Human Resources Generalist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern business environment, the role of Human Resources Generalists has become more essential than ever.

The business landscape is evolving, and with each change, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can manage, develop, and protect our human capital increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Human Resources Generalist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of human resources,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Human Resources Generalist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Human Resources Generalist Duties and Responsibilities

Human Resources Generalists play a critical role in managing and supporting an organization’s human resources operations.

They perform a broad range of tasks including recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance with labor laws.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Recruit, interview, and facilitate the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborate with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings
• Implement and administer employee policies
• Provide high-quality advice and service to management on daily employee relations and performance management issues
• Support the HR department in implementing programs to help improve the employee experience
• Offer proactive HR support and internal consultation
• Ensure compliance with labor regulations
• Conduct various training and development programs
• Manage employee benefits programs
• Handle workplace investigations, disciplinary and grievance procedures
• Maintain employee records according to policy and legal requirements

 

Human Resources Generalist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a competent Human Resources Generalist to join our HR team.

In this role, you will be expected to execute a range of HR tasks, including managing employee records, assisting with payroll processing, and providing administrative support to all employees.

The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of HR procedures, and excellent problem-solving abilities.

The goal is to ensure the HR operations will run smoothly and effectively to deliver maximum value to the organization.

 

Responsibilities

• Administer compensation and benefit plans
• Assist in talent acquisition and recruitment processes
• Conduct employee onboarding and help organize training & development initiatives
• Provide support to employees in various HR-related topics such as leaves and compensation and resolve any issues that may arise
• Assist in development and implementation of human resource policies
• Undertake tasks around performance management
• Gather and analyze data with useful HR metrics, like time to hire and employee turnover rates
• Organize quarterly and annual employee performance reviews
• Ensure compliance with labor regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an HR Generalist
• Understanding of general human resources policies and procedures
• Good knowledge of employment/labor laws
• Outstanding knowledge of MS Office; HRIS systems (e.g. PeopleSoft) will be a plus
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Aptitude in problem-solving
• Desire to work as a team with a results-driven approach
• BSc/BA in Business administration or relevant field
• Additional HR training will be a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k) Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Professional Development Assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Human Resources Generalist
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or recruitment activities.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Human Resources Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Human Resources Generalist Do?

Human Resources Generalists are critical members of an organization’s HR team, with diverse responsibilities that span across various aspects of human resources.

They often work for businesses across industries and their primary objective is to ensure that the company’s workforce is operating at its full potential.

They are responsible for handling various areas such as recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance with employment laws and regulations.

This can involve designing job descriptions, conducting interviews, onboarding new employees, and handling any issues or concerns that employees may have.

Human Resources Generalists also assist in the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures, and they ensure these are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

They often play a key role in performance management processes, facilitating performance reviews and developing training and development programs to enhance employee skills and satisfaction.

In addition, they may also manage employee benefits programs, handle worker’s compensation claims, and assist with payroll processing.

Their work involves a lot of interaction with employees at all levels of the organization, from entry-level staff to executive management, and they play a vital role in promoting a positive work culture and environment.

Overall, the role of a Human Resources Generalist is critical in managing the human capital of the organization and ensuring that all HR operations run smoothly.

 

Human Resources Generalist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Human Resources Generalist needs to possess a set of skills and qualifications in order to successfully carry out their job role:

• Strong communication skills to effectively interact and engage with employees at all levels of the organization, resolving any issues and providing necessary guidance.
• Proficient understanding of HR processes and legal regulations, as well as the ability to implement them in the company’s operations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish and maintain strong relationships within the organization, fostering a positive work environment.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills to manage and maintain personnel records, ensuring they are updated and comply with legal requirements.
• Problem-solving abilities to address and resolve employee grievances and conflicts in a timely and effective manner.
• Proficiency in HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) and other related software for efficient data management and reporting.
• Ability to develop and implement HR policies and procedures, and conduct training sessions when necessary.
• Strong decision-making skills to make sound judgements that align with the company’s strategic goals.

 

Human Resources Generalist Experience Requirements

For an entry-level Human Resources Generalist role, candidates typically should have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in Human Resources or a related field.

This experience is often gained through internships, part-time roles, or relevant administrative roles.

Candidates should have experience in various HR functions, such as recruitment, benefits administration, employee relations, and compliance.

They should also demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, as they will often be interfacing with employees at all levels of an organization.

For roles requiring more than 3 years of experience, candidates are expected to have developed a deeper understanding of HR policies and procedures, as well as more specialized HR areas like talent management, compensation and benefits, or labor relations.

They may also have experience in HR-specific software and systems.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often considered for senior Human Resources Generalist roles.

These candidates have usually demonstrated strong leadership skills and have experience managing HR projects or initiatives.

They may also have gained some experience in strategic HR planning and may be prepared to take on a managerial or team-lead role in the HR department.

In addition, Human Resources Generalist candidates should ideally hold a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Professional certifications such as the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) can also be beneficial.

 

Human Resources Generalist Education and Training Requirements

Human Resources Generalists typically require a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field.

They also need a thorough understanding of HR practices and employment laws.

This can include knowledge in areas such as benefits administration, employee relations, and talent management.

Certain positions may require Human Resources Generalists to have a master’s degree in human resources management or a related field.

This advanced degree often signifies a higher level of understanding and expertise in human resources strategy and practice.

Many HR Generalists also pursue professional certification through organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).

These certifications, which include Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), are recognized globally and can greatly enhance job prospects and career growth.

Additionally, possessing strong interpersonal and communication skills is essential for HR Generalists, as they often act as a bridge between management and employees.

Regular training in conflict resolution, ethics, and organizational behavior could also prove beneficial in this role.

 

Human Resources Generalist Salary Expectations

A Human Resources Generalist typically earns an average salary of $55,260 (USD) per year.

The exact salary can vary depending on factors such as the level of experience, the size and industry of the employing company, and the geographical location.

 

Human Resources Generalist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Human Resources Generalist need?

A Human Resources Generalist should have excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with all levels of the organization.

They should also possess strong problem-solving skills, as they will often deal with conflict resolution within the company.

Communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial for preparing internal documents, guidelines and interacting with employees.

Additionally, they should have a solid understanding of HR policies and procedures, employment laws, and be proficient in HR software tools.

 

Do Human Resources Generalists need a degree?

Most employers require Human Resources Generalists to have at least a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field.

However, many also value experience in the field highly, so a combination of education and work experience is often preferred.

Some Human Resources Generalists may also choose to pursue higher education or professional HR certifications to advance their careers.

 

What should you look for in a Human Resources Generalist resume?

When reviewing a Human Resources Generalist’s resume, check for a degree in an appropriate field and previous HR experience.

Look for experience in key areas such as recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, and HR compliance.

Certifications from recognized HR bodies like the SHRM or HRCI can also be a significant plus.

Proficiency in HRIS software or specific systems used by your company should also be a consideration.

 

What qualities make a good Human Resources Generalist?

A good Human Resources Generalist is approachable and trustworthy, as employees must feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues with them.

They should also be objective and fair, capable of making unbiased decisions for the good of the company and its employees.

Being detail-oriented is also important, as they will be managing and organizing a lot of data and paperwork.

A good HR generalist should also be proactive, always looking for ways to improve company culture and employee satisfaction.

 

What is the role of a Human Resources Generalist in employee development?

A Human Resources Generalist plays a key role in employee development.

They may assist in identifying training needs, organize training sessions, and track progress.

They also often play a role in performance evaluation, helping managers provide constructive feedback and develop improvement plans.

Moreover, HR Generalists may also work on career development programs, helping employees plan their career paths and reach their professional goals within the company.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve taken a closer look at what it truly entails to be a Human Resources Generalist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about managing employees.

It’s about shaping the future of an organization, one employee at a time.

With our comprehensive Human Resources Generalist job description template and real-life examples, you’re fully prepared to embark on your journey.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step in crafting accurate job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every employee is a piece of a larger organizational puzzle.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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