I have been a manager in the retail sector for 13 year. I have done a course in HR, so am an associate member, but would like to make the jump to work in HR.
What would you recommend is the best way to make this career move? If more training, which course would be best?
Thanks in advance.
As the many, many examples of people coming here with an MSc in HRM or Level 7 qualification and asking "How do I get into HR?" illustrate, more training is not the answer. Experience is the answer.
Gareth is right that volunteering is an option if there is a charity with an HR team nearby that has work that could reasonably be done by a volunteer, but that's a lot of "ifs". My own experience has been that the most reliable pathway into HR is through temp roles. These are likely to be entry-level admin jobs - maybe advisor jobs, if you're lucky. But recruiters looking for a temp are less fussy about experience and more forgiving when it comes to only wanting to do a job long enough to pad your CV. Also, if you temp and show yourself to be competent, reliable and professional (which I'm sure you would), you'll find yourself first in the queue should a permanent opportunity arise in the same organization.
It's also a chance to network in local businesses, so never burn bridges after temp contracts are up. Stay in touch with the HR or recruitment team and make sure they know that you're available for more temp or permanent work.
As the many, many examples of people coming here with an MSc in HRM or Level 7 qualification and asking "How do I get into HR?" illustrate, more training is not the answer. Experience is the answer.
Gareth is right that volunteering is an option if there is a charity with an HR team nearby that has work that could reasonably be done by a volunteer, but that's a lot of "ifs". My own experience has been that the most reliable pathway into HR is through temp roles. These are likely to be entry-level admin jobs - maybe advisor jobs, if you're lucky. But recruiters looking for a temp are less fussy about experience and more forgiving when it comes to only wanting to do a job long enough to pad your CV. Also, if you temp and show yourself to be competent, reliable and professional (which I'm sure you would), you'll find yourself first in the queue should a permanent opportunity arise in the same organization.
It's also a chance to network in local businesses, so never burn bridges after temp contracts are up. Stay in touch with the HR or recruitment team and make sure they know that you're available for more temp or permanent work.
