Torn Between HR Roles: Should I Choose IT Recruiter in ERP or Generalist in Civil Services?

Hi, I have received a job offer as an HR Generalist in a company involved in civil services project management. Additionally, I have another offer for an IT Recruiter/Admin role in an ERP solutions company. I am in a big dilemma and would appreciate it if anyone could suggest which option might be better for me. Please leave a reply. Thank you.

What are your interests and experiences (if any)? Please compare your job profile, scope, payment, and convenience. Also, compare the company profile, scope within the company, their presence in the market, etc.

Thank you.

Hey, in my opinion, you should consider pursuing a generalist role in the civil project report. However, make sure to carefully compare both companies before making a decision.

Both companies are at the stage of growth. Which is the better industry for career purposes – ERP solutions or project management?

It purely depends on the nature of the company, working atmosphere, and HR setup/internal systems. If you think the above factors are more or less similar in both companies, evaluate which profile will suit you more, provide more exposure, and offer opportunities to learn and achieve your career objectives.

HR Generalist vs. IT Recruiter/Admin

As a generalist, you will learn about the end-to-end process of HR and be exposed to the entire spectrum of activities. However, as an IT Recruiter/Admin, you will confine yourself to a small part of the HR process. As a recruiter, your tasks will involve sourcing resumes from job portals, tele-calling, and scheduling interviews.

If the civil services project company offers you better pay and a better workplace, don't hesitate; go ahead with it.

Regards,
Sriram

Considering a Career as an HR Generalist

As a generalist, you will have to handle various tasks such as recruitment, training and development, payroll administration, and more. If you are willing to take on these multiple roles, go ahead with it. However, if you prefer a more specialized career profile, consider focusing on recruitment.

Regards

Hey, an opportunity in an HR Generalist role is not as easy when compared to a recruiter role. However, to excel in an HR Generalist role, one should be competent enough to analyze and execute all the situations that might arise during the course. It paves the way towards overall exposure and being in a decision-making role.

So, if you are passionate about it, then go ahead; otherwise, think about recruitment.

Hi, I agree with Yaasmin. One more thing I want to emphasize is that you need to understand your preferences. Since you have secured a position as an HR generalist, you are likely aware of the scope, value, and responsibilities within HR. Considering this, why would you consider transitioning to the IT sector for an IT recruiter role, where the opportunities and scope may not be as extensive as in non-IT roles? If your interest lies in core HR functions rather than solely recruitment, it may not be advisable to opt for the IT recruiter/ERP admin job.

Understanding Human Resource Management (HRM)

It is essential to recognize that Human Resource Management (HRM) is a critical management function. Human Resource Development (HRD) is a profession that encompasses a broader spectrum of activities aimed at nurturing personnel within organizations. Although the specific activities may vary across industries such as Garment Exports, Auto/Manufacturing, IT, and EPC, the core functions of HR generally remain consistent. Opting for the HR generalist role can provide you with more opportunities for growth, career advancement, and a deeper understanding of HR practices.

Considering an Admin or ERP Role

Regarding an admin job or ERP role, pursuing a course in SAP-HR may be a more beneficial option to enhance your HR skills and advance your career goals.

Simply because an offer may entail a few attractive features or a lucrative package, it may not be wise to switch paths, especially in the realm of HR where expertise and experience play crucial roles, as previously mentioned. The HR generalist position can offer you the necessary knowledge and experience to excel in the field.

Best of luck!

Hi, see if you can take something from my experience. After finishing a full-time MBA in 2009, I joined a small ITES company as an HR generalist in Chennai for a very basic pay. Now, with 13 months of experience, I'm looking for a change and have attended many interviews. What I found out is:

1. One will have a higher pay package in a recruitment profile than a generalist profile in a 1-3 year timeframe, especially if starting off with a small to mid-sized company.
2. You will learn a little bit of everything in an HR generalist profile, but if the attrition is higher in your company, then most probably you will be focusing on recruitment.
3. When you attend interviews in 1-2 years for any HR profile, you will be competing with three types of candidates: those who are generalists like you, specialists in a particular domain, and internal job postings within the company from recruitment to a generalist role.

The Two Options in Front of You

1. Join as a recruiter, earn good money, shift to a well-established company with 2-3 years of experience where, if you are lucky, you will get placed in a generalist role through job transfer at some future date, or if not, will be promoted to lead recruitment and recruitment manager (based on performance, of course). Opt for this if you want to get settled in life quickly.
2. Join as an HR generalist, gain 2-3 years of experience, while keeping updating your HR knowledge. The path of an HR generalist is slow but steady, so don't expect any quick fixes.

Choose wisely. All the best, and of course, keep us updated :)

Regards,
Benito M

I fully agree with Benito. Basically, it all depends on what you want from your career, in which direction you want it to take, and at what pace you want to move 2-3 or 5-6 years from now. In such issues, there's nothing called a 'perfect' choice/decision. It all depends on the individual's priorities. Also, keep in mind what your core strengths are— all may not be suitable for a Generalist HR role, however attractive that might look from the sidelines. The same applies to the recruiter's role too. Choose a role/job where your core/inherent strengths are used and your limitations don't become the stumbling block.

All the best.

Regards,
TS

According to me, you should go for an IT recruiter/admin role in an ERP solutions company because it's the era of IT. In the same or another company, you will have more opportunities to grow.

Dear Pushpa, The exposure you get from an HR Generalist role in sectors other than IT is much higher. HR roles in IT are often confined mainly to recruitment, with very few opportunities extending to other areas within HR. If you are aiming for a recruiter role, IT would be the ideal choice. However, if you are looking for a comprehensive HR role, being an HR Generalist would be the best option.

It is generally easier to transition into IT from other sectors, but moving from IT into other sectors as an HR professional can be quite challenging. This insight is based on my personal experience. I have worked as a recruiter for three years, and in my observation, I have noticed that manufacturing companies and other industries usually prefer HR professionals with diverse sector exposure rather than solely from the IT industry.

After accumulating around 5+ years of experience as an HR Generalist, transitioning to the IT industry becomes more feasible, especially if you gain SAP implementation exposure within your current organization. Additionally, you could consider becoming a Functional Consultant by acquiring SAP skills concurrently.

Wishing you a wonderful career in HR.

Regards,
LakshmiGanesh

Industry Growth and Career Advice

Small addition to what Mr. K J Mehta has opined. Kindly be informed that the IT/ITES allied industries have reached a saturation level in terms of growth and expansion in India. Alarmed growth was in the previous decades; such levels are not expected to be repeated in the future.

As far as construction/manufacturing is concerned, it is poised for huge expansion and contains high market potential. It is expected to attract a large number of customers and create abundant employment opportunities.

Going by the statistics and industry reports, it is advisable for you to consider a career as an HR Generalist in a Civil Project (Manufacturing/Construction) Company.

Regards,
Sriram

First of all, picture yourself. Who are you, and what kind of work do you really like? For example, if you enjoy interacting with employees and are passionate about mingling with people, you can pursue a career as an HR generalist. Otherwise, you can opt for a computerized job.

I recommend going for a generalist profile as you will gain exposure to recruitment as well as many other functions of HR. In recruitment, you will only experience sourcing and nothing else. It is always better to work in a corporate environment rather than a consultancy for better growth.

Regards,
Jalpa Mehta

Hi Pushpa, I would also suggest that you consider opting for a role as an HR generalist in a project management company. Currently, I am working as a Project Coordinator, and with new projects on the horizon, there are numerous opportunities for growth and advancement. Therefore, I encourage you to pursue this path. All the best.

Regards,
GS

With the sentiment in this email, my suggestion is to consider pursuing a career in civil services project management. Currently, the IT position is experiencing a downturn, so I recommend exploring opportunities in civil services project jobs.

Thank you,

Sharma

QUOTE=pushpananjundaiah;1412269]
Hi, I have received a job offer as an HR generalist in a company specializing in civil services project management. Additionally, I have another offer for an IT recruiter/admin role in an ERP solutions company. I am in a dilemma and would appreciate any suggestions on which option would be better. Please leave a reply. Thank you.

Hi Pushpa, First, I would like to congratulate you. According to me, you should take up an HR Generalist role as it gives you more exposure. Go for it, even though your pay package might be less initially.

If you are in a junior cadre, this training and exposure will be immense for your intellectual growth. Moreover, you will be covering the recruitment aspect as well. Your career graph will be easier to climb up. You might lose out on the incentive part that recruiters usually earn. Think twice... Good luck.

Regards, Lalitha

I would like to suggest that you consider pursuing a Generalist profile. Please keep this in mind. Recruitment is one function of HR where you will specialize in ERP solutions. However, opting for a generalist profile will provide you with exposure to every function of HR, allowing you to be regarded as specialized in all areas. Choose the path that aligns best with your career aspirations.

Regards,
Deepali

Decision-Making Criteria for Job Offers

Listen to your heart silently and take a decision. Alternatively, you can have a few evaluation criteria:

1. Scale/History of the Organization - 40 points
e.g., Very large IT company vs. small-scale civil construction
Huge civil construction company vs. very small IT company

2. Pay Package - 20 points
e.g., Large pay in a small company vs. small pay in a large company

3. Family Preferences - 20 points

4. Job Description (Role) - 20 points

You can add many more criteria to consider.

Hi, will you please tell me what the role of an HR Generalist actually is? Please help me; I am pursuing an MBA in HR.

In my opinion and experience, you must go for the first option, which is the Generalist profile. This choice will provide you with good exposure to HR profiles as well as different industry types. Good luck and have faith.

Thanks a lot, friends, for your valuable suggestions. I joined civil services as an HR generalist from today. Wish me good luck. Thanks a lot.

Welcome to the world of HR generalists, Pushpa. Haha... yeah, you will feel idle most of the time. In HR, you won't have much work to do if you wait for work to fall on your lap. Take initiative, speak with management about pressing employee issues, chalk out an action plan, get approval from senior management, and implement HR practices... that's the way you will grow professionally.