How to Write an HR Generalist Resume (With an Example)

By Indeed Editorial Team

Published November 25, 2022

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

A human resources (HR) generalist manages hiring, schedules training and development programs, processes payment and benefits, and oversees general employee relations. When hiring for this role, prospective employers typically look for candidates with strong resumes that demonstrate their relevant skills and experience. Understanding how to create an effective resume can help you highlight what makes you qualified for the role. In this article, we explain what an HR generalist resume is, outline the steps to write one, and provide a template and an example you can use for guidance when writing your own.

What is an HR generalist resume?

An HR generalist resume highlights your education, experience, and skills for this role. These professionals' duties contribute to employee performance and the company's culture. Their responsibilities can involve assisting and advising supervisors on employee relationships, evaluating performance issues, developing staff policies, and identifying areas that require improvement. They may also organize and implement training programs for employees, educate colleagues about new processes, and teach them about occupational welfare and safety.

When applying for the HR generalist role, employers typically want candidates with strong educational qualifications and an interest in developing as a professional. The latter entails keeping up with recent trends in the industry by learning about processes and policies that can help them excel in this role. It's also necessary for candidates to have relevant skills that can ensure they succeed in this position. A detailed resume allows you to outline your abilities, education, and other certifications the employer wants in a candidate that indicates how well you can perform the job's duties.

How to write an HR generalist resume

Here are the steps to follow when writing a resume for this role:

1. Include your personal information

Write your contact information at the top of the resume. This information introduces you to the hiring manager and helps them communicate with you to discuss your application or invite you for an interview. The details you might include are your full name, phone number, a professional e-mail address, the city and province or territory you live in, and your degree title, if relevant.

You can also include links to professional social media profiles or a portfolio link. Consider including them if they provide additional information that can support your application, such as awards, certifications, and other professional experience. You can format this section in bold or use a larger font to make it easier for the hiring manager to identify your resume.

2. Write a professional summary

This section consists of two to three lines that explain why you're a suitable candidate for the role. This section comes immediately after your contact information and provides an overview of your professional experience, achievements, and educational qualifications. Consider using action verbs to describe your skills and accomplishments from previous roles, and explain how you can transfer these to the intended role. You can personalize this section by mentioning your career goals and expectations for the prospective position. It's advisable to sound confident and make this section engaging to encourage the hiring manager to read your application.

3. Discuss your professional experience

This section is your resume's most important and detailed section. Before writing this, consider outlining all your work experience that relates directly or indirectly to the role. Then, you can choose the three most relevant, including your current position, and write these on your resume in reverse-chronological order. Other information to highlight in this segment includes the job title, company name, company location, and duration of employment. You can use five bullet points to discuss your current or most recent role's duties and achievements and three bullet points for other positions.

When discussing your responsibilities, ensure you mention the tasks, results, and impact on the organization. You can also mention the skills you applied to achieve these. Use action verbs at the beginning of each bullet point to help you sound assertive. You can also use figures, averages, and percentages to quantify your achievements and demonstrate your value to the hiring manager.

4. Outline your skills

This section discusses the relevant skills you have developed from your professional experience and educational training. Although this role may require some general abilities, it's advisable to focus this segment on the specific talents that the employer wants in a candidate. You can identify these by reviewing the job listing or description of the role you want. You can then highlight the relevant skills necessary to succeed in this role.

Typically, there are two ways you can format this section on your resume. One option is to outline your competencies in order of relevance or expertise while combining your technical and soft skills. Alternatively, you can categorize these separately and outline them accordingly. Some essential soft skills for these professionals include communication, decision making, problem solving, interpersonal abilities, and negotiation. Technical skills that can help you succeed in this role include knowledge of performance management, employment contracts, employment law, HR procedures and policies, word processing, and employee engagement.

5. Mention your educational background

This section outlines the relevant degrees and technical training that qualify you for the HR generalist role. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in business administration, HR management, organizational development, or other related fields. Some companies may also prefer applicants to have a master's degree in a relevant subject. Ensure you review the job listing to identify the minimum educational qualifications for this position. You can format this section in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent degree. Include the degree type and institution's name and location.

Resume template for an HR generalist role

Here's a template you can use when writing a resume for this position:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [E-mail address] | [City], [Province or territory]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications, and achievements as a professional].

Experience
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [Province or territory]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome, or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company name] | [City], [Province or territory]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome, or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Education
[Degree and major] | [Name of school or university]
[City], [Province or territory]

Resume example for an HR generalist role

Here's an example to guide you when writing a resume for this position:

Sarah Fitzpatrick, Master of Science in Industrialized Organized Psychology
512-678-7125 | sarah.fitzpatrick@email.ca | Winnipeg, Manitoba

Professional Summary

Dedicated human resources professional with experience in onboarding, recruiting, training and development, and benefits administration. Demonstrates commitment to a collaborative approach while providing exceptional service to employees. Looking for an HR Generalist role in a progressive organization that values growth and development.

Experience

HR Generalist | September 2018–Current
PowerQI Inc. | Winnipeg, Manitoba

develop training programs for managers on topics such as FMLA administration, harassment prevention, and ADA accommodations
assist with hiring decisions by conducting reference checks, phone interviews, pre-employment testing, and background checks
manage payroll functions, including maintenance of personnel files and processing direct deposit setup and timecards
oversee the implementation of compensation changes and company-wide benefits to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws
created a new HR information system, resulting in a 20% increase in employee satisfaction

HR Generalist | July 2014–August 2018
Wave FinTech | Winnipeg, Manitoba

coached managers and conducted quarterly reviews on how to manage the team effectively, which resulted in an increase in productivity by 20%
worked with management to develop a new employee onboarding program, which resulted in a 30% reduction in the time taken for new hires to become established in their role
collaborated with department heads to implement company-wide training programs designed to improve overall job skills

Education
Master of Science in Industrial Organization Psychology | Freeman's University
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | Westview Tech
Winnipeg, Manitoba