Resume Example
HR Generalist Resume Example
Highlight employee relations, onboarding, and HR operations. This sample focuses on people process outcomes.
Classic Professional
Traditional single-column ATS-optimized layout. Best for conservative industries.
Keywords
Sample bullets
- Reduced onboarding time by 30% through standardized HRIS workflows.
- Managed employee relations cases with 95% positive resolution scores.
- Coordinated benefits enrollment for 300 employees with zero compliance issues.
Soft skills
- Confidentiality
- Conflict resolution
- Communication
- Organization
Certifications
- SHRM-CP
- PHR
Why this works
- Shows measurable improvements in onboarding and retention.
- Highlights compliance and employee support outcomes.
- Demonstrates operational organization across HR functions.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a HR Generalist Resume
Lead with HR scope
Feature employee population supported, locations, and HR functions owned. Include complexity like multi-state compliance or rapid growth. Show breadth of HR generalist responsibilities.
Showcase employee lifecycle management
Include recruiting support, onboarding, performance management, and offboarding experience. Feature employee relations and conflict resolution.
Demonstrate compliance expertise
Highlight employment law knowledge, policy administration, and regulatory compliance. Include specific laws and compliance achievements.
Feature HR programs and initiatives
Include benefits administration, training coordination, and culture initiatives. Show contribution to employee experience.
Include HRIS and analytics
List HR systems used, reporting capabilities, and data-driven HR practices. Show technical proficiency in HR operations.
Summary Examples
Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries
“HR Generalist supporting 400 employees across 5 states with full employee lifecycle management. Reduced time-to-fill 30% through improved recruiting processes. Achieved 95% compliance in annual audit.”
Shows population, multi-state scope, efficiency, and compliance.
“Senior HR Generalist partnering with managers on employee relations and performance management. Resolved 50+ employee issues annually with zero escalations. Led onboarding redesign improving new hire satisfaction 40%.”
Demonstrates ER expertise, resolution success, and program improvement.
“HR generalist with experience in human resources.”
No population size, functions, or specific achievements mentioned.
“Experienced in HR operations and employee support.”
Too vague about scope and doesn't show HR impact.
Action Verbs
Power Words for HR Generalist Resumes
Common Mistakes
What to Avoid
- ✗Not specifying employee population and scope
- ✗Missing compliance and regulatory experience
- ✗Omitting employee relations examples
- ✗Being vague about HR functions owned
- ✗Not showing HRIS and system expertise
- ✗Failing to demonstrate program contributions
Salary ranges
| Level | US | EU | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | USD 50,000-60,000 | EUR 35,000-45,000 | CAD 60,000-70,000 |
| Mid | USD 60,000-80,000 | EUR 45,000-60,000 | CAD 70,000-85,000 |
| Senior | USD 80,000-100,000 | EUR 60,000-75,000 | CAD 85,000-100,000 |
Market themes
- Generalists support fast-growing teams
- HR analytics adoption is increasing
US hot markets
- Austin
- Seattle
- San Francisco
- New York
EU hot markets
- London
- Dublin
- Amsterdam
Canada hot markets
- Toronto
- Vancouver
FAQ
Common questions about this role
What should HR generalists emphasize?
Employee relations, HR operations efficiency, and compliance performance.
Which metrics are strongest?
Time-to-onboard, retention rates, and compliance audit results.
Related Roles
More HR & People Examples
Beyond Templates
Templates are so 2015
Static templates give everyone the same look. Our Resume Studio uses AI to dynamically generate a completely unique resume for every job—personalized to your style, your experience, and the role you're targeting. No two resumes are ever the same.