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Job description: HR Generalist
As an HR generalist, you will usually need to offer a wide range of HR - or human resources - skills, and at a high level.
Generally, this is a stand-alone role, and you'll need to able to act on your own initiative.
You will be responsible for coordinating all HR activities in your organisation, from employee relations and recruitment to training and development.
Depending on the size and nature of the organisation, your specific duties would include such tasks as:
- Developing and implementing HR plans and procedures for all company personnel.
- Coaching and counselling management and employees regarding employee relation issues, policy, procedures, benefits and programs.
- Conducting recruitment for all openings, and new personnel orientation.
- Maintaining HR information system records and compiling reports.
- Maintaining and coordinating employee recognition programs, employee activities and fund raising activities.
- Ensuring compliance with government employment regulations.
You will be working closely with line management and other company personnel.
Hours and Environment
Normally, you will work a standard 35-40 hour week. However, you may be required to work extra hours at busy times.
You'll be mainly office-based, although you may have to travel to other branches if it's a larger organisation. You may also visit training providers.
Skills and Interests
To be HR generalist you should have:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Diplomatic and negotiaton skills
- Self-motivation and the ability to work on your own initiative
- Outstanding organisational skills
- The ability to work under pressure
- The ability to work with personnel from all levels
- Tact, and the ability to deal with difficult situations
- Numerical and budgeting skills
- IT skills
- Knowledge of appropriate employment legislation.
- An interest in career development and training within the workplace.
Entry
There are no minimum entry requirements, although for a HR generalist role you will ideally be of graduate calibre and CIPD qualified, with a strong allround HR background. Knowledge of employment law would be an advantage.
Training
Training is on the job. Some organisations have structured training programmes where you can gain experience in other business areas.
CIPD qualifications are essential to further progress. They offer various courses and qualifications tHRough full-time study, part-time study, or flexible learning.
The CIPD's Professional Development Scheme (PDS) covers leadership and management, people management and development, generalist and specialist personnel and development, and applied personnel and development.
There are various certificates available, including:
- Certificate in Business Awareness and Advanced Professional Study (CBAAPS)
- Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP)
- Certificate in Training Practice (CTP)
- Certificate in Recruitment and Selection (CRS)
- Certificate in Employment Relations Law and Practice (CERLAP)
- Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring (CCM).
The CIPD also supports NVQs/SVQs Levels 2 to 5 in:
- management
- recruitment
- personnel
- learning and development
- team leading.
Opportunities
The majority of commercial and public sector organisations have a human resources function. Potential employers include manufacturers, retailers, banks, consultancies, local and national government. Opportunities exist tHRoughout the UK.
Career progression is structured, and there are plenty of opportunities to gain experience or specialise in other areas of human resources. You may move between employers to progress, or switch into another sector, such as training or marketing.
Some multinational companies offer the chance to work abroad. Once you're experienced, you could also set up your own specialist consultancy in an area such as recruitment.
Annual Income
These figures are for guidance only.
- Salaries may be between £22,000 and £40,000 a year.
- Senior managers may earn over £50,000 a year.
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