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- Tasks: Provide administrative support in HR, focusing on recruitment and contracts.
- Company: Join a supportive team at the Council Offices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for part-time work and career development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in HR while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy office and ability to manage priorities.
The predicted salary is between 30060 - 30662 £ per year.
HR Assistant
Council Offices - School Place
35 hours per week
Temporary to 23 June 2027
£30,060 - £30,662
£16.47 - £16.80 per hour
The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to Jayne Fraser, HR Support Team Manager. Your working pattern is Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to provide administrative support across the HR function, with a particular focus on recruitment and selection processes and the preparation of contracts of employment.
We are seeking to appoint a full-time HR Assistant to join our busy and supportive team. However, applications from candidates wishing to work part-time are also welcomed.
You will also collaborate closely with our HR Adviser team to support the delivery of responsive, customer-focused generalist HR advice and guidance to managers and employees across the organisation.
A flexible and proactive approach is essential, as you will be expected to support the wider HR and Organisational Development (OD) team as needed.
Candidates should have demonstrable experience of working in a busy office environment and the ability to manage competing priorities within tight deadlines.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.
This post requires a Level 1 Disclosure check.
If you would like to discuss the role informally, please contact Jayne Fraser, Team Manager (HR Support), or Hannah Seatter, HR Support Officer, on 01856 873535 ext. 2250 or email hrsupport@orkney.gov.uk.
Applications close at 23:59 on Wednesday 27 May 2026.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, click here for Information for Applicants.
We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
HR Assistant - ORK10325 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Contact Detail:
Orkney Islands Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Assistant - ORK10325 in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the organisation's values and work environment. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common HR interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring examples of your previous work or experiences that highlight your ability to manage competing priorities and support HR functions. Real-life stories can make a big impact during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Assistant - ORK10325 in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Assistant role. Highlight your experience in administrative support and recruitment processes, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and how they align with what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Keep it concise but engaging, explaining why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention your proactive approach and flexibility, as these traits are essential for the role.
Follow the Application Instructions: We want to make this process as smooth as possible, so be sure to follow all application instructions carefully. Submit your application through our website before the deadline, and double-check that you've included all required documents.
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for HR and supporting others come through in your application. We love candidates who are excited about the opportunity to contribute to our team and help us deliver excellent HR services!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your HR Basics
Brush up on key HR concepts and terminology. Since the role focuses on recruitment and contracts, be prepared to discuss your understanding of these processes and any relevant experience you have.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Given the need to manage competing priorities, come ready with examples of how you've successfully juggled multiple tasks in a busy office environment. Highlight specific situations where your organisational skills made a difference.
✨Be Proactive and Flexible
Demonstrate your proactive approach by discussing times when you took initiative in previous roles. Also, be ready to talk about how you adapt to changing circumstances, as flexibility is key in this position.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since you'll be collaborating closely with the HR Adviser team, express your enthusiasm for teamwork. Share experiences where you worked effectively within a team, and how you contributed to a positive work environment.