What an HR generalist does
An HR generalist handles a broad mix of human resources work: recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, policy development, performance management support, benefits enrolment, HR records and compliance tasks. In small and mid-sized organizations the generalist is often the entire HR department, advising managers, answering employee questions and keeping documentation in order. In larger organizations, generalists usually support a specific site, division or group of departments.
Because the role spans so many areas, a generalist needs both breadth and judgement. Managers will bring them problems ranging from scheduling disputes to performance concerns, and how those are handled affects morale, retention and legal risk. Finch screens for real experience across the HR cycle, familiarity with Ontario's Employment Standards Act and the confidence to advise managers. We confirm HRPA designations where you require them and check references with former supervisors.
Typical responsibilities
- Coordinate recruitment, onboarding and offboarding
- Advise managers on employee relations and performance issues
- Draft and update HR policies and the employee handbook
- Administer benefits enrolment and changes with the carrier
- Maintain HR records and the HRIS
- Support compliance with employment standards and workplace health and safety requirements
Qualifications and credentials
- A diploma or degree in human resources or business
- The CHRP or CHRL designation through HRPA is often preferred
- Previous generalist experience across several areas of HR
- Familiarity with Ontario's Employment Standards Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Experience with an HRIS such as BambooHR, ADP Workforce Now or a similar system
- Tactful communication and the ability to advise managers
Who hires an HR generalist
- Mid-sized private companies
- Manufacturers and distribution centres
- Health care and community service organizations
- Professional services firms
- Non-profit organizations and charities
Where we recruit HR generalist candidates
We fill HR generalist roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Breadth of hands-on experience across recruitment, employee relations and policy
- Practical understanding of Ontario employment standards, tested with scenarios
- HRPA designation status, confirmed where required
- Judgement and discretion, confirmed through references
- Fit with your organization's size and how much HR structure is already in place
Interview questions to ask
- A manager wants to dismiss an employee after one bad week. How would you advise them?
- Tell me about an HR policy you wrote or updated. How did you roll it out?
- Which parts of HR do you enjoy most, and which do you find most challenging?