How get I get my CV noticed for a HR role

[mommathatwearspink]

I have always had an interest in human resources and the role they play within an organisation. I finally bit the bullet last year and started my CIPD Level 3 which I will complete in July.

I am eager to find my first role as a HR administrator and although I have 9 years administration experience, my CV just isn't being noticed.

Is there anyone that could give me any advice on what I should be including? Thank you in advance

Sorry title should read...

How can I get my CV noticed for a HR role.

I guess you need a friend to have a look and be brutally honest!

You need to look at ads and see what the key tasks are and buzzwords that will attract attention. Keep it to two pages.

Slant your past experiences towards your new roles.

I heard that 'mission statements' are not fashionable anymore.

Are you applying for jobs direct or using a recruitment agency? Some (and I will caveat this heavily!) recruiters are really helpful at selling your CV to the hiring manager / HR particularly when the CV shows a career change or employment gap. I will say that it is a very competitive area, with lots of graduates looking for entry level HR roles, but your admin experience should stand you in good stead. Bottom line, find a good recruiter / agency to help you.

It's a very difficult question to answer as it will depend hugely on the role in question and what they are looking for/what sector it is/what responsibilities are involved.

Are you going for permanent roles or temporary? Consider temp work if you have not already, it can be a good way to get your foot in the door and breadth of experience. If you are willing to do even the really short term contracts you may find they are easier to get as there will be less people willing to do them. Once you've done a few contracts and got some experience you will be in a better position to go for permanent roles. I work in HR and it's great. Never regretted it as a career choice. It is never boring!

Are you working as an administrator at the moment? If so, does your employer have an HR department, and is there any prospect of relevant opportunities arising?

What format is your study (ie distance learning, attending college)? Do you have contact with other students who might be in a similar position or already working within HR? Any course leaders you can approach? Have you contacted the CIPD for advice and tips?

Your 9 years' administrator experience - is this presented on your cv with an HR slant, highlighting any activities/responsibilities that might be relevant to an HR function?

I know it's competitive and a bit of a Catch 22 (difficult to get a job without experience, difficult to get experience without a job), but are you looking in all the right places for the relevant opportunities, and firing off lots of applications, including speculative?

I would ensure that you write a covering letter explaining why you want to get into HR, if your CV shows no experience in HR it's likely to be overlooked for someone with some experience. This way you cover that and hopefully give yourself a better chance. Good luck