HR specialists tend to focus on a single area, such as recruiting or training. HR generalists handle a number of areas and tasks simultaneously. Small companies will typically have one or two HR generalists on staff, while larger ones may have many devoted to particular areas and services.

Some typical daily tasks for an HR worker include:

• Consult with employers to identify needs and preferred qualifications
• Interview applicants about their experience, education and skills
• Contact references and perform background checks
• Inform applicants about job details such as benefits and conditions
• Hire or refer qualified candidates
• Conduct new employee orientations
• Process paperwork

HR managers will also:

• Plan and coordinate the workforce to best use employees' talents
• Resolve issues between management and employees
• Advise managers on policies like equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment
• Coordinate and supervise the work of specialists and staff
• Oversee recruitment and hiring process
• Direct disciplinary procedures