HR Generalist vs. HR Specialist: Which Career Path is Right for You?
The HR field offers diverse career paths, but should you become an HR Generalist or an HR Specialist? In this guide, we break down the key differences, job responsibilities, and career prospects of each role to help you decide.
By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-14 at 2:48 AM
Updated on 2025-03-28 at 6:22 AM
What’s the Difference Between an HR Generalist and an HR Specialist?
The main difference between an HR Generalist and an HR Specialist is the scope of their responsibilities.
- HR Generalists handle multiple HR functions across different areas, such as recruitment, employee relations, payroll, and compliance.
- HR Specialists focus on one specific area of HR, such as talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, or learning and development.
Think of an HR Generalist as a jack-of-all-trades, while an HR Specialist is an expert in one domain.
If you’re still exploring your career options, check out 5 Ways to Position Yourself as an Employer of Choice in Malaysia to understand what companies look for in HR professionals.
HR Generalist: Job Scope and Career Path
An HR Generalist wears many hats and typically works in small to mid-sized companies where HR functions are not highly specialized.
Key Responsibilities:
✅ Managing employee records and HR policies
✅ Handling recruitment and onboarding
✅ Overseeing payroll and benefits administration
✅ Managing employee relations and conflict resolution
✅ Ensuring compliance with labor laws and company policies
Who Should Consider This Role?
HR Generalists are ideal for individuals who enjoy variety and want to build a broad HR skill set. This role provides a strong foundation for advancing into HR leadership positions, such as HR Manager or HR Director.
💡 Best for those who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and like handling multiple HR functions at once.
For more insights on how HR impacts company success, read How to Develop a Recruitment Strategy to understand the role HR plays in shaping an organization.
HR Specialist: Job Scope and Career Path
An HR Specialist focuses on a specific HR function and is more common in large organizations with structured HR departments.
Types of HR Specializations:
✅ Talent Acquisition: Hiring and onboarding top talent
✅ Compensation & Benefits: Designing salary structures and employee perks
✅ Learning & Development: Training and upskilling employees
✅ HR Analytics: Using data to drive HR strategies
Who Should Consider This Role?
HR Specialists are best for those who prefer expertise in a single area and want to deepen their knowledge in a specific function. This role is a great stepping stone for becoming a Senior Specialist, HR Consultant, or Subject Matter Expert (SME).
💡 Best for those who enjoy specialized tasks, deep analysis, and strategic planning within a focused HR domain.
If you’re interested in HR analytics and data-driven decision-making, check out How Technology is Shaping the Future of HR to see how HR professionals are leveraging tech in their roles.
HR Generalist vs. HR Specialist: Salary Comparison in Malaysia
Salaries can vary depending on experience, company size, and industry, but here’s a general breakdown:
| HR Role | Entry-Level (RM) | Mid-Level (RM) | Senior-Level (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HR Generalist | RM3,000 - RM4,500 | RM5,000 - RM7,500 | RM8,000+ |
| HR Specialist | RM3,500 - RM5,000 | RM6,000 - RM9,000 | RM10,000+ |
💡 Specialists may earn more in senior roles due to their expertise in high-demand areas like compensation, HR analytics, or learning & development.
For salary negotiation tips, check out How to Negotiate Your Salary in Malaysia.
Which HR Career Path Should You Choose?
You can choose to do HR Generalist if…
✔ You want to handle a wide range of HR functions
✔ You enjoy multitasking and problem-solving
✔ You’re aiming for HR leadership roles in the future
You can choose to do HR Specialist if…
✔ You prefer mastering one specific HR function
✔ You enjoy research, strategy, and data-driven decision-making
✔ You want to become a subject matter expert in HR
Still unsure? Take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to find out which career path suits your strengths!
Both HR Generalists and HR Specialists play crucial roles in shaping company culture and employee experience. If you prefer variety and flexibility, becoming an HR Generalist is a great choice. If you enjoy deep expertise in one area, an HR Specialist role might be your calling. Looking for HR job opportunities? Check out Hiredly’s job listings, join the Young Talent Community, and take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to discover roles that match your skills and strengths!
By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-14 at 2:48 AM