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- Tasks: Support HR processes like onboarding, recruitment, and employee development.
- Company: Join the British Academy, the UK's leading body for humanities and social sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 34 days of leave, and a subsidized restaurant.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a friendly team while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Work in a historic Grade 1 listed building in central London.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences – is seeking a HR Assistant to join our HR team, providing key administrative and project support across the whole employee lifecycle.
The HR Assistant works closely with the other five members of the HR Team to provide a range of HR services across the British Academy (150+ staff). The HR Team is a friendly team, part of the Academy’s Resources Directorate comprising HR, Finance, IT, Facilities and Venue Sales & Marketing services. We take great pride in supporting our colleagues in the Academy, as HR generalists and through our overarching People Strategy, which has been successful in recognising and reinforcing the structures, policies and procedures we have in place. Key to this success has been our engagement with staff.
A core duty of the HR Assistant role is supporting the onboarding process, through the preparation of offer documentation, references, and contracts, to administering Cezanne, our HR Management System. You will have a keen attention to detail and be an effective communicator to allow you to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring new starters are set up for success.
This role often works to competing deadlines and so a proactive approach to time management, in terms of planning, prioritisation and demonstrating resilience when faced with adversity is essential.
You will also be supporting day-to-day operational recruitment, including helping line managers with scheduling interviews, booking rooms for in-person interviews and organising calls for remote interviews, and providing excellent support on interview days, ensuring a high standard of stakeholder engagement. This is a key opportunity to establish relationships and make an early positive impact.
You will also contribute to performance, learning and development activities by supporting the Employee Relations and Development workstream, such as booking rooms and emailing participants enrolled in training.
Terms and conditions
The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1 – a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week, with hours and location worked flexibly under our hybrid-working policy; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised restaurant and an excellent occupational pension.
HR Assistant employer: The British Academy
Contact Detail:
The British Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the British Academy's People Strategy and values. Understanding their approach to HR and employee engagement will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your organizational skills and attention to detail in conversations with the HR team. Since the role involves managing multiple tasks like scheduling interviews and preparing documentation, showcasing your ability to handle competing deadlines will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with HR Management Systems, particularly if you have used similar platforms to Cezanne. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these systems will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your proactive approach to time management by sharing examples of how you've successfully prioritized tasks in previous roles. This will reassure the team that you can manage the fast-paced environment of the HR department.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the HR Assistant position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as attention to detail, effective communication, and time management.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the HR Assistant role. Emphasize any previous administrative support roles, experience with onboarding processes, or familiarity with HR Management Systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the British Academy. Mention specific examples of how your skills and experiences make you a great fit for the team and how you can contribute to their People Strategy.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the HR Assistant position.
How to prepare for a job interview at The British Academy
✨Show Your Attention to Detail
As an HR Assistant, attention to detail is crucial. Be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where your meticulous nature helped avoid mistakes or improved processes.
✨Demonstrate Effective Communication Skills
Since the role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to explain how you would handle communication in different scenarios, so think of examples that showcase your skills.
✨Highlight Your Time Management Abilities
The job requires managing competing deadlines. Prepare to share specific instances where you successfully prioritized tasks and managed your time effectively, especially under pressure.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life HR situations. Think about how you would support onboarding or handle scheduling conflicts, and be ready to discuss your approach.
