A Complete Guide To Become Awesome HR Generalist

Following the rapid recruitment process across domains, Human Resource Management and its opportunities are flourishing day by day. As 80% of HR professionals reflect how the recruitment process is transforming into a whole marketing genre, aspirants should know which skills to polish toward a brighter future in this highly competitive industry.

Business organisations with the goal of maintaining a human capital and healthy work culture are providing various avenues for HR professionals, and HR Generalist is one such role. 

Following a specific set of roles and responsibilities, the HR Generalist job description is dynamic and demands a significant set of skills to make it through the interview round. 

Dive in to explore the HR Generalist roles and responsibilities along with the right guidance to navigate this confusing career path!

What does an HR Generalist do? 

An HR Generalist plays a vital role in a business organisation and aids in managing the workforce. They work at the epicentre of recruitment processes, payroll and employees’ training programs by implementing their knowledge of labour laws, business operations and more to smoothen employee-company interaction. 

The HR Generalist roles and responsibilities include focusing on the employer’s goal of business capitalisation and incorporating leadership qualities to enhance business operations. They are in charge of payment procedures, employee interviews, and employee leave management. They aim to maintain a safe and good working ambience and enhance the employee-employer relationship. 

Considering the rapid growth of HRM software across domains, HR Generalists must know how to balance the traditional and digital aspects for optimum results.

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How to become an HR Generalist? 

Here are a few simple steps to navigate to becoming an HR Generalist. 

• Complete Class 10+2 Examinations

If you dream of pursuing a career in Human Resource Management, you must get at least 60% marks and complete 10+2 or equivalent examinations from a recognised board. This is the minimum criterion required for admission to undergraduate and diploma courses across India. You can also enrol in a Bachelor’s degree or a diploma in Human Resource Management (HRM) post-10+2 completion. 

• Get a Bachelor’s Degree 

A Bachelor’s degree is significantly demanded by nearly all professions. Similarly, the role of HR Generalist also demands professionals to obtain a Bachelor’s in a relevant domain. Candidates must have scored at least 50% in their undergraduate degrees to apply for higher education or work opportunities across industries. HR Generalist aspirants can choose Business Management, Social Sciences or Commerce to jumpstart their career in HRM. 

• Pursue a Postgraduate Degree 

Candidates can apply for a postgraduate degree with HRM as their concentration to advance their career in human resources. After completing a master’s in HR or an MBA with HR specialisation, learners are free to climb the ladder of HR job roles and slowly navigate their way through the role of HR Generalist.

• Pursue a Certificate Course in Human Resource Management 

Additional certification and diploma courses in HRM can significantly benefit your candidature, enhancing your skill set as well as adding to your real-life experience. Apply for a program such as Professional Certificate Programme in HR Management and Analytics, offered by upGrad, to obtain an edge over other candidates. 

• Apply For Jobs 

On the basis of a keen understanding of HR management and the work environment, you can apply for jobs as an HR Generalist in any recruiting company. You need to prepare for interview questions from business organisations and enhance your soft skills to interact with the employer and other recruiting members.

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Job Description of an HR Generalist 

Source 

An HR Generalist works around the orbit of administrative functions of any organisation, along with ensuring that employees comply with company policies. The HR Generalist job description includes many key responsibilities listed below.

• Administer recruitment and interview process. 
• Maintaining employee and employer relationships, managing union negotiations, business training programs and harassment investigations.
• Management of employees’ leave and attendance along with compensation and benefits programs. 
• Provide training as a leader to junior HR professionals and other department employees. 
• Implementation of human resource policies and maintain a healthy workspace. 
• Provide annual performance analytics of the employees and implement various employee benefit programs. 
• Develop job advertisements and understand specific job needs while choosing candidates in interviews.  
• Assisting the organisation leaders with various compensation packages and employee benefits. 
• Maintaining employees’ documents and records in digital mode as well as in hard copy files. 
• Organise team building activities and maintain labour laws along with employees’ health and safety.

Skills Required to Become an HR Generalist 

Source                                              

An HR Generalist needs to possess some unique skills in order to acquire exciting global work opportunities. The key skills required to fulfil the job requirements are listed below. 

• Communication skills

An HR Generalist must hone communication skills to interact with various departments, managers, stakeholders, employees and other junior HR professionals. They need to assist the employees, appoint new candidates and resolve business disputes. The HR Generalist needs to have active listening skills and be proficient in written and verbal communication, enabling active connection with employees.

• Decision-making and Leadership Qualities 

It is believed that good decision-makers possess critical thinking and analytical skills. Thus, an employer wishes to hire an HR Generalist with good decision-making qualities. HR Generalists need to possess managerial and leadership skills, capable enough to resolve disputes and conflicts in the company. 

• Organisation skills and Time Management

HR Generalists need to handle multiple projects at the workspace while possessing excellent managerial skills. They need to maintain an equilibrium between complex projects and stakeholders’ demands. The HR Generalists are required to focus on the employer’s goal, company productivity and efficiency, along with time management skills and performance analytics. 

• Digital knowledge and Technological Competence

Recently, every organisation has preferred to work digitally and store data on digital devices. All HR Generalists must possess a keen understanding of MS Office to make reports and upload documents digitally. They need to be technologically competent and understand HR metrics, including eNPS, the company’s annual turnover, employee performance and payroll. 

HR Generalist Salary Range 

HR Generalist is an in-demand work profile sought by top recruiters in search of skilled professionals. Currently, an HR Generalist’s salary in India ranges from INR 4.8 LPA to INR 7.8 LPA, according to Payscale. However, this figure is subject to change depending on various factors. 

HR Generalist Salary Factors 

Three are several factors determining the salary of HR generalists and professionals. Let’s look at how the figures vary under the influence of these factors!

• Location

The location of your company or office directly impacts the salary you receive as an HR Generalist. Since living conditions vary heavily across regions, location can greatly influence salary figures. 

• Educational Qualifications 

Education and degrees matter the most in today’s world, along with other skills. An individual wanting to pursue HR Generalist as a career needs to focus on educational qualifications like a postgraduation degree or a diploma in specialised courses to obtain an edge over others. Added educational qualifications also promise lucrative career opportunities in the long run!

• Level of Experience 

The level of experience you hold as an HR professional greatly determines your salary figures. Here’s how:

• Top Recruiters

Top industry recruiters tend to offer different salary figures to their employees. Let’s explore some of these figures to understand how these vary.

Conclusion 

The role of an HR Generalist demands the careful acquisition of in-demand technical skills, but most of all, people management skills. Since the role directly impacts the organisation’s people, recruiters are often looking for skilled candidates to acquire the role with utmost responsibility. Holding the right skills and experience can also help you obtain that opportunity!

upGrad’s Executive Postgraduate Programme in Human Resource Management is your chance to make your dreams come true! Pave your way towards a meaningful career as an HR Generalist by applying for this course, which comprises in-demand skills, an immersive learning experience, 24/7 career support and many other benefits to advance your career.

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