Hell All,

Thank you for reading my post. 

I could do with some advice from the community, I retrained from an Engineering job into HR due to family reasons, I have completed a BA(Hons) in Human Resource Management and I achieved a First, I am now also studying for an MSc in Human Resource Management so my CIPD Associate Membership status will soon be Level 7.

However, I am really struggling to find anywhere that will give me a chance to obtain some direct working experience, I have applied through Graduate schemes and have in general performed well, making the final stage at BP and Sellafield. However, when I apply for any other jobs, they tend to be either entry level, of which I never receive a response or at the level matching my qualifications, but unfortunately all requiring previous working experience in an HR role. I am even struggling to obtain a voluntary position, as I realise that direct working experience in HR is probably a stumbling block for me.

Does anybody have any advice on how I may get past the first hurdle and convince an organisation to take a chance on me? I am literally willing to work for free at this stage to prove that I am worth the investment.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Michael