Job Description
Are you the kind of person who likes to do a little of this and some of that? Then the role of HR generalist might be right for you.

HR generalists wear many different hats. One minute you may be negotiating your company’s employee benefits package, and the next, you’re interviewing a candidate for a director-level position. To help determine if this is the right job for you, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I enjoy changing gears on a moment’s notice?
• Am I open to learning about areas in which I currently have no expertise?
• Am I comfortable leaving a project unfinished to handle emergency situations?
• Do I consider myself fairly flexible?

Median Salary
$58,000

Education Requirements
The educational backgrounds of HR Generalists vary considerably, reflecting the diversity of duties and levels of responsibility. In filling entry-level jobs, many employers seek college graduates who have majored in human resources, human resources administration, or industrial and labor relations. Other employers look for college graduates with a technical or business background or a well-rounded liberal arts education.

Job Outlook
Employment of HR Generalists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. College graduates who have earned certification should have the best job opportunities. Overall employment is projected to grow by 17 percent between 2006 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations.