Hi Maria thanks for posting and sharing your situation. It sounds like you’ve been working very hard and learning a lot of relevant skills along the way. Are you attending local CIPD branch events? These are a great way to make connections and get chatting to HR professionals. You may also be able to get some careers advice and mentoring through your branch. I’m sure other community members will be along soon to give you some further ideas.

Just keep going but do get some advice on your cv

In reply to Johanna:

Thank you Johanna. Unfortunately I did not attend the London branch events, but this will definitely be something I will do in the near future, and also have just seen that there is a mentee application form on their site. Many thanks again for mentioning this.

In reply to Peter Stanway:

Thank you Peter.

Hi Maria, I've been there and done the same. It is not easy indeed. I opted working on a startup company as an office manager with HR admin duties, that later got to be more involved in many business sides of HR job. Don't apply for assistant this is already well developed experienced position. Maybe try first administrative position. My OM position showed later in my CV that I had a close working experience in HR and it helped for my next step along with Level 5 HRM and L&D Diploma. Moreover, it looks like you have been learning a lot and this is very good side to show you are a keen self-starter with genuine interest to learn and progress. Something you can put in your CV and cover letter. I would advise to have someone look at your CV and also give you tips on how to each time costumize your CV and letter for each individual job position. It is very portant to sync it well with the job description and it should echo I did this and I learnt this and can do it if I'm given the chance. Sendinf 5 CVs a day and they are all the same will not help. Get in touch with better rated local recruitment agency and see if they offer advice on it too and could boost your chances by representing you. Wishing you all the best and I'm sure you will be fab in the role.

Marija Knezevic

People BP - HR Systems & Projects Specialist

In reply to Marija:

Hello Marija,
Thank you for your message. I had a review of my CV couple of months ago and I included all the HR tasks I did in my previous office/finance admin role, things like supporting the HR Manager including organisation of all employee files, both electronic and hard copy together with uploading documents to the central portal, managing all new employee DBS checking protocols including DBS application and document checks, working with HR Manager to deliver the new starter on-boarding and induction programme, attending formal employee meetings as dedicated note taker including grievances, disciplinary and performance management, issuing and decommissioning of security passes for joiners and leavers in line with security protocols, assisting with the organisation and holding of new graduate and intern events across the UK.
I have extensive experience in the Hospitality Industry, nearly 17 years, and I just think that recruiters may think why change to HR now.