HR

How to transition from an HR Generalist to an HR Specialist

7 mins
Sellick  Partnership

By Sellick Partnership

Two roles are often discussed in the Human Resources (HR) space: HR Generalists and HR Specialists. Both HR jobsbring value to employers, with Generalists covering a broad range of responsibilities and Specialists honing in on a specific niche. Understanding the nuances between the two positions is pivotal, especially for HR professionals aspiring to transition from an HR Generalist to an HR Specialist. Additionally, knowing how to make the transition is also essential.

 This guide will provide an overview of both roles for talent considering a change in their HR career. We'll then highlight the key steps to transition from an HR Generalist to an HR Specialist.  

In this guide, we’ll explore the following:  

  • HR Generalist vs HR Specialist: what’s the difference? 

  • What is an HR Generalist? 

  • What is an HR Specialist? 

  • How to become a HR Specialist  

HR Generalist vs HR Specialist: what’s the difference?

As the name implies, HR Generalists lend their expertise across various duties in the HR industry. The role involves supporting numerous HR functions, from recruiting and onboarding talent to maintaining employee data and nurturing healthy staff relationships.  

On the other hand, HR Specialists focus their expertise on a specific area of HR. In this role, HR professionals hone in on functions such as recruitment or employee retention and satisfaction. While they are often responsible for various tasks, their primary duties involve operating within their specialist niche. 

Understanding the differences between the positions is essential if you’re looking to transition away from an HR Generalist role or searching for specialist HR jobs. For this reason, we’ve dedicated a section of this guide to outline what both roles entail. Below, we’ll answer the questions ‘What is an HR Generalist?’ and ‘What is an HR Specialist?’ to give you a comprehensive overview of how the roles differ. 

What is an HR Generalist?

Compared to specialist HR jobs, which focus on a specific aspect of HR, Generalists cater to several areas of HR management. Generalist jobs in HR involve various responsibilities and require talent to have a diverse skill set. Whether in an entry-level or director-level role, HR Generalists are crucial to ensuring the HR department maintains its efficiencies and functionalities. These HR professionals oversee duties such as recruitment and onboarding, staff training, and company payroll.  

HR Generalists are valuable assets to any organisation. They know relevant labour laws and regulations, ensuring their employer remains compliant. Additionally, they support and offer advice to senior management and the board on key business decisions such as talent acquisition. Talent in these HR jobs will also help companies outline their policies and procedures, supporting employers in effectively handling workplace safety and employee relations. 

As we've established, generalist HR talent often shift their focus from various tasks. Below is a comprehensive overview of the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an HR Generalist: 

  • Hiring talent and managing phases of the recruitment process  

  • Onboarding employees across the various departments of a business  

  • Implementing company policies, including workplace safety 

  • Administrating payroll 

  • Outlining training and development initiatives 

  • Managing staff benefits, including healthcare, pensions and paid annual leave 

  • Overseeing employee relations, including managing staff disputes and issues 

  • Conducting performance management meetings 

  • Documenting employee terminations  

  • Handling employee promotions and pay rises 

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