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What is a human resources generalist/manager and how to become one
As a human resources generalist/manager, you would pretty much spend all your time working with people or thinking up ways to improve working with people. You get to do the tasks of the human resources generalist and manager, all in one. Lucky you!
You would be responsible for a lot of the day-to-day functions of the Human Resources department, such as hiring new people and managing the payroll, as a human resources generalist. However, you would also manage the rest of the department and mediate disputes, like a human resources manager.
If you are really excited about working with people in several different capacities and helping to create a good work environment, this might be the position for you. It also helps if you have a bachelor's degree and some experience working in human resources. After a while, you could even work your way up to the position of senior human resources manager or human resources director.
What general advice would you give to a human resources generalist/manager?
Denise Barton
Senior Professor of Human Resources, Wake Technical Community College
Avg. Salary $77,353
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 7%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40%
Asian 5.71%
Black or African American 7.65%
Hispanic or Latino 11.14%
Unknown 5.09%
White 70.01%
Genderfemale 74.50%
male 25.50%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Human resources generalist/manager career paths
Key steps to become a human resources generalist/manager
Explore human resources generalist/manager education requirements
Start to develop specific human resources generalist/manager skills
Skills Percentages Payroll Processing 10.34% Performance Management 7.64% HRIS 5.76% Disciplinary Procedures 4.58% Workers Compensation 4.15% Research human resources generalist/manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage annual open enrollment process including development of communication materials and administration of enrollment changes within HRIS and benefit providers.
- Provide resolution of complex employee relations issues including sexual harassment, employee misconduct, ADA, and FMLA.
- Monitor performance appraisal, LOA, FMLA, disciplinary, termination and other processes for compliance with legal and company policies.
- Audit personnel payroll for accuracy and input confidential employee salary increases into HRIS data system.
Prepare your human resources generalist/manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your human resources generalist/manager resume.
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Apply for human resources generalist/manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a human resources generalist/manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first human resources generalist/manager job
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Average human resources generalist/manager salary
The average human resources generalist/manager salary in the United States is $77,353 per year or $37 per hour. Human resources generalist/manager salaries range between $55,000 and $107,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do human resources generalist/managers rate their job?
Human resources generalist/manager reviews
Making a difference in the lives of the people and the community where I am employed.
Decline in business levels and employee layoffs.
Lack of control over certain areas of HR
Helping people throughout the organization
Autonomy to address HR issues as I see fit. Ability to work with people in all areas of the company, in all roles and at all levels.
I'm the only HR person, so I don't have a team.
Updated January 8, 2025
