HR vs. Talent Acquisition in Malaysia: What’s the Difference & Which Career Is Right for You?
HR and Talent Acquisition are both essential in building a strong workforce, but they focus on different aspects of hiring and employee management. In this guide, we break down their differences, key job responsibilities, and career prospects to help you choose the right path.
By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-14 at 3:11 AM
Updated on 2025-03-28 at 6:22 AM
What’s the Difference Between HR and Talent Acquisition?
While HR (Human Resources) and Talent Acquisition (TA) both deal with hiring and people management, their focus areas are different:
- HR is broader and covers the entire employee lifecycle, including hiring, training, performance management, and workplace culture.
- Talent Acquisition specializes in recruitment—sourcing, attracting, and hiring the right candidates for a company’s needs.
💡 Think of HR as managing the entire employee experience, while TA is laser-focused on bringing in the right talent.
HR Career Path: Job Scope & Responsibilities
HR professionals handle a wide range of employee-related tasks, ensuring smooth operations within a company.
Key Responsibilities:
- Employee Relations & Workplace Policies – Managing company culture, conflict resolution, and compliance.
- Performance Management – Implementing appraisal systems and career development plans.
- Compensation & Benefits – Overseeing salaries, bonuses, and employee benefits.
- Training & Development – Organizing upskilling programs and leadership development.
- Recruitment & Onboarding – Handling hiring needs, though typically not as specialized as TA roles.
💡 Best suited for individuals who enjoy a holistic approach to managing people and workplace policies.
For more insights on how HR influences company success, check out How to Develop a Recruitment Strategy.
Talent Acquisition Career Path: Job Scope & Responsibilities
Talent Acquisition (TA) is a subdivision of HR that focuses purely on hiring and recruitment strategies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Candidate Sourcing & Headhunting – Identifying potential hires through job portals, LinkedIn, and referrals.
- Interviewing & Assessment – Screening candidates and coordinating interviews.
- Employer Branding – Creating recruitment campaigns to attract top talent.
- Recruitment Analytics – Using data to improve hiring strategies.
- Building Talent Pipelines – Developing relationships with passive job seekers for future hiring needs.
💡 Ideal for those who enjoy networking, strategic hiring, and finding the best candidates for companies.
For more insights into hiring, read 5 Ways to Position Yourself as an Employer of Choice.
HR vs. Talent Acquisition: Salary Comparison in Malaysia
Salaries for HR and Talent Acquisition professionals vary based on experience and company size.
| Job Role | Entry-Level (RM) | Mid-Level (RM) | Senior-Level (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HR Executive | RM3,000 - RM4,500 | RM5,000 - RM7,500 | RM8,000+ |
| HR Manager | RM6,000 - RM10,000 | RM10,000+ | RM15,000+ |
| Talent Acquisition Executive | RM3,500 - RM5,500 | RM6,000 - RM9,000 | RM10,000+ |
| Talent Acquisition Manager | RM7,000 - RM12,000 | RM12,000+ | RM18,000+ |
💡 Talent Acquisition professionals tend to earn higher salaries at senior levels due to their specialized skills in recruitment and employer branding.
For salary negotiation tips, check out How to Negotiate Your Salary in Malaysia.
Which Career Path Should You Choose?
You can choose HR if…
✔ You want to manage people and workplace culture.
✔ You enjoy helping employees grow within a company.
✔ You like a broad scope of responsibilities, from training to employee engagement.
You can choose talent Acquisition if…
✔ You enjoy hiring and finding the right talent for companies.
✔ You’re skilled at networking, recruitment strategies, and employer branding.
✔ You prefer a specialized role that focuses on sourcing and hiring the best candidates.
Still unsure? Take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to see which role suits your strengths best!
Both HR and Talent Acquisition are crucial in building and maintaining a strong workforce. If you’re passionate about people management and workplace culture, HR is the way to go. If you love recruitment, employer branding, and hiring strategies, Talent Acquisition is your best bet. Looking for HR or Talent Acquisition job opportunities? Check out Hiredly’s job listings, join the Young Talent Community, and take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to find the perfect career match!
By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-14 at 3:11 AM