what is an HR generalist?
An HR generalist is a type of HR worker who is capable of handling every single part of HR. Unlike some other HR workers who specialize in a certain area, HR generalists can manage any HR task. HR generalists do many things, including:
- hiring and onboarding staff
- managing pay and tracking employee hours
- handling employee scheduling and leave
- running performance evaluations
- enforcing workplace policies
This job has a lot of variety and is an excellent option for people who excel at multitasking, communication, and management. One day you could be interviewing employees about an alleged workplace infringement, and another day you'll be filing out tax forms. Instead of doing the same thing day after day, you're able to use all your different skills to succeed in different areas.
Most HR generalists work at smaller companies that want a single person to run their HR department. However, you also have the option of working in larger departments where you fill in for a variety of coworkers and rotate between various tasks.
Would working as an HR generalist suit your excellent interpersonal and management skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an HR generalist role.
view jobs near youaverage HR generalist salary
Being an HR generalist allows you to earn a higher-than-average salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average wage for an HR generalist is roughly $62,000. When you take into account the hours most HR generalists work, the average hourly wage is $30 per hour. Some generalists make a higher salary of around $108,000 while the lowest-paid HR generalists usually make at least $37,000. The salary for an HR generalist tends to depend on the type of work you're doing. Especially in smaller businesses, HR generalists may take on some of the tasks of an HR manager. In these cases, their salary might be towards the higher end of the pay spectrum.
HR generalist salary by industry
Where you work has a big impact on your wages. Some industries pay their HR generalists more than others do. Here are the average salaries for the five industries that employ the most HR generalists:
- science and technology: $77,000
- government: $74,000
- manufacturing: $72,000
- healthcare: $57,000
- employment services: $48,000
Would you like to know what an HR generalist earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for an HR generalist? Then check out this HR generalist salary page and find out all about the salary of an HR generalist in the USA.
types of HR generalist
Due to the generalized nature of the job, there aren't many types of HR generalists. Instead, most generalists fall into the same broad category of HR workers who do a little bit of everything. The only thing that distinguishes HR generalists is their experience and responsibilities. Junior HR generalists are usually generalists who work in an auxiliary role and provide assistance to all the other specialists in a large HR department. Senior HR generalists often take on a more managerial role. They may work independently or even oversee other coworkers.
working as an HR generalist
Interested in finding out more about being an HR generalist? Here are some important things to know about your responsibilities and work environment.
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HR generalist job description
The answer to, "What does an HR generalist do?" is very broad because your job description includes many different responsibilities. Depending on your job, your coworkers, and the time of year, your job will include one or more of the following duties:
- recruiting: You'll help your company bring new candidates on board. This can include writing and posting job descriptions, interviewing candidates, and negotiating hiring packages.
- scheduling and leave: If your company has a lot of hourly workers, you might handle scheduling. It's also your job to track leave of absence programs, check medical notes from employees on sick leave, and schedule vacation time.
- payroll and benefits: Some HR generalists are also their company's main payroll coordinator. You might do things like pass out checks at the end of each week. Your job can also include finding providers for employee benefits like insurance and 401K plans.
- managing employee relations: When employees have a problem with each other, you are often the one who will intervene. You may guide employees through helpful dialogue or enact new rules to address the issue.
- monitoring employee performance: HR generalists often conduct performance reviews or monitor key performance indicators for employees. Your job sometimes includes talking to employees who are having problems, issuing warnings, or even assisting with employee terminations.
- following workplace and government policies: A big part of your job is simply making sure others are aware of various policies. You might create a set of rules for employees or hold classes to discuss company guidelines. You handle things like sexual harassment or age discrimination claims. You also ensure your employers follow OSHA guidelines.
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HR generalist work environment
The majority of your job is in an office environment. HR generalists typically have a desk that they spend a lot of time at. You'll work with both paperwork and documents on computers. Some of your job also includes going to other parts of the office, such as conference rooms, for meetings.
Your work department will partially depend on the industry you work in. For example, if you work in manufacturing, you could occasionally need to go out onto a factory floor to speak to coworkers. This could mean that you need to wear protective gear or go outdoors every now and then.
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who are your colleagues?
If you work in a department with other HR workers, you'll end up working alongside people like HR managers and HR specialists. Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include recruiters, bookkeepers, and payroll managers. You might also be working in close proximity to office assistants and secretaries. Furthermore, your team may include other specialists, such as benefits managers, labor relations managers, and talent management directors.
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work schedule
Being an HR generalist is almost always a full-time job. It's only a part-time option if you're filling in temporarily or helping out a very small business occasionally. To be an effective HR generalist, you will often need to be working when the rest of your coworkers are. For most generalists, this means working Monday through Friday during the day. Your shifts typically last between eight and nine hours.
Occasionally, some companies allow their generalists to work on a more flexible schedule. Especially if the company is operating 24/7, you have the ability to work on nights or weekends. During very busy times, such as staffing a brand new branch, there is some potential for overtime.
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job outlook for HR generalist
The outlook for HR generalists is very bright. According to the BLS, there are a projected 81,900 new job openings for HR employees each year. By 2031, the BLS predicts that HR generalist positions will increase by 8%. This job growth rate is significantly faster than national averages for all occupations.
In the future, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reports that there will be a growing trend towards automation. HR generalists who are comfortable using technology may have an advantage when applying for future jobs. Furthermore, keep in mind that being an HR generalist comes with a lot of advancement opportunities. You can use the general skills you learn here to become an HR director or HR manager.
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benefits of working for randstad as an HR generalist
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as an HR generalist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
HR generalist skills and education
Being an HR generalist usually requires some training, so it's not a job you can easily get fresh out of high school. Most people find it easier to get a fulfilling HR generalist job if they have these qualifications:
- education: The majority of HR generalist positions prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree. If you have a bachelor's specifically in human resources, it's often very easy to find jobs. Other popular degrees in the field include business, communication, or administration.
- experience: Especially for senior positions, a lot of experience in the HR field is helpful. Even lower-level positions often require a few years of HR experience, and upper-level ones may require over five years. Often, the right type of experience allows you to get a job even if you do not have a bachelor's degree.
- certifications: Many companies prefer to get certified HR generalists. Certifications from reputable institutions show that you have a lot of training even if you don't have much experience. Some popular institutions that offer HR certifications include the Human Resources Certification Institute, the SHRM, and the Human Resources Professional Association.
skills and competencies
This position involves using a lot of different skills simultaneously. If you want to do well as an HR generalist, it's important to have these qualities:
- communication skills: Being able to communicate well is absolutely essential. Good HR generalists can express information clearly through conversations, calls, emails, and letters.
- interpersonal skills: Being an HR generalist involves navigating a lot of complex relationships. You might end up solving employee disputes, talking about sensitive matters, or having to turn down job candidates. It's important to be professional, thoughtful, calm, and diplomatic when handling these matters.
- organizational skills: Since you'll be handling such a broad range of tasks, organization is very useful. You need to be comfortable with everything from filing paperwork to managing a calendar. These organizational skills help you stay on top of all your tasks.
- logical thinking skills: A lot of your job revolves around looking at regulations and business needs and helping the company adhere to these requirements. Being able to think logically, analyze situations, and solve problems is quite helpful.
- technological skills: HR generalists benefit from knowing how to work with Microsoft Office programs and a variety of human resources information systems (HRIS). If you don't already know this software, you need to be capable of picking up new technology and learning new systems.
FAQs about working as an HR generalist
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about HR generalists.
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is an HR generalist an upper-level position?
An HR generalist is usually a mid-level position. Many generalists work under a manager, and their position is always lower than a director or executive. However, if there is no one else in the HR department, the generalist may be the HR department head.
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how are HR generalists and hr specialists different?
An HR specialist is a type of mid-level HR worker who focuses on one specific area of expertise. Meanwhile, an HR generalist is an HR worker who can do all common HR tasks. Despite these two jobs technically being different, some companies classify HR generalists as a type of HR specialist who specializes in doing everything.
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is it difficult to be an HR generalist?
The idea of being responsible for all HR tasks might seem overwhelming, but the reality is that this job isn't too tricky. You're not expected to have in-depth knowledge of everything. Instead, you just need to know the basics. Some people find this even easier than doing other types of specialized HR work.
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how can I make my HR generalist resume stand out?
There is a big demand for HR generalists with excellent technological skills. If you can automate things or work with complex software, you should mention this on your resume.
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are all HR generalist jobs at small companies?
It is very common for smaller companies to hire an HR generalist to fulfill all their HR needs. However, if you prefer bigger companies, you do have some options. Large companies with a very complex HR staff often want a few generalists that can help out all colleagues as needed.
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how do I find a job as an HR generalist?
Applying for an HR generalist job is easy create a Randstad profile and search our hr generalist jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
submit your resume
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