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Struggling to break into the HR industry

Adrienne

Hello HR community!

I posted earlier this year about struggling to break into the HR industry and unfortunately I am still struggling!

I have now completed my MSc HRM which has given me CIPD Level 7 membership. I have administrative experience in the education and finance sector.. However, I am still having no luck with HR roles. I am constantly told I am inexperienced. 

I have applied for various roles at various levels - HR administrator, HR generalist, HR coordinator, People coordinator, Diversity and Inclusion... no luck!

I have seen a few other posts similar to this one.. I thought I would add to the pile of 'struggling to break into the HR industry' to share my experiences with everyone and highlight that this is a common situation, even with the relevant qualifications. 

Any advice, guidance.. help?

Regards, 

Adrienne 

  • I think your best bet will be to look for a graduate entry scheme in HR.
    The problem you are facing is that you are over-qualified for entry roles (administrator etc) but have no experience to go in at a higher level. Personally I think universities offering HR masters to people with no HR background should be shot - it's mis-selling as it's not going to open the doors for you unless you are very determined and very lucky. Which may sound harsh, but I'm telling you that it's not you personally, it's the situation you were badly advised to get yourself in. It's not impossible - my previous workplace created a graduate entry scheme with one placement in HR, and it went to an HR MA holder without experience, and I know of others who do enter the profession in that way. It's just not the easiest route.
  • in reply to Fiona
    Hi Fiona,
    Thank you for your response and providing your perspective.
    I find that some people who are in these HR jobs barely hold HR qualifications which creates that notion of going to study these qualifications to gain accredited knowledge and land in respective job roles.
    It has been a really difficult and admittedly frustrating transitioning period, despite my experience in administration, I cant even land a HR administrative role.
    I have researched some HR grad schemes and will continue to do so,
    Thank you
    Adrienne
  • in reply to Adrienne
    I do wish you all the best with this - we need new entrants with real passion - it goes a long way. If you still apply for admin level jobs, play up your general admin experience and make it clear that you are looking for a solid role for 2-3 years to build your practical experience to back up your qualifications.
  • in reply to Fiona
    Thank you very much for your advice :)
  • in reply to Fiona
    Nothing wrong with someone going to university and getting a BSc in HRM and then going on to either an MA/MSc, as long as the student has taken the opportunity to undertake a placement or two, The trick is to get placements arranged in year 2 and when I say placements I don't mean as an HR assistant or HR Administrator. In the past year I have seen a couple of students who have undertaken placements mid-course at HRBP level, that does mean that their four years at university is expanded to six if you include the placement years. I do agree with your sentiment that nobody should be undertaking a Level 7 without any previous experience and if I'm totally honest Level 5 as well.
  • Hi Adrienne

    Have you had someone review your CV and given you feedback to see if you are presenting yourself in the best possible light?

    Have you considered doing temp roles to help get your foot in the door somewhere?

    Anél
  • Hi Adrienne,

    I am right there with you and understand how you feel. I have completed level 3, studying level 5 but no luck with HR positions. I have applied for +30 positions over the last 10weeks in HR, Payroll, Accounts without any luck. Employers sometimes forget that they also started somewhere to become expert in their jobs. I wish you good luck!
  • in reply to Oumou K
    I think there is generally an over supply of candidates and a lower demand than usual at the moment (agencies I have spoken to are blaming uncertainty over Brexit for recruitment drives on hold), so try not to take it too personally. Pragmatically, if you have a lot of candidates then you can pick and choose and it's natural to prioritise those with experience. Keep trying and I'm sure you'll find the right employer who does want an entry level person.
  • in reply to Fiona
    Thanks you Fiona. My aim is to apply for at least +2 jobs every week. I am confident will find my luck. It is sometimes frustrating not to be given a chance

  • Hi, I read posts like this all the time - "qualified" but no experience.

    You need to understand the HR market is oversaturated, and with many senior people being made redundant, employers can get highly experienced people forever reducing salaries.

    Having said that here would be my suggestions:

    1) try to get an HR apprenticeship

    2) keep applying for ENTRY level jobs, but with a level 7 qualification, people may be hesitant to recruit you because you are likely to have expectations of moving on quickly

    3) get a job where you get line management experience, and then look for a sideways move in the organisation. having line management experience increases your value as an HR professional - it adds to your credibility

    Hope this helps and good luck

    This blog hay help - https://rapidbi.com/what-came-first-the-job-or-the-experience/