HR Assistant
London Academy for Applied Technology (LAAT) is a dynamic and rapidly growing higher education institution delivering undergraduate programmes in Business, in partnership with Plymouth Marjon University. LAAT is committed to widening participation and delivering an outstanding student experience underpinned by high-quality teaching and robust governance.
Department: Human Resource and Operations
Reports to: Human Resource Manager
Location: London Academy for Applied Technology, Tower Hill
Contract Type: Full-Time
Job Purpose
This is a new and exciting position designed to support the continued growth and success of LAAT. The HR Assistant will provide administrative and coordination support across HR functions, primarily supporting the HR Manager in ensuring accurate maintenance of employee records, recruitment, onboarding, staff engagement, compliance and training records, and contributing to the smooth running of day-to-day HR operations.
Key Responsibilities
Human Resources Administration
Employee Records & Data Management
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records (electronic and physical).
- Ensure staff files include all required documentation (e.g. right-to-work, references, DBS, contracts).
- Monitor and update HR databases and systems (e.g. leave, absences, training logs).
- Ensure compliance with data protection laws (GDPR) in all HR record-keeping.
Recruitment & Onboarding
- Support the end-to-end recruitment process, including posting job adverts, scheduling interviews, and coordinating candidate communications.
- Process pre-employment checks: right to work, references, DBS, qualifications.
- Prepare and issue offer letters and contracts.
- Organise and support new employee inductions and onboarding.
Contracts & Documentation
- Draft and manage employment-related correspondence (contracts, amendments, letters).
- Track and support probation reviews, contract renewals, and appraisals.
- Maintain templates for HR documents, ensuring consistency and compliance.
Absence & Leave Management
- Monitor employee absences and annual leave using HR systems or spreadsheets.
- Record sickness and other types of leave in line with policy.
- Flag and elevate issues such as repeated absences or unapproved leave.
Training & Compliance
- Track and schedule mandatory training (e.g., safeguarding, Prevent, GDPR).
- Maintain CPD logs and training records for all staff.
- Assist in coordinating staff development sessions and evaluations.
Payroll & Benefits Support
- Collate and verify monthly payroll data (hours, absences, new starters/leavers).
- Liaise with payroll provider or Finance to ensure timely salary processing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Assistant in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Laatedu!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Laatedu.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Laatedu. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Laatedu and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Laatedu. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Laatedu's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Laatedu
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Laatedu.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Laatedu will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Laatedu and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
