2697 human resources generalist jobs found

everything you need to know about human resources generalists.

Are you looking for a people-oriented career that provides lots of variety? If you have strong interpersonal and communication skills, and want to work with internal staff, managers and executives to help an organization thrive, you might consider becoming a human resources generalist.

While big corporations have large human resources departments with a variety of specialists, many small- and medium-sized businesses hire just one trusted advisor to handle all of their human resources needs — a human resources generalist. 

In this role, you’ll be a valuable resource to everyone in your organization as they come to depend on you for advice and information about things that affect both their lives and success at work. On any given day, your work could involve the discussion of policies, wages, benefits, training and job descriptions, performance issues, promotions and hiring or termination. You’ll find the variety inherent in the job of a human resources generalist both challenging and rewarding.

average human resources generalist salaries in the U.S.

Human resources generalist salaries start between $71,000 and $91,000 per year at the entry level. If you have a couple years of experience, you’re more likely to earn closer to the top of this range. Those working in states like California, New York and Illinois usually earn more due to the high demand for qualified workers.

what human resources generalist jobs entail

As a human resources generalist, you’ll work in an office during regular daytime hours from nine to five, reporting to a director, a CEO or business owner. Occasionally, you’ll work late to deal with emergencies, meet with shift workers or interview candidates to fill a position. You’ll perform a broad range of tasks, as you work with all levels of staff and manage your duties. Developing good employee relations will be your top priority, requiring that you adapt your knowledge and skills to many different situations. 

Consulting with a senior executive or business owner, you’ll craft documents and policies to ensure that staff understand what is expected of them, plus what they can expect from their employer. For example, you may provide advice and develop policies on hiring and promotions. You could be administering benefits packages or explaining them to staff. You could also be guiding managers through sensitive situations involving staff disputes. 

You’ll need to be highly organized in order to see your long-term projects through, while still effectively dealing with urgent situations that demand your immediate attention.

your day-to-day tasks

On a typical day, human resources generalist jobs entail working on a recruitment strategy one minute, answering a question about benefits the next, then rushing off to a meeting about employee engagement. Your days will be full and you’ll often be juggling many priorities all at once. Your job could include any of the following:

• Developing policies, guidelines, accepted practices and procedures. 
• Guiding managers and employees through policy interpretation.
• Creating job descriptions in collaboration with managers.
• Using an applicant tracking system and searching for qualified candidates.
• Recruiting, interviewing and making hiring recommendations.
• Providing orientation for new employees.
• Answering employee questions about salaries, benefits and vacations
• researching compensation and overseeing the administration of salary, wages, benefits, promotions and transfers.
• Keeping complete and accurate records on confidential staff issues.
• Developing performance review processes and advising on performance issues.
• Drafting disciplinary letters and advising managers on the disciplinary process.
• Assisting with the termination or resignation process and conducting exit interviews.

where you can work

Human resources generalists are needed in all types of organizations. As a result, they can work in any sector. The current growth outlook is positive for most industries, including manufacturing, construction, technology, services and tourism. Qualified and experienced human resources generalists can find the most jobs in states like California, New York, Florida and Texas.

what you bring to the table

Your skill set revolves around diplomacy and an ability to relate to all kinds of people, whether they work on the shop floor or in the boardroom. You understand business and interpersonal situations from all perspectives. You have an innate understanding of what makes people tick and combine that skill with your business acumen and professional training. In your role as a human resources generalist, you’ll need:

• superior verbal and written communication skills
• interpersonal skills and a desire to work with people
• ability to exercise tact and discretion while handling highly confidential information
• problem-solving, negotiation and conflict management skills
• organizational and time management skills with the ability to multitask
• leadership skills and the ability to motivate people
• proficiency with computers including email, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software

training and certifications

To become a human resources generalist, you’ll need a post-secondary education in human resources management. Additional professional certifications in human resources are available, and could help increase employability down the road, but are not required for generalist positions in the U.S. 

where your career is headed

As a human resources generalist, it’s important to ensure you’re familiar with contemporary issues. Taking courses and gaining experience will help you stay up to date on the latest practices and trends in human resources and provide you with opportunities to advance in your career. 

With the right education, skills, knowledge and experience, your prospects for advancement in a human resources career are good. In recent years, corporate staffing needs and policies have become more complex, dictating an increasing need for experienced human resources professionals at the management level.

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