What to do…(anyone HR professionals out there?)

[MamaToAron]

Hi lovely mumsnetters,

I’m after a bit of advice.

I have two degrees, an MA in psychology and an MSc in Human Resource Management. After I completed my MSc I joined a company on a graduate scheme which is great. It’s a generic scheme with multiple rotations across business areas which allows for great exposure etc. BUT! I am very keen on progressing my career in HR and whilst working in different business areas I always made sure I got involved or supported HR projects, etc. However, this were mostly ad-hoc projects and didn’t allow me to gain a lot of HR specific experience which most of the roles are asking for.

I am about to return from mat leave and started looking for HR roles but even the entry level Hr assistant positions (which would be overc10k pay cut for me) ask for so many years of experience in and admin role etc..I have done so much more than an admin role and have a level 7 CIPD qualification but I feel so stuck as companies wouldn’t even consider interviewing me because I don’t have the practical experience on my CV..

On one hand I understand it, on the other hand I find this so frustrating as I have spent so many years studying and working towards this…was this all a waste of time and money? How can I get my foot in the door and finally start working in the field I am so passionate about…?

If anyone has any insight or advice please help a desperate girl out 😅

I would still apply, and make sure you have tailored your CV to showcase all your HR experience. The CIPD qualification should I also be mentioned and highlighted on your CV. But before you do any of this, can you not speak to your current employer about whether there are any opportunities in HR? Good luck

Agree, it's usually easier to move into HR within your own organisation than another one. Make sure you network, reach out to your local CIPD branch, see if they have a coaching or mentoring support available.

Ensure you highlight your wide understanding of business needs from your rotations, relationship building on your CV.

See if there is a local charity that could use your skills for some practical experience.

However, this were mostly ad-hoc projects and didn’t allow me to gain a lot of HR specific experience which most of the roles are asking for.

^

How is this not practical experience?

Thank you for the responses! I did ask internally, unfortunately they did a complete restructure while I was on mat leave so there are virtually no positions available in the department (I’ve been looking for months). I’ll keep my eye open though 😊 I’ll also check with the local CIPD to see if there are any opportunities.

@dipdye it is, but companies ask for x amount years experience in a generalist or specialist HR role, with all the skills and knowledge that comes with it, and I can’t say I’ve got that because I my involvement has always been in the form of projects I have pursued on the side.

It's really frustrating !! I made a sideways move into hr from being an executive assistant and did the qualifications while working - smaller companies without a big or established jr department would be a good option/ start as office manager - often office manager includes hr in small companies to get experience

@OLP2019 it really is so frustrating! I just feel so disheartened after studying so hard (and spending lots of money on my MSc) to do this only to be told it’s not enough, and even and assistant position requires years of experience. I understand the need for experience, I just feel like I have wasted all that time and money instead of just starting an admin job and working my way up from there (would probably be a lot further by now lol).

Why can't you tailor your cv so it focuses on the HR side projects? You've got the experience it's about how you word it.

What kind of HR role are you hoping to get?

Above entry level, if someone doesn’t have core HR experience (generalist, business partner etc.), I’d look for someone coming from a closely-related specialism like Payroll or L&D.

L&D might be a good one for you. It’d require more investment on your part but if you did go down the route of being accredited for MBTI or SHL or similar, it’d be a good way in.

Still apply, even if you don't match the requirements 100%. Sounds like you have relevant experience.