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Looking for advice while I search for a new role. Level 5 qualified, with 8 years experience as Standalone Generalist.

Claire

Hello all

I am really hoping someone in the community might have some pearls of wisdom. I have been a standalone HR generalist role for 8 years in the charity sector. I am unashamedly people focused and strongly believe people are a organisations biggest asset, look after your team and the organisation will reap rewards. I believe in "prevention, not intervention" when it comes to employee wellbeing and mental health. I believe in good employee engagement, diversity and inclusion. But finding a organisation where I fit the bill is proving impossible. 

I took the opportunity and a big leap of faith by volunteering for redundancy when the charity I worked for faced financial hardship. I believe it is a real opportunity to join a new organisation, experience a different sector and hopefully be part of a wider HR team so I can learn and grow in my career. 

I am aware I have much to learn and have looked at lots of different HR roles. 

Though my success rate at being invited to interview is high, sadly getting over the line in a interview is just not working out for me.  

I have asked for feedback each time so I can get some insights, learn and develop my technique. I have completed CPD training and joined webinars where I knew I had gaps. Still no luck. I am very aware that at times it is just down to personality and fit. 

My feedback has been varied; no global experience, no experience in the sector I applied for (even though I got to interview), I am too people focused, I am too nice and the organisation has very strong managers, I am aiming to low, I am stretching too far, I wont be content and will move on, I am a perfect culture fit but... 

As every interview I have had is with HR professionals I thought I would ask if any of you can give me some advice and guidance.. What are people looking for? 

Thank you for taking the time to read.. 

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  • Hi Claire,

    I think I'm going to say a similar thing to other posters but I wonder whether you're frightening interviewers into thinking that they're going to have to implement a load of new policies and procedures and that all this people lark might be a bit too much like hard work! If it's not relevant to them or what they're looking for, then it might lead them to a no. Perhaps you could head this off by asking about what they view their people challenges to be and then you could speak to those much more specifically by providing a practical workable answer (rather than a more idealistic one perhaps). If, for example, their problem is high levels of sickness absence, they might be looking for practical steps you'd take to deal with the immediate problem while waiting for the wider 'prevention not intervention' approach to kick in.

    Jacqueline's post made me think that also perhaps (if it works for you) looking at maternity covers might be a good opportunity to look to a different industry - they might be willing to be more flexible as it's a temporary appointment? (I do appreciate that the flip side might also be true but no harm in exploring it as a possibility!).
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  • Hi Claire,

    I think I'm going to say a similar thing to other posters but I wonder whether you're frightening interviewers into thinking that they're going to have to implement a load of new policies and procedures and that all this people lark might be a bit too much like hard work! If it's not relevant to them or what they're looking for, then it might lead them to a no. Perhaps you could head this off by asking about what they view their people challenges to be and then you could speak to those much more specifically by providing a practical workable answer (rather than a more idealistic one perhaps). If, for example, their problem is high levels of sickness absence, they might be looking for practical steps you'd take to deal with the immediate problem while waiting for the wider 'prevention not intervention' approach to kick in.

    Jacqueline's post made me think that also perhaps (if it works for you) looking at maternity covers might be a good opportunity to look to a different industry - they might be willing to be more flexible as it's a temporary appointment? (I do appreciate that the flip side might also be true but no harm in exploring it as a possibility!).
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