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Entry-Level HR Generalist Resume
This resume example highlights key achievements and relevant skills, making it ideal for career changers looking to excel as HR generalists in a competitive job market.
Why this resume works:
A strong academic foundation shows the candidate is well-prepared to transition into this role.
Mid-Career HR Generalist Resume
This resume example is perfect for HR Generalists looking to leverage their experience in employee relations and recruitment strategies to advance into more compelling roles within the field.
Why this resume works:
Highlights reduced turnover, increased productivity, and recruitment cost savings.
Experienced HR Generalist Resume
This hr generalist resume example is perfect for experienced professionals ready to step into strategic roles and influence organizational culture positively.
Why this resume works:
Leadership roles and advanced certifications underscore the ability to manage complex scenarios.
Looking for something else?
Create Your Standout Resume Today
Use our resume examples for inspiration on organization, color, and design—and learn how to effectively summarize your HR generalist skills and experience with confidence.
How to Write an HR Generalist Resume
Learning how to write a resume is important for HR generalists who want to emphasize their unique contributions beyond just listing qualifications. A well-crafted resume can effectively highlight your skills in managing human resources and improving organizational efficiency.
In the following sections, we will guide you through creating an effective resume. You'll discover essential resume tips on presenting your experience, skills, and achievements that align with hr generalist roles.
Start with your contact info
The header section contains all your contact information, prominently displayed at the top of your resume. Begin with your name in a bold, larger font to ensure it captures attention immediately. A clean and professional layout using contrasting colors can help distinguish this section from the rest of your resume.
Next, include critical contact details such as your email address, phone number, and location: city and state will suffice. This information is vital for recruiters to reach you quickly and ensures that applicant tracking systems can accurately parse your details during their search for qualified job seekers.
Additionally, consider including links to relevant certifications or training programs, along with a personal website or online portfolio if applicable. These links can provide further evidence of your qualifications and expertise in HR practices, helping to differentiate you from other applicants by showcasing your professional background effectively.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary offers a brief overview that highlights your key qualifications and skills, typically located right below your contact details on your resume. This section serves as an initial glimpse into your background for hiring managers.
Including specific achievements and tailoring your summary to the job you're applying for can significantly improve your chances of standing out. By customizing this section, you demonstrate a clear alignment with the company's needs.
For inspiration, explore various resume summary examples online that illustrate effective structures and language. These resources can guide you in crafting a compelling summary that resonates with potential employers.
Strong vs weak HR generalist summary
Strong
"Results-driven HR generalist with over seven years of experience in employee relations, recruitment, and performance management. Adept at implementing effective HR policies that improved retention rates by 15% and improved employee engagement scores. Proficient in conducting training sessions and managing benefits administration, certified in SHRM-CP. Recognized for fostering a positive workplace culture through active communication and support."
Why this example works: This summary effectively outlines the applicant's extensive experience, provides measurable achievements like improved retention rates, highlights essential skills such as recruitment and training, and incorporates relevant keywords from HR job descriptions.
Weak
"HR generalist seeking a position to use my skills in human resources. I have some experience in various HR functions and enjoy collaborating with others."
Why this example doesn't work: This summary is weak because it is generic and lacks specific details about the applicant's actual HR capabilities, achievements, or relevant experience.
Highlight key interpersonal skills such as conflict resolution and teamwork on your HR Generalist resume. Use specific examples from previous roles that illustrate how these skills fostered positive workplace relationships and improved employee engagement.
Share your work history
Listing your work experience in reverse-chronological order allows hiring managers to quickly see your most recent accomplishments. This approach highlights your career growth and helps recruiters evaluate how your skills align with the job requirements. It also shows the progression of responsibilities you've undertaken over time.
When detailing each position, include these key elements:
- Job title and company name
- Dates of employment (month and year)
- Core duties (What tasks were central to your role?)
- Contributions and achievements (Did you improve employee engagement or optimize HR processes?)
- Quantifiable results (For example, "increased retention rates by 10%.")
Finally, keep in mind that using dynamic action verbs will make your descriptions more compelling.
Strong vs weak HR generalist work history
Strong
HR Generalist, ABC Corp
2018–2023
- Managed recruitment processes, successfully filling over 150 positions with a 90% retention rate in the first year.
- Implemented a new onboarding program that reduced training time by 25%, increasing productivity for new hires.
- Facilitated employee engagement initiatives that boosted overall satisfaction scores by 40% as measured by annual surveys.
Why this example works: A strong work history showcases specific achievements and responsibilities, providing tangible evidence of your capabilities and experience. Including metrics and role-specific accomplishments illustrates both your HR expertise and leadership potential.
Weak
HR Generalist
XYZ Corp
- Handled employee files and processed paperwork.
- Assisted with orientation and training.
Why this example doesn't work: This work experience entry is weak because it lacks specific details about the HR functions performed, does not mention any metrics or outcomes, and fails to clarify the scope of responsibilities.
Highlight your leadership skills on your resume by using specific examples such as "Facilitated employee training sessions for a team of 10" or "Implemented new HR policies that improved employee satisfaction by 20%." These statements emphasize your ability to lead and support organizational growth effectively.
Highlight your key skills
The skills section of your resume is key to showcasing your strengths as an HR generalist. Here's a rundown of various skill types and their significance in improving your candidacy:
- Soft skills are personal attributes that demonstrate how you engage with others—such as communication, conflict resolution, and empathy. For HR generalists, qualities like active listening and adaptability are important as they help build strong relationships and foster a positive workplace culture.
- Hard skills are specific abilities acquired through training or experience that are important for an HR generalist. Examples include skill in HR software, knowledge of employment law, recruitment techniques, and employee relations management.
- Technical skills for an HR generalist include expertise with various HR software and systems. Some examples are human resources information systems (HRIS) such as Workday, applicant tracking systems (ATS) like Greenhouse, and performance management tools such as BambooHR.
For HR generalists just starting out, position your skills section near the top of your resume to highlight your abilities despite limited experience. On the other hand, seasoned professionals should place their skills section after work history, as their experience effectively showcases their competencies.
Top 15 skills for your HR generalist resume
When selecting skills for your HR generalist resume, focus on a mix of soft skills, like interpersonal communication and problem-solving, along with hard skills such as recruitment strategies and compliance knowledge. Including transferable skills will further demonstrate your adaptability and value to potential employers.
Here’s a list of the 15 most popular skills for HR generalists, based on insights from JobHero users. Highlighting these skills can help ensure your resume stands out in a competitive job market while aligning with what employers are seeking in job seekers.
Build your education section
When crafting your resume, the education section's prominence should reflect your experience level and industry standards. For seasoned HR generalists with extensive work history, it's advisable to emphasize professional achievements over educational credentials. In such cases, consider placing your education section towards the end of your resume or even omitting it if irrelevant.
Conversely, for recent graduates entering the HR field or those transitioning into specialized roles, education holds significant weight. Position this section prominently at the top of your resume to showcase degrees, relevant coursework, and any certifications that demonstrate your qualifications.
Ultimately, tailoring the education section based on these factors allows you to present a compelling narrative that aligns with industry expectations and highlights your most relevant experiences effectively.
20 action verbs to add to your resume
Resumes for HR generalists become more compelling with action verbs. These verbs effectively convey experience and accomplishments, energizing the content to engage hiring managers.
Select action verbs that resonate with HR responsibilities and align with skills listed in job postings, ensuring relevance and improving your candidacy.
- Recruited
- Trained
- Facilitated
- Analyzed
- Oversaw
- Improved
- Promoted
- Guided
- Resolved
- Optimized
- Coached
- Developed
- Streamlined
- Supported
- Executed
- Reviewed
- Partnered
- Directed
- Engaged
- Evaluated
Consider additional resume sections
In addition to the primary details on your resume, incorporating optional sections can effectively highlight your unique qualifications. These additions enable hiring managers to quickly recognize your skills, experiences, and accomplishments that extend beyond standard resume content.
Here are optional sections commonly found on HR generalist resumes:
- Specialized skills: Identify specific HR functions such as recruitment, employee relations, or benefits administration where you excel.
- Certifications and training: List relevant certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR that validate your expertise in HR practices.
- Professional development: Highlight workshops or courses completed that demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning in human resources.
- HR projects and initiatives: Describe successful projects you've led or contributed to that improved workplace culture or efficiency.
- Memberships and affiliations: Include memberships in professional organizations like SHRM or local HR chapters to show engagement with the field.
5 Tips for Formatting Your Resume
Proper resume formatting is important for job seekers aiming to capture the attention of recruiters. Using ATS-friendly resume templates improves your chances of engaging with recruiters and successfully navigating through automated filtering systems.
1. Watch your line spacing and margins
Proper spacing helps your resume look clean and organized, making it easier for hiring managers to read. Effective use of space can draw attention to key details while maintaining a professional appearance. Here's what works best:
- Keep margins between 0.5″ to 1.0″ for a balanced look.
- Use single spacing between paragraphs and bullet points for clarity.
- Increase the space to 1.5″ or double-space between sections to distinguish different parts of your resume.
2. Use a professional font
Choosing the resume font that suits your needs can greatly influence the presentation and professionalism of your resume. Consider these reliable options:
- Helvetica
- Garamond
- Verdana
- Trebuchet MS
- Book Antiqua
- Calibri Light
Consider using a slightly bolder or larger font for your name at the top to draw attention and convey confidence.
3. Organize your resume sections
A resume for an HR generalist should be clear and easy to read. Use bullet points to succinctly convey your responsibilities and achievements. Start each bullet with a strong action verb, such as "Facilitated employee onboarding programs that improved retention rates by 25%," which showcases both your role and the positive impact you made.
Highlighting measurable accomplishments is essential in distinguishing yourself from other applicants. For example, "Implemented a new performance management system that increased employee engagement scores by 15%" illustrates how your actions led to tangible results in the workplace.
To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly, consider using an ATS resume checker. This tool helps identify any formatting issues or missing keywords, ensuring that your application passes through automated filters effectively.
4. Use colors and design
Using color and design elements in your resume can significantly improve its effectiveness and visual appeal. A well-crafted design not only helps convey your personality but also emphasizes key qualifications.
Begin by selecting a suitable resume template that aligns with your organizational style. The combination resume format is particularly useful, as it features a side column for skills, which can be highlighted with color to stand out against your work history.
Next, choose a professional color scheme. Opt for shades that are clean and sophisticated, such as deep greens or muted blues. These colors can create a balanced aesthetic when used for headings or section dividers.
It's important to avoid overly bright colors that may detract from readability. Additionally, steer clear of any hues associated with competitors or those that could negatively impact the perception of your professionalism. By focusing on subtlety and clarity, you can create an engaging resume that reflects your strengths in human resources.
5. Keep your resume length to 1-2 pages
Resumes should typically be one page to ensure clarity and conciseness. Recruiters quickly scan resumes, often in less than 10 seconds, so it’s important to highlight key achievements and relevant experiences. Focus on the most compelling roles and skills that align with the job you're pursuing.
There are exceptions where a two-page resume is justified, such as for applicants with extensive experience or those applying for senior-level positions. In academia or research fields, a CV may be more appropriate due to the need for detailed information about publications and projects. Always tailor your document to best fit the position you seek.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my resume?
Creating a writing a cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application, even if it's not mandatory. It gives you an opportunity to highlight your qualifications and share your unique story, making you more memorable to hiring managers. If you're unsure where to begin, explore our extensive collection of cover letter examples that can spark your creativity and guide you in crafting yours. When you're ready to put pen to paper, make sure to use our Cover Letter Builder for a structured approach that walks you through every step.
What is the best resume format?
Choosing the right resume format depends on your individual career needs. The three main formats are chronological, functional, and combination. Each serves a distinct purpose for various job seekers at different stages of their careers.
For those with extensive work experience, the chronological format is ideal as it showcases employment history clearly. Recent graduates or individuals changing fields might find the functional format more beneficial since it emphasizes skills and education. Lastly, the combination format merges both approaches to provide a well-rounded view that benefits mid-level professionals or individuals transitioning between industries.
How long should my HR generalist resume be?
As an HR generalist, your resume should ideally be one page long, especially if you have less than a decade of experience. Recruiters often sift through numerous resumes quickly, so keeping it concise helps highlight your key qualifications effectively.
Emphasize relevant HR experiences, certifications, and skills that relate to the position you're applying for. Focus on recent roles and achievements that showcase your capabilities in recruitment, employee relations, and compliance. Remove older positions or unrelated job details that do not add value.
Consider a two-page resume only if you are a senior HR professional with extensive experience or specialized expertise in areas such as talent management or organizational development. In these cases, the additional space allows you to present your comprehensive background more effectively.
What’s the difference between a resume and a CV?
A resume is a concise document, typically one page, summarizing your most relevant skills and experiences tailored for a specific job application.
In contrast, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is more comprehensive and can span two to six pages. It includes detailed information about your entire academic and professional history, such as publications, presentations, research experience, and educational background. If you're unsure how to write a CV, resources are available to guide you through the process.
Resumes are commonly used in the corporate sector, while CVs are often required in academia or research positions.
To further clarify these differences and assist in crafting your own documents, consider looking at CV examples relevant to your field.
Build a custom resume in minutes with our professional templates and expert tips.
Natalia Merced
CPRW, Career WriterNatalia is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches and has worked in the career industry for more than two years providing comprehensive guidance on resume writing and job search strategies for individuals across diverse career paths. She holds a master's degree in counseling psychology and a bachelor's degree in public relations and advertising and is passionate about helping job seekers present their professional story effectively through well-crafted resumes and cover letters that demonstrate their value, skills, and experience to potential employers. Some of her work has been featured on JobHero's resume examples career center.
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By Gabriela Barcenas | CPRW, Career Writer
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