Comprehensive HR Generalist Skills Guide: Key Competencies for Success

A detailed and thorough HR Generalist skills resume showcases a balance of technical HR expertise, interpersonal abilities, and organizational skills. Below is a comprehensive list organized by skill categories:


1. Core HR Functions and Operations

  • Administering employee onboarding and offboarding processes
  • Managing payroll, benefits, and compensation programs
  • Conducting new hire orientations and employee training programs
  • Maintaining and updating HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems)
  • Developing and implementing HR policies and procedures
  • Performing job analyses and creating accurate job descriptions
  • Handling employee data management and compliance reporting

2. Recruitment and Talent Acquisition

  • Sourcing and screening candidates through ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
  • Conducting interviews and coordinating hiring processes
  • Collaborating with hiring managers to define job requirements
  • Managing offer letters, employment contracts, and negotiations
  • Overseeing internship and talent pipeline programs
  • Leveraging social media and networking for recruitment strategies

3. Employee Relations

  • Managing workplace conflict resolution and mediation
  • Supporting employee engagement and retention initiatives
  • Addressing grievances and conducting investigations
  • Implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies
  • Advising management on performance improvement plans
  • Facilitating disciplinary actions and terminations in compliance with labor laws

4. Compliance and Legal Knowledge

  • Ensuring compliance with labor laws (FMLA, ADA, EEOC, FLSA, etc.)
  • Conducting audits for legal and regulatory compliance
  • Preparing for and assisting with investigations by regulatory agencies
  • Keeping up-to-date with federal, state, and local employment laws
  • Managing workers’ compensation and unemployment claims
  • Overseeing compliance with anti-discrimination and harassment laws

5. Compensation and Benefits

  • Administering and managing employee benefit programs
  • Conducting market research for competitive compensation packages
  • Analyzing and benchmarking pay structures to ensure equity
  • Managing open enrollment and explaining benefit options to employees
  • Coordinating with third-party vendors for benefits and retirement plans

6. Training and Development

  • Identifying training needs and implementing employee development plans
  • Facilitating leadership development and succession planning programs
  • Managing compliance training (e.g., harassment prevention, workplace safety)
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of training programs through metrics
  • Supporting career pathing and mentoring initiatives

7. Strategic HR Skills

  • Aligning HR initiatives with organizational goals and strategies
  • Conducting workforce planning and analyzing workforce trends
  • Supporting organizational development and change management efforts
  • Developing and implementing employee engagement strategies
  • Partnering with leadership to drive business performance

8. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

  • Building and maintaining trust with employees and management
  • Delivering effective communication through presentations and meetings
  • Acting as a liaison between employees and leadership
  • Demonstrating active listening and empathy in employee interactions
  • Writing clear and concise policies, memos, and training materials

9. Analytical and Technical Skills

  • Conducting HR metrics analysis (turnover rates, engagement scores, etc.)
  • Utilizing data to inform decision-making and improve HR processes
  • Managing HRIS platforms such as Workday, ADP, or BambooHR
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for reporting
  • Leveraging HR analytics tools to forecast trends and plan initiatives

10. Leadership and Collaboration

  • Coaching and mentoring managers and employees
  • Leading cross-functional teams to implement HR projects
  • Collaborating with external vendors and consultants
  • Advocating for a positive organizational culture
  • Promoting leadership buy-in for HR initiatives

11. Time Management and Organization

  • Managing multiple HR projects simultaneously
  • Prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
  • Maintaining accurate records and filing systems
  • Ensuring timely responses to employee and management inquiries

12. Global HR Knowledge (if applicable)

  • Managing expatriate assignments and immigration processes
  • Understanding international labor laws and compliance requirements
  • Supporting global talent acquisition and workforce integration

13. Certifications and Training (if applicable)

  • Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
  • Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
  • Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)
  • Specialized training in FMLA, ADA, or HR compliance

This comprehensive list demonstrates the breadth of skills HR Generalists bring to an organization. Highlighting a tailored combination of these skills on your resume will position you as a strong candidate ready to handle the diverse responsibilities of an HR Generalist role.

Elga Lejarza

Founder & CEO

HRTrainingClasses.com

HRDevelop.com