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HR Generalist

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April 13, 2024 4 minute read

Human Resources Generalists (HR Generalists) are responsible for a wide range of human resources functions within an organization. They may work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, government, and non-profit. HR Generalists typically have a bachelor's degree in human resources management or a related field, and they may also have experience in other areas such as employee relations, compensation and benefits, or recruiting.

What HR Generalists Do

HR Generalists perform a variety of tasks, including:

  • Recruiting and hiring new employees
  • Conducting employee performance evaluations
  • Developing and implementing employee training programs
  • Managing employee benefits and compensation
  • Advising management on human resources issues
  • Ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations

How to Become an HR Generalist

There are a number of ways to become an HR Generalist. One common path is to earn a bachelor's degree in human resources management or a related field. Another option is to gain experience in another area of human resources, such as recruiting or employee relations, and then transition into a HR Generalist role. HR Generalists may also choose to pursue professional certification, such as the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification, to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

Career Prospects for HR Generalists

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Salaries for HR Generalist

City
Median
New York
$78,000
San Francisco
$95,000
Seattle
$74,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$78,000
San Francisco
$95,000
Seattle
$74,000
Austin
$73,000
Toronto
$65,000
London
£35,000
Paris
€45,000
Berlin
€73,000
Tel Aviv
₪61,000
Singapore
S$72,000
Beijing
¥80,500
Shanghai
¥123,000
Shenzhen
¥110,000
Bengalaru
₹445,000
Delhi
₹360,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
This widely used textbook that provides a broad introduction to the core concepts and practices of Human Resource Management. It covers essential areas such as recruitment, training, compensation, and employee relations, making it suitable for those seeking foundational knowledge. It is often used as a primary text in undergraduate HRM programs.
Considered a definitive guide in the field, this handbook offers comprehensive coverage of HRM theory and practice. It's a valuable reference tool for both students and practitioners, delving into key areas like performance management, organizational behavior, and employee relations. The latest editions incorporate recent developments and international perspectives.
Provides a comprehensive overview of candidate selection, covering topics such as job analysis, recruitment, and assessment, and discusses how these processes can be used to improve organizational performance.
Focuses on the critical competencies required for modern HR professionals to be strategic partners within their organizations. It emphasizes aligning HR with business goals and provides a framework for understanding the evolving role of HR. This is particularly relevant for those looking to deepen their understanding of HR's strategic impact.
Provides a comprehensive guide to staffing management, with a focus on the skills and knowledge required to be an effective staffing manager.
Bridges the gap between HR and finance, focusing on the financial and accounting aspects of compensation and benefit design. It's essential for HR professionals involved in total rewards strategy and demonstrates how to quantify the impact of compensation and benefits programs.
A foundational text in strategic HRM, this book provides a framework for measuring and demonstrating the value of HR initiatives. It helps connect HR activities to organizational performance and is essential for understanding how HR can contribute to strategic objectives. It's a key resource for both students and professionals focused on HR metrics and analytics.
Serves as a comprehensive guide to HR issues, processes, and best practices. It covers a wide range of topics, from strategic talent management to navigating changing technologies and DEI. It's a useful reference tool for HR professionals dealing with day-to-day challenges and emerging trends.
Focuses on leveraging data and analytics to inform HR decisions. It provides a framework for understanding and applying people analytics techniques to address HR challenges such as employee turnover and performance. It is particularly relevant for those interested in the growing area of data-driven HR.
This collection of insights from thought leaders explores emerging issues and the future direction of HRM. It's a valuable resource for understanding the challenges and opportunities shaping the HR profession.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of compensation, benefits, and the total rewards concept. It's a key resource for HR professionals designing and implementing compensation and benefits programs, covering strategic considerations and practical aspects.
Challenges traditional HR practices and explores the future role of HR in a rapidly changing world of work. It advocates for a more human-centric and agile approach to HR, making it relevant for those interested in contemporary and disruptive HR models.
Provides a practical guide to staffing for diversity, with a focus on the benefits and challenges of building a diverse workforce.
Provides a practical guide to staffing for competitive advantage, with a focus on the role of HR in aligning staffing strategies with business goals.
Provides a roadmap for staffing in the 21st century, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities of the changing workplace.
Provides a comprehensive overview of staffing, from strategic planning to recruiting and selection. It is written by Peter Cappelli, a leading expert in the field of human resources.
Addressing the critical contemporary topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), this book provides actionable strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace culture. It's essential reading for HR professionals aiming to foster a sense of belonging for all employees.
Focuses on the strategic role of human resource management in organizations. It provides a framework for understanding how HR can be used to achieve organizational goals and create a competitive advantage.
Serves as a practical guide for HR professionals looking to utilize data and analytics in their work. It covers the key aspects of people analytics and how to apply them to make better business decisions, even with limited prior experience in analytics.
Written by Google's former head of People Operations, this book offers a data-driven approach to HR practices and building a high-performing culture. It provides insights into innovative talent management strategies and is valuable for understanding contemporary approaches in leading organizations.
Explores contemporary themes and issues in HRM through text and case studies. It covers fundamental practices while also examining current topics like workplace bullying and flexibility, making it suitable for gaining a deeper understanding of modern HR challenges.
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