Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

The Work

A Human Resources (HR) Generalist is a key person within the HR department of an organisation. The HR Generalist works under the HR Manager and carries out HR projects as assigned by the HR Manager.

He/She ensures that all HR policies are adhered to and that all documentation is kept up to date and in line with legislation, directives, and best practice.

On a daily basis, the HR Generalist liaises with all HR sections, such as recruitment and staffing, payroll, staff training and development, and employee relations. The generalist also attends HR relevant meetings as required. He/She typically has administrative and filing responsibilities and generally provides support for the HR Manager with daily duties and projects and provides reports to the HR Manager and Management Team.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.
• Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.
• Maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.
• Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.
• Review employment applications and job orders to match applicants with job requirements.
• Inform job applicants of details such as duties and responsibilities, compensation, benefits, schedules, working conditions, or promotion opportunities.
• Select qualified job applicants or refer them to managers, making hiring recommendations when appropriate.
• Schedule or conduct new employee orientations.
• Maintain and update human resources documents, such as organisational charts, employee handbooks or directories, or performance evaluation forms.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Many employers look for HR generalists with a relevant degree (e.g. business, Law and Management, Social Science, Psychology), or a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) recognised qualification in HR Management which are offered through many different colleges and universities on a part-time basis around the country.

Having experience in a professional HR role and knowledge of current employee legislation and administrative systems often gives candidates a major advantage.

Training & Development Pathways

FET Centre Traineeship: Business Admin, Customer service, Supervisory & Project Management in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Psychology, Business Management, Human Resource Management at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Recruitment Executive Apprenticeship NFQ level 8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business Administration, Human Resource management, Arts Psychoology NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development & associations

Postgraduate Study Options Business Administration, HR Management NFQ level 9

Working as a HR Generalist can provide many career opportunities to move upward within the HR function, to HR Manager and eventually HR Director for example.

There are plenty of courses in HR management and employment law that can support you in your role and help you progress in your career as you need to stay up-to-date on employment law, GDPR and other regulations.

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in Ireland: Membership in professional bodies can give you access to news, events and training opportunities.

The 30% club: Diversity Initiative 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €60k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Brightwater / Morgan McKinley/ Azon/ Lincoln /Clark/ Osborne

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual average employment growth rate for this occupation was almost on a par with the national average, with employment growing by 3,600 persons between 2021 and 2022. Of the total employment permits issued in 2022, over half were for the ICT sector. The number of online job adverts (OVATE) declined by 5% in 2022, following strong growth the preceding year.

Although there was little evidence from employers that these roles were proving difficult-to-fill, the skills required for this occupation have shifted somewhat, with data from Spotlight on Skills indicating a strong demand for talent management/employee engagement skills, as companies increasingly focus on staff retention rather than recruitment in a tight labour market.

Demand for this occupation depends very much on hiring activity in the economy overall; slower growth and a reduced number of job-changers, particularly in sectors such as ICT, will likely dampen the demand for HR staff, and a return to the 2021 increase in employment (driven by post-pandemic re-hiring) is unlikely in the short-term.

• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in Ireland

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