How to Succeed in a HR Generalist Career Path: All You Need To Know
If building teams excites you, then an HR generalist career path might be something to explore. A human resources generalist handles talent acquisition and manages personnel. They build employee relations and take charge of the team's professional, emotional, and social development. Do you want to know more about this profession? Read our breakdown of an HR generalist's responsibilities.
What does an HR generalist do?
An HR generalist usually works under an HR manager and is usually tasked with the following duties:
- Recruiting staff, which entails collaborating with department managers in identifying the skills and competencies required for job openings, conducting screening interviews, and facilitating the hiring of qualified candidates
- Overseeing the onboarding and training of newly hired employees as well as coming up with performance improvement plans for existing staff
- Administering compensation and benefits, which includes assisting employees with their concerns regarding salary, leaves, healthcare, and other entitlements
- Managing employee relations and addressing employee complaints, issues, and other work-related grievances
- Implementing company policies especially those related to employee welfare and enforcing proper sanctions for violations
- Processing the lawful termination or exit of employees
- Assisting in the planning and organising of a company's employee structure or hierarchy
- Communicating company announcements, guidelines, and programs to all employees
Salary Range
According to the JobStreet Salary Report 2020, entry-level HR professionals in Singapore usually start with a monthly salary of S$2,613 a month, while junior executives can expect to earn ​​around S$3,062 monthly. More experienced HR professionals (senior executives) earn S$4,105 per month, while managers and senior managers can earn up to S$5,827 and $​​8,529, respectively.
What is the career path of an HR generalist?
Though fresh graduates or entry-level candidates are usually given an "assistant" title, they can already be considered as practising generalists given that they're often required to assist in a variety of HR functions.
Junior Level (1-3 years experience)
Mid Level (4-8 years experience)
Senior Level (8 years or more)
- HR Manager
- HR Director
- Chief HR Officer or Vice-President of HR/People Relations
What requirements do you need to become an HR generalist?
Required skills
- Excellent communication skills. As a mediator between the company and its employees, HR professionals are required to be communication-savvy as a key part of your job is relaying important information. You'll also be dealing with employees on every level—from the CEO to junior staff—so the ability to acclimate your tone to your audience is crucial.
- Basic knowledge of HR practices. You must have at least a basic understanding of employee employment rights and the legalities of business law concerning HR.
- Knowledge of MS Office applications and HR software. This is essential in carrying out your office duties and in executing HR processes through the company's preferred computer programs.
Other skills
- Good interpersonal skills. A huge part of the job relies on being a "people person," as you will be dealing with people daily. Aside from connecting with employees, you are also expected to be good at listening, negotiating, and resolving conflicts.
- Organisational skills. Performing administrative tasks often entail a lot of multitasking and coordination, so an HR generalist must be highly organized. HR requirements are also often time-sensitive, so proper time management is key.
- Analytical skills. With data-driven ways of working as the new norm, HR generalists are expected to be analytically driven and able to understand key HR metrics involving employee performance, recruitment, and retention.
- Confidentiality skills. Since HR personnel are entrusted with confidential information such as employees' data and compensation, they should be able to handle sensitive information with care.
Educational background
A bachelor's degree is required to kickstart a career in HR. But while a degree in human resources is not usually necessary, those with a background in areas of study such as human resource management, organisational development, or business law certainly have an advantage.
Opportunities for Continuous Education
To further advance in the field and earn higher management roles, some HR generalists go on to pursue further studies to earn a master's degree in human resource management, organisational development and planning, and other similar courses.
There are also various certifications and training programs available for those who wish to supplement their bachelor's degree and expand their HR knowledge. Here are some examples:
- Certified Trainer and Facilitator – This is ideal for those who would like to enhance their skills in conducting corporate training programs for employees.
- Certified Human Resource Administrator (CHRA®) – The first HR certification launched in Singapore, this competency-based certification covers the main HR functions.
- Certified Human Resource Business Partner (CHRP®) – This course allows HR generalists to transition into an HR business partner role.
For those who wish to specialise, there are also certifications for specific HR functions, such as payroll, recruitment, and performance management.
You may also join HR communities and forums, such as HRSingapore.org, to expand your network and learn more about the updates and developments in HR practices in the country.
How to write an HR generalist resume
Ready to make a difference as an HR professional? Download this HR Generalist resume HERE.
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