how to become an hr generalist

Download Article

HR generalists are responsible for managing all areas of their HR department. Unlike HR specialists, HR generalists need to have a broad understanding of how every part of an HR department operates. If being an HR generalist sounds like the career for you, focus on furthering your education and developing the right skills for the job. You'll also need several years of HR experience, so the sooner you get into a department, the sooner you can become an HR generalist.

1

Enroll in an undergraduate human resources program. Most entry-level HR positions require candidates to have a bachelor's degree in HR or a related field.^[1] Having your degree will also shorten the number of years of experience you'll need before you can become an HR generalist. As an HR generalist, you'll need to be familiar with all aspects of HR, so take as many HR courses as you can when you're getting your degree.^[2]
2

Get your master's degree so you have a better chance of getting the job. While it's not always necessary for an HR generalist to have a master's degree, the extra education can impress employers and better prepare you for the position. It also lessens the number of years you'll need to work your way up the HR ladder to a generalist position. If you do decide to get your master's degree, get it in science, business, or law.^[3]

Advertisement
3
Do an HR internship while you're in school. Interning in an HR department while you're getting your degree will make it easier to get a job when you graduate, and you'll already have experience under your belt. Search online for local HR internships, and make sure you mention that you're a current student on your resume.^[4]
- While you're interning, work hard to make a good impression. If the company likes you, they could end up hiring you full time after you graduate.
Advertisement

1
Get an entry-level job in an HR department. Look for local job postings that say "HR administrator, "HR coordinator," or "HR assistant." When you apply, make sure you mention any degrees, internship experience, or relevant skills you have in your cover letter and on your resume. Do the same if you get called in for an interview.^[5]
- Don't panic if you don't get a job right away. Keep persisting until you find something!
2
Gain 3-5 years of experience. This is about how much experience you'll need to get an HR generalist job if you have a bachelor's degree. If you have your master's degree, you may only need 2 years of experience in an HR department.^[6]
- Work hard during these years to show your bosses how dedicated you are. They may promote you to an HR generalist position within the company.
3
Work on your interpersonal and leadership skills. As an HR generalist, you'll be responsible for managing a variety of projects and people, so you want to be a team player and a good leader. Some things you can do to enhance your interpersonal and leadership skills so you're better equipped for the job are:^[7]
- Practice active-listening during all of your conversations. Listen carefully to others and occasionally repeat back what they're saying to you so they know you're listening.
- Take more initiative. At work, do things that need to be done without having to be told to do them. During your free time, pursue your hobbies and passions. Part of being a good leader is taking action even when you don't have to.
- Sign up for an interpersonal and leadership seminar or online training course. It's easier to develop these skills when you have guidance from trained professionals.
Advertisement

1

Look for HR generalist job openings. Start by looking for openings in your own department. It may be easier to get promoted within your own company since you already know how everything operates. You can even let your bosses know that you're interested in moving up and see if they know of any positions. If there aren't any openings in your company, look online for open jobs at other HR departments in the area.^[8]
2
Put together a resume . Include any degrees you've received, and list all of your experience in HR. Mention specific achievements you've accomplished and use hard numbers to quantify them whenever you can. Use simple, concise copy so your resume is easy to read.^[9]
- For example, one of the bullet points on your resume could be "Managed HR department during a period of 15-percent annual growth."
3

Write a compelling cover letter . Tell the hiring manager why you think you're a good fit for the job, and mention how many years of experience you have working in HR. Include specific skill sets you would bring to the position of HR generalist. Also, mention any formal education you have. Use a friendly and professional tone in your cover letter.^[10]
4

Prepare for your job interview. Hiring managers are going to want to see that you have excellent interpersonal and leadership skills and that you're knowledgeable in all areas of HR. If there are any aspects of the HR department you're unsure about, research and study them before your interview. Come up with examples of things you've accomplished throughout your years in HR, and think of specific times you've overcome obstacles as a leader or team member. Remember to be friendly and outgoing in your interview!^[11]
5

Keep applying until you get something. It's OK if you don't immediately get an HR generalist position. Be persistent and keep sending out applications. If you're not having success and you keep getting the same kind of feedback from hiring managers, consider furthering your education or taking a training program to fill in gaps in your resume. Eventually, you'll land the job!

Advertisement

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

References

About This Article

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 9,032 times.

Did this article help you?

Get all the best how-tos!

You're all set!