HR Intern

What is an HR Intern?

An HR Intern is a student or recent graduate who joins a company's Human Resources team for a specific period for an internship. During this period, they gain hands-on experience with HR operations and learn how workplace policies function in real business settings.

What Are the Daily Responsibilities of an HR Intern?

HR interns handle a variety of supportive tasks that form the backbone of HR operations. As an HR intern, you might find yourself scheduling interviews, contacting job candidates, or updating employee databases. Simple document preparation, such as drafting basic letters and assisting with new employee orientation, also falls under typical intern duties.

Additional responsibilities this role entails include verifying payroll information, tracking employee attendance, and managing leave records. While most of these tasks may seem quite routine, they offer valuable insights into how HR departments operate day-to-day.

What Happens in Face-to-face Interviews?

After the preliminary telephonic round interviews, candidates are shortlisted for face-to-face and technical round interviews. In the face-to-face interview which is more like a behavioural Interview, candidates are asked about their past experiences. This allows the interview panel to evaluate their problem-solving skills and cultural fit. For specific jobs, candidates may further be asked to undergo a technical round which assesses their skills.

What Are the Key Benefits of Working as an HR Intern?

Working as an HR intern offers several advantages. You will explore multiple HR specialisations, from recruitment to employee relations. Your communication and coordination abilities will be strengthened through regular interaction with staff at all organisational levels. As a result, you will grow more confident in your dealings with both employees and management, which is the most essential soft skill needed for an HR professional.

You will also develop a thorough understanding of workplace policies and legal compliance requirements. Perhaps most importantly, internships create networking opportunities that can lead to future job prospects.

Common Challenges

New interns often find it hard to adapt to professional environments since they lack prior experience. Juggling multiple projects at once can quickly feel overwhelming. Another big challenge is dealing with confidential employee information. Unlike full-time HR professionals, interns may not always treat such data with the same level of care and seriousness.

Learning new HR software systems and tools presents another learning curve for HR interns. Effective communication across different organisational levels also takes practice and skill development.