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Looking for advice/ideas

Tracey

| 0 Posts

26 Sep, 2022 11:06

Good afternoon all,

I am looking for a bit of advice.  I currently work in a role that is not 100% HR, but as part of my role, I deal with a lot of recruitment, onboarding, inductions, learning & development, wellbeing, drafting and approving contracts, involvement in restructures and redundancies, exit interviews etc etc.  I would like to move to a sole HR function role (which I cannot do in the company I currently work for) where I can progress my career following completion of my level 7 CIPD qualification that I am currently undertaking and have therefore been applying for new employment for the last few months.  However, I don't seem to be getting anywhere.  I am applying via Indeed, total jobs, personnel today jobs, Hays etc.  I either do not hear anything back (which is the most common) or I am just rejected.  I have asked for feedback - some have said my experience does not meet the requirements for the job, but everything on the JD is what is listed on my CV/what I do in my current and past roles.  I have sought advice on my CV to ensure I am capturing everything I should be and have been told by numerous people that it is fine.  I have worked through the CIPD Career Hub, I have followed up on some of the applications I have applied for, but nothing of any substance is every communicated.  I work full time in London and therefore cannot seek any voluntary positions, as I simply do not have enough time with work and studying.  I am looking at either HR Advisor, HR Generalist or HR Manger roles.  I have managed teams/direct reports in the past.   Any advice would be gratefully received as I am feeling somewhat deflated.  Thank you in advance.

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  • Elsa Knight

    | 0 Posts

    26 Sep, 2022 11:50

    are you using LinkedIn? Get your profile up to date, set up job notifications and start networking.
    Speak to some specialist agencies, get some calls booked in so that they can really understand what you have done and can put you forward for roles they have.
  • Tracey

    | 0 Posts

    26 Sep, 2022 11:53

    In reply to Elsa Knight:

    Thank you. I have used linkedIn/set up job notifications. I have spoken to two specialist agencies who have me on their books, I will try others. Many thanks
  • Maya

    | 0 Posts

    26 Sep, 2022 11:53

    Hi - you sound very pro-active, and like you have both experience and qualifications in the right areas. I usually recommend that people sign up with a role-specific or trusted recruiter; get in touch with a few, speak to them about what you're looking for, and see if you fee like they will represent you well in the market. They will then put you forward for the right roles - and they should also do a bit of selling of your skills on your behalf!
  • Tracey

    | 0 Posts

    26 Sep, 2022 11:55

    In reply to Maya:

    Thank you, all noted.
  • Alys Martin

    | 0 Posts

    26 Sep, 2022 14:47

    Hi Tracey,

    If you'd like to connect on LinkedIn, I can send you a few names of great HR recruiters that might be able to help?
  • Tracey

    | 0 Posts

    26 Sep, 2022 16:23

    In reply to Alys Martin:

    Thank you Alys that would be wonderful. I have sent you a private message.
  • Elizabeth

    | 0 Posts

    28 Sep, 2022 15:37

    Have you looked for HR roles in the same or a similar sector to the one you are currently working in? That might give you an advantage. It might also be worth broadening the job titles you are looking at, they tend to vary so widely.
  • Tracey

    | 0 Posts

    29 Sep, 2022 08:15

    In reply to Elizabeth:

    Thank you. Yes looking in a similar sector. Titles were just an example, looking for anything suitable to match my experience. Many thanks
  • Robey

    | 0 Posts

    29 Sep, 2022 08:29

    If you've not worked in an HR focused role then a Manager job is probably unlikely to be within your skill-set. And if your experience in HR tasks covers only what you describe and doesn't cover employee relations casework management, redundancies, change management and similar, you aren't going to have the practical experience required for an HR Advisor role. This is why you're getting knocked back.

    Although casework isn't always the majority of our work (it varies - I've had jobs where it was about 10%, and right now it's about 90%*) it's the part of the work where we are most visible and where the need to know your onions is most vital because no one else does.

    I would recommend that, in your current role, you look for opportunities to get involves in casework - as an investigator, note taker or even, depending on your seniority, as the chair of a hearing or two. This will allow you to speak more knowledgeably about process in grievance and disciplinary resolution, add it to your CV and appear 100% more employable to HR recruiters.

    *Different employers, I hasten to add.
  • Tracey

    | 0 Posts

    30 Sep, 2022 08:27

    In reply to Robey:

    Many thanks Robey. My experience doesn't just cover what I listed, I have had experience in employee relations, redundancies, restructures etc, I just didn't want to list everything, but this is reflected in my CV. I have also headed up a team (but not a HR team) and in previous jobs have had direct reports. Thank you for the advice regarding my current role, but unfortunately this is not possible, hence why I am looking for a 100% HR role.
  • Sharon

    | 0 Posts

    5 Oct, 2022 08:50

    Firstly, keep going Tracey. It's hard when you might feel you're coming up against brick walls. It saddens me to hear that people apply for jobs and hear nothing back. There's no excuse, we have the technology, but sadly it remains the case and it's very disheartening for keen candidates and does a lot of reputational damage.

    I'd recommend, persisting. Something will come.
    Perhaps a CIPD mentor could help and might be worth asking about.
    I'd also recommend a coach for a few sessions as they can help focus on a few areas that could make the difference next time either in your CV positioning, Linked In profile, how you present experience at interview etc. There are a lot of great coaches out there and a lot who post on Linked in, Instagram and Twitter for free.
    It's the small tweaks you continue to make that will get you closer to your goal.

    Finally, keep doing a great job at your current employer too as it's amazing what can turn up when we relieve the pressure on ourselves to move.

    Good luck.
  • Tracey

    | 0 Posts

    5 Oct, 2022 15:18

    In reply to Sharon:

    Thank you Sharon for all your advice, I will certainly have a look at the coaching sessions you mention. I will keep going and also keep my fingers crossed something will come up sooner or later.
  • Cheree

    | 0 Posts

    7 Oct, 2022 05:14

    I actually had a similar situation to yourself here. I worked in the public sector in Resourcing for many years and in January this year I moved over to ER in the private sector. Having my level 7 in progress was a huge advantage for me, so I’d make sure you’re shouting about that and how you want to develop. As others have said you need to keep going, it can be so disheartening but you will get there. It might be a good idea to do a CV review service to make sure there aren’t any recommendations they have to improve your CV more? It also could be a good idea to find some low commitment short term volunteering that you can add to your CV in the field so you can demonstrate your commitment to changing specialism. Reach volunteering is a great website and some companies offer a commitment as low as one hour a week. I would also encourage you to grow your external network, so attend events and become a part of your local CIPD branch, engaging with others via LinkedIn is a great resource to. If you apply for vacancies it could be a good idea to contact the company after you have applied to request a further chat with the hiring manager to learn more about the role and the team, this could enhance your presence more. Then finally just showing how your skills are transferable into the advisory role as they certainly are.

    All the best in your search!
  • Tracey

    | 0 Posts

    7 Oct, 2022 13:33

    In reply to Cheree:

    Thank you Cheree, this is really helpful and I will certainly take on board the points you suggest and put a plan of action into place this weekend. Much appreciated.