At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR processes, manage recruitment, and maintain employee records in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: A high-achieving secondary school in Reading with a strong focus on academic excellence.
- Benefits: Full-time permanent role with professional development and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Immediate start available in a welcoming and ambitious workplace.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real difference in the educational experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or admin roles, strong organisational skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 33865 - 41391 £ per year.
A High-Achieving Secondary School in Reading is looking to appoint a professional and organised HR Assistant to join its friendly support staff team. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a thriving educational environment where people are at the heart of the school's success.
The school has a strong reputation for academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care, and a collaborative working culture. Staff are supported through high-quality professional development, approachable leadership, and a commitment to staff wellbeing.
About the Role
The successful candidate will provide efficient administrative support to the school's HR function, helping to ensure that recruitment, onboarding, compliance, and employee records are managed accurately and professionally. Working closely with the School Business Manager and senior leaders, you will assist with recruitment campaigns, safer recruitment checks, maintaining personnel records, coordinating staff induction, processing HR documentation, and responding to day-to-day HR enquiries.
This is a varied role that would suit an organised individual with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support for all HR processes
- Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and safer recruitment compliance
- Maintain accurate employee records and personnel files
- Prepare contracts, offer letters, and HR documentation
- Coordinate staff induction and mandatory training records
- Support absence monitoring and leave administration
- Respond to routine HR enquiries from staff
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding, and GDPR requirements
The School Environment
This High-Achieving Secondary School in Reading provides a welcoming and ambitious environment where staff are valued and encouraged to develop professionally. The school believes that an effective support team is essential to delivering an outstanding education and invests in creating a positive, collaborative workplace. The HR team plays a vital role in supporting colleagues across the school, ensuring efficient processes and an excellent employee experience from recruitment through to career development.
Candidate Requirements
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience in an HR, administrative, or office support role
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to prioritise workload effectively
Desirable
- Experience working within a school or educational setting
- Knowledge of safer recruitment procedures and employment legislation
- CIPD qualification or willingness to work towards one
- Experience using HR or school management systems
How to Apply
If you are interested in this HR Assistant role at a High-Achieving Secondary School in Reading, please submit your CV as soon as possible.
HR Assistant | High-Achieving Secondary School | Reading employer: Marchant Recruitment
Marchant Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. As a Nursery Teacher in Hillingdon, you will benefit from a collaborative team environment, opportunities for continuous development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on young learners' lives in an Outstanding primary school setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Assistant | High-Achieving Secondary School | Reading
✨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 Marchant Recruitment!
✨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 Marchant Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Assistant | High-Achieving Secondary School | Reading
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 Marchant Recruitment. 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 Marchant Recruitment 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 Marchant Recruitment. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Marchant Recruitment'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 Marchant Recruitment
✨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 Marchant Recruitment.
✨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 Marchant Recruitment 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 Marchant Recruitment and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
