Guidance on search for level entry HR position - HR Qualifications and studying - Careers Clinic

6 Guidance on search for level entry HR position

17 Feb, 2017 08:10

Hello everyone,

Last year I decided that I needed a change in my career as I no longer felt challenged in my current role as a Legal Secretary. Because I enjoy working with and helping people I decided to pursue career in HR and I am currently undertaking CIPD Level 3 in HR Practice (anticipated completion date end of June).

I already started applying for entry level HR positions but having been unable to secure any interviews due to not having experience in HR. I have worked in USA as a paralegal for 9 years and moved to UK 4 years ago. I continued working in the legal field. I have extensive experience in administration and providing full secretarial support to stakeholders at different business levels. I have registered with 2 recruitment agencies and, in addition, I have 'cold' sent my CV to various employers in Hull. I am actively looking for vacancies and follow up on applications I have sent. I alter my CV and cover letter to match each job description. The reason for not being shortlisted for interview is always lack of experience.

Due to financial responsibilities I am not able to participate in apprenticeship programmes. I feel like I am at a dead end and looking for any guidance and advice/recommendations on how to proceed. Would it be better to wait until I obtain qualification?

Thank you in advance for any comments.

Regards

Julija

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Sajda | 0 Posts

22 Feb, 2017 11:16

Hi Julija,

As someone who has been flirting with the idea of going down the HR route for some months, I also found that even all of the entry level HR vacancies I saw required some HR experience. I did not make a concerted effort to search such vacancies, but when I did, it was always disheartening to see that HR experience was always a prerequisite.

I am by no means an expert as I am new to this, but I can see that you have lots of transferable skills. I am sure that you have tailored your CV appropriately to each job you have applied to. In addition to this, perhaps volunteering with a charity/ none profit to help with HR functions/ admin. work on an evening/ weekend might be worth looking into.

I was recently offered a vacancy as an HR Administrator (Recruitment) within the Public Sector which did not require me to have any experience (albeit, the pay is shockingly low!). A couple of weeks later, another Administrator position (Employee Relations) was advertised, again, requiring no previous experience. The other good news is that these jobs were not located a million miles away from where you are. If I see anything which might be suitable, I will let you know.

Thank you.
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Julija | 0 Posts

2 Mar, 2017 08:06

In reply to Sajda:
Thank you for your comment. I will have to keep searching and wil take a look at some charity work!
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Hannah | 0 Posts

2 Mar, 2017 09:13

Hi Julija,

Best advice is to continue with the course and just keep looking. As you have discovered, most roles require you to have experience. There are some that you won't need experience for, unfortunately it is just a case of luck of the draw.

Recruitment admin seems to be a good way in. That is how I got my foot in the door, and from what I have seen on here, others have had a similar experience. (like Sajda)

It's just a waiting game I'm afraid! I'm sure with your experience you will find something suitable though.

Best of luck :)
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Julija | 0 Posts

2 Mar, 2017 18:28

In reply to Hannah:
Thank you Hannah for your comment. This is encouraging! I will keep looking and remain patient.

Julija
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Cass Clothier | 0 Posts

2 Mar, 2017 20:15

In reply to Julija:
Hi Julija

I had been volunteering and gaining some general HR Admin experience before I found my way in to HR via the public sector so make sure that you set up a profile on NHS Jobs.
Good luck with your search
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Katie Nalty | 0 Posts

3 Mar, 2017 12:44

Hi Julia,

I would agree with Hannah - Recruitment admin or Recruitment co-ordinator is a great way into HR.
On your CV I would highlight any interaction you had with interviews or new starters while working as paralegal, even if it was just training.
Also if you had any exposure to Employment Law during your legal work make sure this is top of your CV!

Thanks,
Katie
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