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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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  • I missed part of your final question...what are people looking for

    The key thing I am looking for in interviewing HR bods is the ability to answer the "So What?" question - its amazing how many people can't. People are very good at saying they did X,Y or Z - although usually without many metrics or success criteria. But if you ask them "So what?" they flounder.

    We often think in HR in terms of something being "good" therefore we should do it. A PDP process, or a wellbeing initiative or an engagement survey. Why would any one question these or want more. But in your answer and in your follow up demonstrate that you understand doing stuff, no matter how worthy, in and of itself is not enough. There has to be a demonstrable and meaningful impact on something and the organisation (either old or new) must want this result.

    So did the PDP process enable you to fill more of your senior hires with internal candidates saving time and costs? Did the wellbeing initiatives reduce sickness absence? If so by how much and is it sustainable? Etc etc

    Move away from apple pie statements and towards harder more meaningful metrics and deliverables and at least with me you would have far more of a chance

  • in reply to Keith
    I completely agree.

    What are people looking for? Someone who gets things done - the things they want done, for the reasons they want them done.
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