Is the scenario your current role is unfulfilling and want to obtain a human resource manager role?
Or maybe you are finalizing your studies and wanting to pursue a career in human resources?
You are probably thinking about how difficult is it to get a job in Human Resources.
Difficult getting a job in Human Resources (HR)?
Getting a job in Human Resources isn’t difficult. You will be considered for a level entry position if you have a business degree, psychology, social sciences, or sociology. Transition to a Human Resources position if you’ve spent several years managing people in business environments.
Just like any profession, having a college degree in Human Resources or certification will increase your chances of landing a human resources job.
So now I have answered the main question, we’ll explore actions you can take to help you to secure a role in Human Resource Management.
Below are some tips below on how you can obtain a role in Human Resources with little or no experience
Tips on how to get an entry-level job in HR
Be open to explore different areas of Human Resources
HR roles can be broad from employee relations to the administrative function of an organization.
Take your time to explore online the different areas of HR. Important to understand the acronym and lingo.
These can be translated into your resume and will when applying for roles and in interviews.
Broadening your knowledge of HR might also spark your interest in areas you never realized existed. This will expand the range of roles that you can apply for.
Grow your Human Resources Network
Don’t be afraid to network. Networking is a proven way to increase your chances of finding a role.
Attending HR functions will provide you access to a large group of people, where you can mingle and chat.
If you are a confident and outgoing person, networking will a breeze.
If you find groups intimidating start chatting to one or two people, then move along with other groups.
Large conferences can be overwhelming so focus on attending smaller boutique conferences,
Once you have chatted with smaller groups of people, your confidence will grow, and before you know without thinking approach people for a chat.
HR people are always willing to share and learn from each other’s experiences. So having a chat with friendly HR people will help you build valuable connections.
Also, check out LinkedIn. Follow respected Human Resource managers.
Most people are willing to help, so reach out and ask for career advice. Be conscious they are busy so be respectful of their time.
LinkedIn also has HR groups that act like Communities. These can be a fantastic way of obtaining advice or use as a sounding board for career ideas.
Best of all it’s free.
Obtain Human Resource experience at a Recruitment Agency
For many Human Resource Managers, they started their HR careers by starting in Recruitment.
The reason for starting in recruitment is challenging, not for everyone so the turnover is high and vacancies often appearing.
Level entry recruitment roles are often targeted at young people who are seen to be energetic, driven, and can be easily trained in recruitment.
This is great if you’re wanting to use it as a stepping stone into Human Resources.
You may find that you enjoy recruitment and decide to stay and pursue a career in recruitment.
This is great, I know people who have gone on to have fulfilling careers in recruitment and made a ton of money.
Volunteering for Human Resource Experience
Some organizations encourage staff outside of Human Resources to get involved in Human Resource projects.
So, seek out these opportunities by expressing your interest in HR.
For example, I worked on a project organizing 40 graduates rotating through a technology department at a large financial institution.
Medium and large organizations provide a size advantage and are likely to have more opportunities than smaller ones.
There are always human-resource-related projects.
If you are working at a smaller organization obtaining broad human resource (HR) experience can be restrictive.
However, this should not prevent you from speaking with the Human Resource Manager asking how you can go about getting experience.
For example, ask if you can participate in interviews or help develop or draft policies. Speak with payroll and ask if you can assist them with payroll duties.
Transition across from another role in Human Resources
With most organizations being flat in structure, most organizations encourage career progression by going people moving sideways into other departments.
This works well if you are already in a department for example Administration then moving across to HR in an administration role when a vacancy appears.
If you can obtain HR experience and demonstrate to the hiring managers you desire to build a career in HR then your chances of being successful in the interview and landing the HR role are much improved.
Apply for level entry roles in Human Resources
If you have limited HR experience and applying for senior roles requiring years of experience, it is always going to be difficult.
You also don’t want to land a role and be out of your depth.
For instance, if you have never negotiated with trade unions or performed an organization-wide restructure before then it is best to leave that to someone who has.
You do want your next role to be a challenge but you don’t want to be set up for failure.
So what type of level entry roles should I be looking for you ask?
Examples of Entry-level HR roles below
Human Resource Specialist
Human Resource Coordinator
Human Resource Assistant
Human Resource Recruiter
Payroll Officer
These roles help support the HR function with administrative activities, recruitment, remuneration and reward, training and induction, employee relations, and workplace health and safety.
A benefit of taking on a level entry role is being mentored by experienced Human Resource practitioners.
Level entry type roles also provide you exposure to the whole range of the human resources field. You can then determine which area you enjoy the most and want to pursue a career in.
What type of HR Qualification should I get?
To become a human resources manager recommend that you have a relevant qualification (if you haven’t already) that could be a bachelor’s degree or diploma level qualification.
If you have an undergraduate degree that is not in Human Resources, that okay.
You can always add to it by adding a major or obtaining a certificate in the specific area of HR that you’re interested in pursuing.
If you do not have an undergraduate degree you then have the option of studying to obtain one or study a certificate in Human Resources or a related field.
