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Generalist vs talent acquisition manager

The differences between generalists and talent acquisition managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a generalist and a talent acquisition manager. Additionally, a talent acquisition manager has an average salary of $90,907, which is higher than the $46,518 average annual salary of a generalist.

The top three skills for a generalist include sales floor, store sales and customer loyalty. The most important skills for a talent acquisition manager are applicant tracking systems, human resources, and TA.

Generalist vs talent acquisition manager overview

GeneralistTalent Acquisition Manager
Yearly salary$46,518$90,907
Hourly rate$22.36$43.71
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs8,58526,512
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Average age4747
Years of experience66

What does a generalist do?

A generalist, also known as a human resource generalist, is responsible for overseeing the operations in a human resource department, focusing on employees' welfare and working conditions. They are primarily involved in the hiring and laying off processes among employees, handing training and benefits programs, and coordinating with every department in the company. Furthermore, a generalist must perform administrative tasks that mostly revolve around producing reports and processing paperwork, conducting research and analysis, and responding to correspondence.

What does a talent acquisition manager do?

A talent acquisition manager is in-charged in the selection, recruitment, and retention of talented candidates. The core skills that a talent acquisition manager should possess to accomplish his/her or her job responsibilities include excellent interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to multi-task, and knowledge of human resource laws. Other requirements to qualify for the position include a passion for working with others and a degree in human resources management, business administration, or a related field.

Generalist vs talent acquisition manager salary

Generalists and talent acquisition managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

GeneralistTalent Acquisition Manager
Average salary$46,518$90,907
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $72,000Between $59,000 And $137,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaA.T. Kearney
Best paying industryFinanceManufacturing

Differences between generalist and talent acquisition manager education

There are a few differences between a generalist and a talent acquisition manager in terms of educational background:

GeneralistTalent Acquisition Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Generalist vs talent acquisition manager demographics

Here are the differences between generalists' and talent acquisition managers' demographics:

GeneralistTalent Acquisition Manager
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 37.8% Female, 62.2%Male, 43.2% Female, 56.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage18%18%

Differences between generalist and talent acquisition manager duties and responsibilities

Generalist example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain PBX and VoIP phone systems at multiple locations.
  • Manage multiple lab projects for the implementation of new lab analyzers as well as LIS functionality.
  • Plan, install and manage new locations build outs with complete VPN connectivity and VOIP utilization for the multiple locations.
  • Manage UAB and HSF faculty recruitment, staffing needs, terminations, compensation, records management, employee relations and retention.
  • Manage data process flow to ensure employee timekeeping, attendance and payroll objectives are effectively and efficiently maintain.
  • Perform chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, hematology, and blood bank laboratory tests, equipment calibration and quality assurance reports.
    • Show more

Talent acquisition manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage talent from musicians to YouTube influencers.
  • Manage relationships with vendors and 3rd party RPO suppliers, ensuring consistent performance and adherence to policy.
  • Manage vendor relationships, including RPO, relocation management, recruiting technology, background check and staffing vendors.
  • Update, maintain and manage applicant tracking system, BrassRing, and human capital management system, PeopleSoft.
  • Manage candidate application process according to OFCCP guidelines.
  • Manage onsite logistics for interviews; research, evaluate and negotiate compensation packages.
    • Show more

Generalist vs talent acquisition manager skills

Common generalist skills
  • Sales Floor, 21%
  • Store Sales, 17%
  • Customer Loyalty, 14%
  • Sales Growth, 12%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Processing Customer Transactions, 4%
Common talent acquisition manager skills
  • Applicant Tracking Systems, 11%
  • Human Resources, 9%
  • TA, 8%
  • Recruitment Strategies, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Analytics, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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