Feeling Stuck in IT Recruitment? Seeking Advice on Transitioning to HR Generalist Roles

Respected Seniors, I need a suggestion about my career. Currently, I have 6 years of experience in IT Recruitment. Now, I am interested in transitioning into a generalist HR profile. Could you please suggest if I need to pursue any certifications, such as Payroll, T&D, or any other specific area of HR? What is the scope of these certifications, and where can I obtain them?

I am feeling very confused these days! Please help!

Thanks & Regards...

For moving into a generalist HR profile, it is not necessary that you complete any certification. Certification by itself will make you competent in a specific area of HR and not in generalist HR.

If you have done some homework on this topic or used the 'research' option in CiteHR, the job description of a generalist HR will be clear. You need to be equipped with working knowledge in every functional area of HR like Recruitment, Selection, Training, Payroll, Appraisal, Compensation and Benefits, Exit, etc.

The KPIs will be directly linked to the above functions, and KRAs will be set on the basis of the generalist role. Firstly, look out for an employer who will hire you as a generalist, get acquainted with functions, and once you feel you need to learn more and get certified, go ahead.

Thank you, Sriram. Are you trying to say that I'll prepare myself theoretically for a Generalist opening to crack an interview and, wherever I feel the need, accordingly go for specialization in a particular area?

Certification and Career Growth

Tell me one more thing - will the growth scope increase after certification, and which certification and from where should I obtain it to give me career growth?

Thanks & Regards.

Definitely, you need to be prepared to crack an interview. Learning will be either through the subjects you have covered in your MBA HR or through practice in your existing or previous employments.

Becoming an Effective Generalist HR

To be an effective generalist HR, a certification or MBA in HR alone will not help you. You should be equipped with competencies to handle issues pertaining to all functional areas, face scenarios, and come out with the right solutions. On the lighter side, you can say "Master of all, Jack of none."

The Role of Certification

Certification will definitely boost your chances of career advancement, only if you are able to apply it effectively for the betterment of people and the organization.

I can guide you on the certification, but only after you venture into a generalist HR role and realize which is your apt area and needs further learning and certification.