Thinking of giving up on my HR career :(

Well, for a start, James, don't give up on HR without a Plan B!

You aren't alone in struggling to find a foot on the ladder, but you have a significant advantage over others in that you have already had HR roles. However, I'm guessing that you may not have had much involvement in recruitment in your previous roles, as it sounds like you may be misdirecting your effort (and money!).

1. Most job websites just recycle jobs from other job websites. You should sign up for two, maximum three. Pick one big one (Indeed, say), one specialist HR one (PM Jobs being a good choice) and one industry-specialist one (like CharityJobs for third sector roles).

2. The easier it is to apply for a job, the more applications it will receive. Jobs that require only a CV and maybe a covering letter are easy, but inundated. Consequently, there is a tendency to look, mainly, at the two most recent roles a person has performed. Focus on roles that ask you to complete a job application form (physical or digital). These filter out more applicants, reducing the volume and making it easier to stand out. They should also provide an opportunity for you to articulate your experience in practical terms, without the reader being distracted by less relevant, more recent jobs.

By all means, still apply for CV-based jobs (it's quick and easy) but try to tailor your CV. For example, adjust the order in which you report your experience - order it by relevance, rather than date, for example. Emphasize your HR qualification and experience in the (short) opening statement. Focus on your experience (I'm guessing HR administration, onboarding and employee relations, maybe payroll).

3. Sign up with temp agencies - as many local temp agencies as you can - and emphasize to them that you are looking for HR work and *only* HR work. This will improve your CV, update your knowledge, widen your experience and put you at the front of the queue should these companies decide that they need someone permanent in the role for whatever reason. Treat your temp agency contacts well - tell them all when you are starting a new contract. Let them know when you expect it to finish. Update them when you're a week or two away from completion to let them know your availability and to inform them of any new experience you've gleaned from the time you spent there.

4. Learn the STAR approach to answering interview questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

5. Work on a Plan B. Somehow or other, you need a way to make a living. While getting back into HR is your Plan A, before you give up on that, you need a Plan B. Look for community courses, volunteering opportunities and ways to monetize your other skills and hobbies.

Hi Robey, Just picking up on your point 2 ( Consequently, there is a tendency to look, mainly, at the two most recent roles a person has performed.) For someone of an older generation who has a longer past record would you advice to cover all past work history on a CV or would you recommend say maybe the last 5 to 10 years ?

Hi David - for someone who (like me!) has a longer work history, i think it is important to get across some key achievements. This can be useful for anyone as it helps the recruiter see what you could possibly deliver for the organisation. But I've found it particularly useful as i've got older - i have key achievements section before i get to work history and that is quite brief, with a summary of what happened between 1984 and 1990 when i had a variety of roles, non HR related whatsoever

yes you make a good point there, thanks

On a CV, I would generally say to cover only the more relevant roles (whenever they occurred, although it will obviously be more relevant the more recent it is) and offer a complete work history on request. To make it clear that you weren't, say, in prison, you might like to include a line covering the omitted period with an explanation - such as "various administrative and management roles with companies such as Extensive Enterprises Inc and General Widgets Ltd". The rule of thumb is to do whatever it takes to keep your CV to two pages (other than reducing the font size below 10 pt).

I wonder whether one issue could be that most of my recent roles, on the first page are financial positions (accepted out of necessity). Whereas the main bulk of my HR roles are on my second page.

In your opinion could it be a good idea to group all my HR experience on the first page (regardless of when it occurred) and then other non HR roles on the second page?

I suppose it can't hurt ‍♂️

Hi James, I;m fairly new to this field and I've applied for various jobs without any luck. I spoke to a recruiter and for every job posted in this COVID era they are receiving around 500 CV's. The best advice I have had is to look for the decision makers within the company via linked in, twitter etc and reaching out to them that way. Think of companies that you would like to apply to and call them, email the de ision makers and message via social media. That may help....I'm still trying.

This is really useful, thank you!
Using an order of relevance rather than date, would you recommend omitting the dates in case the non-reverse chronology appears confusing or would you include them?

I wish you the best of luck in your search

I wish you the best of luck in your search