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How to break into first HR role?

Sonam

Hi Everyone

Hope you are all well.

I have recently enrolled on a CIPD level 3 in human resource practice with ICS learn. I decided to study this course after leaving my scientific career last month. I graduated with a Bsc(Hon) Pharmaceutical & cosmetic science degree 5 years ago and worked in pharma labs . I have been thinking of a career change for a while and finally made the first step forward with studying this course.


Now I am looking to find some experience within the HR industry, I have applied for a few roles within the West Midlands but haven't had any response, I have also emailed some companies for voluntary work but again nothing. I've registered with specialist HR recruitment agencies, but they require you to have at least 6 months experience within an admin role. I believe I have brilliant transferable skills as my previous roles involved me being in the office environment (admin duties, report writing, problem solving etc..) as well as practical work. I have come from a strict working background and  think I can push myself and do really well. I did however take a two year gap from the science industry which involved a lot of admin work and customer service. Can anyone give any advice on how to secure my first role? Any further tips?

Thanks
Sonam

  • Hi Sonam, where are you based? I work for St John Ambulance and I know we have a number of voluntary HR vacancies across England which may be suitable. I was just going to post regarding my open vacancies in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland when I came across your post :)
  • Hi Sonam,

    I have to say that it feels good to know that there is someone else in the same boat as me!

    I have also just completed a Level 3 CIPD qualification and since then I have been applying for HR Admin roles in the West Midlands area too with no luck!

    I also feel that I have transferable skills too and I just need to be given the opportunity it just seems so difficult!

    I am going to re-do my CV so that is more HR focused/friendly as my background is mainly retail and hospitality.

    I am going to look for HR Admin roles within all different industries such as Schools, Councils, Universities, NHS etc.

    Everything has HR so hopefully someone will take a chance on us.

    Good Luck

    Sara :)
  • Hi Sonam, I too am in the west mids area and completing my Level 3 next month. I got in to HR firstly by starting in a recruitment agency to build my experience in recruitment and selection. I then found a medium sized company where they hired me to do a bit of everything, PA, HR, Admin, Customer Services.. basically running the office and naturally built my HR profile where I am now transitioning in to purely HR and from there will work up to become the HR Manager in the next 12 months.

    So my advice would be to get in to recruitment/ internal recruitment and work up from there.
  • Hi Sonam,
    I am currently in the same position as you, i am coming to the end of my Level 3 and just starting to apply for roles.
    Having worked in the NHS for 8 years as a therapy assistant , before that a personal trainer and sports therapist for rugby and sports clubs, it is safe to say my HR experience is non existent up until starting this course.

    i submitted my CV to a CV writing company and then gave me free feedback on how my CV looked and found i was massively underselling myself in terms of my transferable skills from 10 years in employment. Ive also applied fro some jobs and talked to recruitment agencies but to no avail yet, i guess it is just a waiting game.
    My nest port of call is to see if my trust will allow me to do any work shadowing in the HR department, as I have wednesdays off. I didn't look at this as an option before as i was using my day off to complete my studies but now i am coming to the end i feel this may be a starting point to at least get some 'experience' in HR to my CV.

    Good luck!
    jenny
  • in reply to Claire
    I did the same thing and then followed it up with a temporary HR role which led into HRBP and HR Manager roles.