Prior to moving to the UK in July 2019 to join my husband, I worked as an HR Assistant with the Marist Brothers of the Schools, Province of Nigeria. After I arrived UK, I research on career prospect for HR, that was how I knew of CIPD. With the advice I got from ICS Learn students' advisor and having a bachelor's degree and an experience in HR, I started my CIPD level 5 course in January 2020, and worked as a carer too.
I have been job hunting since January 2021 and was able to secure only 2 interviews which weren't successful after the second round of the interviews, with no obvious reason for the rejection ( I always ask for feedback so I can improve in my job search). I am as well keeping an eye on voluntary work in HR, but haven't even seen any.
Please I need advice and suggestions on how I can surmount this devastating stage in my career journey. I have completed my CIPD level 5 course now and upgraded to associate member of CIPD without a job.
It must be very frustrating to be in this situation, when you have skills and experience in HR that you can offer - you just need the opportunity to demonstrate it.
Your written English is (understandably) not as fluent as someone who has it as their first language. This could be a barrier to you securing an interview, as the recruiter will only have your written application in front of them when shortlisting - so won't appreciate your other strengths in the same way as in person.
If you don't already, I would advise asking someone to read and amend your covering letters or personal statements, to make sure there is nothing that should be changed. It's not the most important part of HR, but equally good written communication skills are usually a criteria that employers will look for, in relation to an HR role.
I'd also advocate for the charity Smart Works here - an organisation that supports women who are out of work with a personal dressing session and interview coaching, to help prepare for an interview. I volunteer for them to provide interview coaching, and can see how much their support helps people. It's entirely free (and includes an interview outfit, and clothes for when you start work) - I think you need to be referred in by an agency, but if you're based near any of their centres, I'd strongly recommend accessing their services.
It must be very frustrating to be in this situation, when you have skills and experience in HR that you can offer - you just need the opportunity to demonstrate it.
Your written English is (understandably) not as fluent as someone who has it as their first language. This could be a barrier to you securing an interview, as the recruiter will only have your written application in front of them when shortlisting - so won't appreciate your other strengths in the same way as in person.
If you don't already, I would advise asking someone to read and amend your covering letters or personal statements, to make sure there is nothing that should be changed. It's not the most important part of HR, but equally good written communication skills are usually a criteria that employers will look for, in relation to an HR role.
I'd also advocate for the charity Smart Works here - an organisation that supports women who are out of work with a personal dressing session and interview coaching, to help prepare for an interview. I volunteer for them to provide interview coaching, and can see how much their support helps people. It's entirely free (and includes an interview outfit, and clothes for when you start work) - I think you need to be referred in by an agency, but if you're based near any of their centres, I'd strongly recommend accessing their services.
