aligns with your company culture.

3. Microsoft Office

Included in 29.39% of HR job postings

Familiarity with Microsoft Office is essential for HR professionals to perform various tasks, such as drafting policies, analyzing employee data and creating presentations for training and onboarding.

Employers should include phrases like “proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite” or specific examples such as “used Excel for benefits tracking” in job descriptions to attract qualified HR candidates.

Evaluate HR candidates’ proficiency with Microsoft Office by reviewing their resumes for relevant experience and incorporating scenario-based interview questions. You may also consider administering a skills test.

4. Microsoft Excel

Included in 25.32% of HR job postings

Microsoft Excel is a core tool for HR analytics, workforce planning and compensation analysis. Employers should use phrases such as “expertise in Excel for HR reporting” or “ability to use Excel for salary benchmarking” to find the specific HR applications they’re seeking.

Request examples or provide sample HR data and ask them to perform relevant analysis or create visualizations like graphs and tables.

5. Management

Included in 20.00% of HR job postings

Effective human resources management requires strong leadership skills to guide teams, implement HR strategies and mentor employees. Employers can emphasize management skills relevant to HR roles by including phrases such as “experience managing HR staff” or “ability to provide performance feedback and development guidance” in job descriptions.

Assess a candidate’s HR leadership experience using behavioral questions that highlight how they motivate teams, resolve conflicts and foster employee development. Situational questions can reveal their approach to managing HR-specific challenges. 

6. Microsoft Word

Included in 15.75% of HR job postings

Proficiency in Microsoft Word is necessary for HR professionals to draft clear and concise HR documents such as job descriptions, employee handbooks, performance reviews and company policies.

Employers looking for candidates with strong Word skills might use phrases like “ability to create and format HR documents” or “experience drafting employee communications in Word.”

Review a candidate’s resume for experience in drafting HR-related documents. After the first interview, provide a sample policy draft or employee communication and ask the candidate to review it for clarity, organization and formatting.    

7. Recruiting

Included in 15.36% of HR job postings

Recruiting is a core function of many HR roles. HR workers skilled in recruiting can effectively source candidates, conduct interviews and manage the onboarding process.

Employers emphasizing recruiting experience may include phrases like “proven success in full-cycle recruiting” or “expertise in sourcing and attracting top HR talent” in job descriptions. 

Use in-depth interview questions focusing on their sourcing strategies, candidate assessment techniques and success metrics in previous roles. Scenario-based questions can help gauge their overall recruiting approach.

8. Microsoft Powerpoint

Included in 13.65% of HR job postings

HR workers often use PowerPoint to create engaging training materials, deliver presentations on company policies or share HR data and insights.

Employers can include phrases like “proficient in creating visually appealing HR presentations” or “experience developing training materials in PowerPoint” to target candidates with these specific skills.

During the interview, inquire about a candidate’s experience creating HR-related presentations. If the role requires frequent presentations, consider asking them to deliver a brief presentation on a relevant HR topic as part of the assessment.   

9. Customer service

Included in 12.29% of HR job postings

While not the primary focus of most HR roles, excellent customer service skills enhance the way HR professionals interact with internal stakeholders. HR managers and team members need strong customer service skills to provide timely support and address concerns effectively.

Employers might include phrases like “strong customer service focus” or “ability to provide exceptional support to employees” in job descriptions.

During the interview, use behavioral questions to explore their soft skills and incorporate role-playing scenarios focused on HR-related customer service situations. 

10. Organizational skills

Included in 12.01% of HR job postings

HR professionals must manage various tasks while meeting multiple deadlines and handling confidential information. Strong organizational skills are essential for maintaining accurate records, managing HR projects efficiently and prioritizing tasks effectively.

Employers should include phrases such as “highly organized with attention to detail” or “ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in an HR setting” in job descriptions to target candidates with these skills. 

Review a candidate’s resume for experience successfully managing multiple responsibilities. Behavioral interview questions can also indicate their organizational systems and strategies for handling a complex workload.

11. Analysis skills

Included in 11.98% of HR job postings

The ability to analyze data is crucial for HR professionals to make informed decisions about workforce planning, compensation and HR strategies. HR-focused analysis skills often involve interpreting employee data, identifying trends and drawing meaningful insights to support recommendations. 

Employers can include phrases such as “strong analytical skills for HR data” or “expertise in HR analytics” in job descriptions to target candidates with these skills.

During interviews, ask analytical interview questions within an HR context or present case studies for candidates to analyze and present their findings.

12. Time management

Included in 10.83% of HR job postings

Strong time management skills empower HR professionals to effectively prioritize tasks, manage workloads and complete projects in a timely manner.

Employers seeking candidates with excellent time management skills might include phrases like “proven ability to prioritize and meet deadlines” or “thrive in a fast-paced HR environment” in job descriptions. 

Incorporate behavioral questions in the interview to assess a candidate’s time management skills. Ask them to provide examples of how they’ve managed multiple projects simultaneously in previous HR roles or other relevant experiences.

13. HRIS

Included in 10.68% of HR job postings

Human resources information systems (HRIS) serve as repositories for employee data and tools for managing HR processes. HR professionals skilled in using an HRIS can streamline tasks, automate processes and pull essential data.

Employers targeting candidates with HRIS experience can use phrases such as “proficiency in HRIS” or “experience working with HRIS systems” in job descriptions.  

Inquire about a candidate’s experience with specific HRIS systems during the interview. Scenario-based questions can help assess their understanding of using an HRIS for tasks such as running reports, updating employee information and using analytics features.

14. Computer skills

Included in 9.98% of HR job postings

General computer skills are foundational for HR team members, enabling them to use various software and technology to complete HR tasks. This includes email, spreadsheets, word processing, HR-specific software and online research tools.   

Employers should specify their required technology in job descriptions, including phrases such as “proficiency in [specific software]” or “comfortable navigating online HR resources.”

Review a candidate’s resume for relevant technical skills and ask interview questions that gauge their familiarity with common HR software or ask them to perform basic tasks within specific programs.

15. English

Included in 9.23% of HR job postings

Effective communication helps HR workers draft clear policies, communicate with employees and represent the company effectively.

Employers may use phrases such as “excellent written and verbal communication skills in English” or “proficiency in drafting HR communications in English” in job descriptions.  

Throughout the interview process, pay close attention to the candidate’s verbal communication skills. You may also request a writing sample to further assess their English communication skills.

16. Leadership

Included in 7.48% of HR job postings

HR management skills are valuable for HR professionals at various levels. Even without direct management responsibilities, strong leadership is essential for influencing stakeholders, driving change initiatives and taking ownership of HR projects.

Employers can include phrases like “demonstrated leadership skills” or “led a team and achieved [insert HR achievement]” when searching for these skills.  

Use thoughtful interview questions to explore a candidate’s leadership style and experience. Discuss how they lead projects, influence others and handle challenging situations that require leadership within an HR setting.    

17. Microsoft Outlook

Included in 7.38% of HR job postings

Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook empowers HR team members to manage calendars, communicate effectively with employees and stakeholders, schedule meetings and organize workloads.

Employers might include phrases like “proficient in Microsoft Outlook” or “experience using Outlook for HR management” in job descriptions.  

Check a candidate’s resume for experience with Microsoft Outlook and use basic interview questions to gauge their familiarity with its core functions. You might also ask how they previously used Outlook to organize their calendar and HR-related communications.  

18. Spanish

Included in 6.93% of HR job postings

Fluency in Spanish is a valuable asset for HR professionals serving a diverse workforce or managing Spanish-speaking employees. It enables them to communicate effectively with other employees, translate documents and ensure equitable access to resources. 

Employers looking for Spanish-speaking skills can use phrases such as “fluent in written and spoken Spanish” or “bilingual in English and Spanish” in job descriptions. 

During interviews, incorporate Spanish-based questions or role-playing scenarios to directly assess communication fluency.  

19. Bilingual

Included in 6.75% of HR job postings

Bilingual skills enhance HR workers’ ability to assist a diverse team. Communicating effectively in multiple languages helps HR teams support employees, create inclusive HR materials and foster a welcoming work environment.

Employers can include phrases like “bilingual in [language]” or “multilingual HR communication skills” to attract candidates with these valuable abilities.

Review resumes and discuss the specific languages candidates speak. During interviews, test candidates’ proficiency in their additional languages, including conversational fluency.

20. Writing skills

Included in 6.03% of HR job postings

HR professionals rely on strong writing skills for various tasks, from drafting emails to creating comprehensive policies or reports. Well-written HR documents ensure clarity, reduce misunderstandings and maintain your company’s reputation.

Source writing skills by including phrases such as “excellent written communication skills” or “proven ability to write clear and effective HR policies” in job descriptions. 

Request writing samples, paying close attention to structure, grammar and clarity. Consider a short writing test focused on a common HR communication task, such as drafting an employee announcement.

21. Project management

Included in 5.94% of HR job postings

HR employees typically manage complex projects such as implementing new HR systems, onboarding programs and company-wide training initiatives. Strong project management skills enable them to define project scope, manage timelines and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Employers can find candidates with these skills by including phrases like “HR project management experience” or “proven ability to initiate and manage HR initiatives” in job descriptions.

When interviewing a candidate, ask them to describe their experience in HR-related project management. Inquire about the challenges they faced, the tools they have used and the outcomes they achieved.

22. Payroll

Included in 5.64% of HR job postings

In some companies, HR professionals are directly involved in payroll processes. They need to understand payroll calculations, tax regulations and payroll software.

Employers seeking HR candidates with payroll skills may use phrases such as “experience in payroll processing” or “knowledge of payroll best practices and compliance” in job descriptions. 

Use scenario-based interview questions to gauge candidates’ understanding of payroll calculations and procedures. You may also inquire about their proficiency with specific payroll software.

23. Supervising experience

Included in 5.59% of HR job postings

Supervisory experience is especially valuable for HR workers in leadership roles. It helps them train new team members, provide guidance and feedback and manage performance.

Employers may use phrases such as “experience supervising HR staff” or “able to mentor and develop employees” to highlight these skills in job descriptions. 

In interviews, ask behavioral questions about candidates’ HRM skills. Be sure to explore their approach to providing feedback, managing performance and resolving conflicts within a team.

24. Employment & labor law

Included in 5.51% of HR job postings

HR professionals must have a strong foundation in employment and labor law to ensure compliance, manage employee relations and mitigate legal risks.

Employers can use phrases such as “comprehensive knowledge of employment law” or “familiarity with federal and state labor regulations” in job descriptions.

During interviews, use scenario-based questions or a brief knowledge-based quiz to assess candidates’ understanding of employment law concepts. Ensure they’re familiar with state regulations that apply to your organization.

25. ATS

Included in 5.47% of HR job postings

Proficiency in using an applicant tracking system (ATS) is vital for HR employees involved in the recruitment process. Knowing how to optimize resumes, job descriptions and the overall application experience for ATS compatibility helps companies source the right candidates.

Employers can include phrases like “familiarity with applicant tracking systems” or “experience optimizing job postings for ATS” in job descriptions to target candidates with these skills.

Inquire about candidates’ experience with specific ATS platforms during interviews, asking how they’ve approached keyword optimization for resumes and job postings within these systems.

Other top HR skills in-demand

Here are an additional 25 skills for human resources that are common in HR job postings on Indeed:

26. Employee relations: Included in 5.06% of HR job postings

27. Workday: Included in 4.83% of HR job postings

28. Benefits administration: Included in 4.64% of HR job postings

29. HR sourcing: Included in 4.12% of HR job postings

30. Manufacturing: Included in 4.12% of HR job postings

31. Negotiation: Included in 4.09% of HR job postings

32. Succession planning: Included in 3.84% of HR job postings

33. Administrative experience: Included in 3.72% of HR job postings

34. Conflict management: Included in 3.54% of HR job postings

35. ADP: Included in 2.84% of HR job postings

36. Computer literacy: Included in 2.50% of HR job postings

37. Interviewing: Included in 2.44% of HR job postings

38. OSHA: Included in 2.42% of HR job postings

39. Social media management: Included in 2.38% of HR job postings

40. Talent acquisition: Included in 2.33% of HR job postings

41. Marketing: Included in 2.24% of HR job postings

42. Human resources management: Included in 2.17% of HR job postings

43. Sales: Included in 1.67% of HR job postings

44. Research: Included in 1.54% of HR job postings

45. Word processing: Included in 1.51% of HR job postings

46. Office experience: Included in 1.43% of HR job postings

47. SharePoint: Included in 1.43% of HR job postings

48. Oracle: Included in 1.41% of HR job postings

49. Employee evaluation: Included in 1.41% of HR job postings

50. Windows: Included in 1.39% of HR job postings

¹Indeed data (US), January 2023 – Dec 2023