HR Generalist Career Guide

What is an HR generalist?

An HR generalist handles a lot of different tasks in a company to help manage people and the workplace. They are involved in hiring new employees, managing benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, and helping solve any problems that employees might have. This job is really important for making sure everyone at the company is happy and productive.

Duties and responsibilities

Here’s what HR generalists typically do:

• Manage hiring, which includes posting jobs, interviewing candidates, and welcoming new employees
• Help solve any problems between employees and make sure everyone feels good about their job
• Explain and manage benefits like health insurance and vacation time so everyone understands what they get
• Help review how employees are doing, offer advice on how to improve, and plan for their growth in the company
• Keep track of all the company’s rules and updates to verify that everything is legal and correct

Work environment

HR generalists usually work in an office, but sometimes they can work from home. They need to be good at talking to people and handling private and sensitive issues because they deal with various personal employee matters.

Typical work hours

HR generalists typically work 40 hours a week, from Monday to Friday. Sometimes, they might need to work a bit extra during special events like training sessions or if there are urgent issues that need their attention. They’re expected to always be ready to help both the employees and the company.

---

How to become an HR generalist

Becoming an HR generalist means you need to learn a lot about managing people at work and get some real-world experience. Here’s how you can start:

Step 1: Get educated

Start by getting a bachelor’s degree. Good subjects to study include human resources management, business administration, or anything related to managing people and work environments. Some jobs might want you to have a master’s degree, like an MHR (Master of Human Resources) or an MBA (Master of Business Administration), but it’s not always necessary.

Step 2: Gain HR experience

Jump into the world of HR with an entry-level job or an internship. Roles like HR assistant or coordinator can teach you a lot about hiring, managing benefits, and working with employees. Try to learn about different parts of HR to build a strong base for your career.

Step 3: Build your skills

You’ll need a mix of specific skills in things like employment law, recruiting, and employee benefits, plus good communication and problem-solving skills. You can boost your skills through online courses. Here are some of our recommendations:

• Consider learning more about recruiting, hiring, and onboarding employees via this course offered by the University of Minnesota through Coursera.
• Udemy offers an HR generalist master course where you can learn best practices from Johnson & Johnson to help you build a great career. Plus, you’ll earn a certificate of completion.
• Discover expert advice in this course about managing employee compensation.

Step 4: Get certified (optional)

Certifications aren’t required but can help you stand out. Look into getting certified through organizations like SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) or HRCI (HR Certification Institute). These certifications show you know your stuff and are serious about your HR career.

Step 5: Network in HR circles

Make connections in the HR world. Go to industry events, join HR groups, and connect with other HR professionals online. Networking can lead to job tips, advice, and more opportunities.

Step 6: Apply for jobs

Once you’re trained and have some experience, start applying for HR generalist jobs. Make sure your resume and cover letter show off your skills and experiences. Be ready for interviews by knowing about the company and practicing answers to common questions.

---

How much do HR generalists make?

There are many variables that go into determining how much an HR generalist makes, from company size to experience to education, just to name a few.

Highest paying industries

Browse HR generalist salary data by market

---

Types of HR generalists

HR generalists can work in different environments, and their job can look different depending on where they are. Here are some common types:

Corporate HR generalist

These HR pros work in big companies and deal with lots of different HR areas like hiring, training, and managing benefits. They work with other HR specialists and need to know a lot about many aspects of HR to help with different company projects.

Small business HR generalist

In a small business, HR generalists do a bit of everything—hiring, welcoming new employees, managing work issues, and handling benefits. They need to be flexible and able to manage lots of tasks on their own because small businesses usually have fewer resources.

Nonprofit HR generalist

Working for a nonprofit, these generalists face unique challenges like working with tight budgets and managing volunteers. They focus on hiring diverse teams and keeping employees happy even when there might not be a lot of money for big salaries.

Startup HR generalist

Startups are fast-paced and always changing, so HR generalists here need to be super adaptable. They might be setting up HR systems for the first time, hiring quickly, and figuring out how to keep employees engaged. Their job is crucial for building a strong company culture from scratch.

Industry-specific HR generalist

These generalists work in specific fields like healthcare, tech, or manufacturing. They need deep knowledge of their industry’s specific challenges, like attracting the right kind of skilled workers or making sure the company follows industry-specific laws.

---

Top skills for HR generalists

Here are some key skills you should have to be successful as an HR generalist:

Strong interpersonal skills

Being good with people is essential. You need to be friendly, understanding, and good at talking to all kinds of people from every part of the company. This helps you build relationships, solve problems, and support everyone to make sure they’re happy and productive at work.

Attention to detail

You have to be careful and precise because you’ll be handling important information like employee records, payroll, and benefits plans. Making sure everything is correct and up-to-date helps keep the company running smoothly and avoids legal problems.

Adaptability

Things change fast at work, especially in HR. You need to be flexible and ready to handle new challenges, learn about the latest in your field, and change your approach when needed. This keeps your company’s HR practices fresh and effective.

Knowledge of employment laws and regulations

Understanding the rules and laws about work is crucial. You need to make sure your company follows all the legal requirements about hiring, safety, pay, and benefits. This knowledge helps protect your company from lawsuits and makes sure everyone is treated fairly.

---

HR generalist career path

Starting as an HR generalist can open up lots of doors in the world of human resources. Here’s what your career journey might look like:

Starting out

Most people begin at the ground level with entry jobs like HR assistant, HR coordinator, or recruiter. In these positions, you learn the ropes of various HR tasks such as hiring new employees, helping them get started at the company, managing workplace issues, handling benefits, and ensuring the company follows all the rules.

Moving up to generalist

As you gain experience and expertise in different areas of HR, you can move up to become an HR generalist. From there, you have options to specialize in specific HR areas like compensation and benefits, labor relations, or talent acquisition if you find a particular part of the job you really like.

Reaching for the top

With a lot of experience and a strong set of skills, you could advance to senior HR generalist or HR manager, where you’d oversee other HR staff and help shape the company’s HR strategies. The top spots in this career path include becoming an HR director, vice president of human resources, or even chief human resources officer (CHRO).

---

Similar job titles

• Benefits Specialist
• Chief Human Resources Officer
• HR Administrator
• HR Assistant
• HR Coordinator
• HR Director
• HR Manager
• HR Specialist
• Recruiter
• Recruiting Manager
• Sourcer
• Talent Acquisition Specialist

---

Position trends and outlook for HR generalists

The role of HR generalists is evolving rapidly due to several modern workplace trends:

• Remote work and employee well-being: With more companies offering remote work options, generalists are creating programs that support a diverse and distributed workforce. This includes focusing on employee well-being and developing policies that help remote workers feel connected and supported.
• Diversity and inclusion: There’s a bigger emphasis than ever on creating inclusive workplaces. These HR pros are at the forefront of implementing diversity initiatives and ensuring that all employees feel valued and have equal opportunities.
• Data-driven decision making: HR is becoming more reliant on data to make decisions. This means generalists need to be skilled in using analytics tools to evaluate employee data, improve HR processes, and make informed decisions about everything from hiring to employee retention strategies.
• Technology and AI in HR: New tech, like applicant tracking systems and HR chatbots, are changing how HR departments operate. They need to stay current with these technologies to streamline their work and enhance their efficiency.

Employment projections

The demand for HR specialists, including generalists, is expected to grow by 6% through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is driven by the ongoing need for HR services and the increasing complexity of employment laws and regulations. This suggests a strong and growing need for skilled HR pros who can navigate these challenges.

---

HR generalist career tips

Stay updated on employment laws

Always keep up with the latest employment laws and regulations. This is crucial for ensuring that your company complies with all legal requirements and avoids potential issues. Regularly attend webinars, subscribe to newsletters, and join networks focused on HR compliance to stay informed.

Develop strong interpersonal skills

Since you’ll be dealing with employees at all levels, it’s essential to have excellent communication and conflict resolution skills. Work on your ability to listen actively and handle concerns diplomatically to maintain a healthy and positive work environment.

Become proficient in HR software

Learning how to use HR software efficiently is key. These tools help manage payroll, benefits, and performance reviews. Understanding how to use these tools will improve your productivity and accuracy in managing HR tasks.

Embrace confidentiality

Handling sensitive information is a big part of the job. Always maintain confidentiality and discretion to protect employee privacy and maintain trust within your organization.

Build your network

Networking is vital in HR. It helps you stay connected with industry trends, find new opportunities, and learn from others. To expand your professional circle, join organizations like:

• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
• International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM)
• HR People + Strategy (HRPS)
• WorldatWork

Never stop learning

The HR field is constantly evolving, so continual learning is necessary. Attend conferences, take online courses, and seek certifications in areas like diversity and inclusion, talent acquisition, and employment law. This will keep you competitive and informed.

Promote a positive company culture

You have a significant influence on your company’s culture. Support initiatives that encourage teamwork, recognize employee achievements, and promote open communication. A positive culture enhances employee satisfaction and retention, contributing to the company’s success.

---

FAQs