HR Specialist CV Example
An HR specialist CV is built on clearly showing which HR processes you specialise in (recruitment, employee records, payroll, performance) and the contribution you made. Employment-law knowledge and HR software stand out. Keep it one page, ATS-friendly and free of photos or personal details.
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Sophie Turner
HR Specialist (Recruitment & People Ops)
London, UK
Summary
5 years of human resources experience. Managed recruitment, employee records and performance processes; ran projects that shortened time-to-hire and boosted employee engagement. Confident with employment law and HR software.
Experience
HR Specialist · Technology Company
Apr 2021 – Present- ›Managed recruitment for 80+ roles a year, reducing average time-to-hire from 35 to 24 days.
- ›Redesigned the performance appraisal system.
- ›Cut attrition by 12% through improvements following an employee engagement survey.
HR Assistant · Manufacturing Firm
Sep 2019 – Mar 2021- ›Ran employee records, HMRC/PAYE processes and payroll preparation.
- ›Standardised the onboarding programme.
Skills
Education
BA Business Management · University of Bristol (2015 – 2019)
What to Highlight in a HR Specialist CV
- ✓State clearly which HR processes you specialise in (recruitment, payroll, performance).
- ✓Show your contribution in numbers: "cut time-to-hire from 35 to 24 days".
- ✓List your HR software (Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Bamboo HR) and employment-law knowledge.
- ✓State the volume of roles you handled in recruitment.
Technical Skills
- •Recruitment & interviewing
- •Employee records & payroll
- •Performance management
- •Employment law & PAYE
- •HR software
- •Reporting
Soft Skills
- •Communication
- •Confidentiality
- •Empathy
- •Organisation
Common Mistakes
- ✕Leaving vague which area of HR you specialise in.
- ✕Not showing process ownership and the result.
- ✕Leaving out your employment-law/software knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is most sought after on an HR CV?
Your area of expertise (recruitment/payroll/performance), your employment-law knowledge and your HR software experience. Show these clearly.
I am a recent graduate — how do I break into HR?
Highlight internships, HR projects, employment-law modules and organisational experience; an HR/recruitment assistant role is a good start. A CIPD qualification also helps.
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