Transitioning to UK HR - lack of UK Law/TUPE/Early Careers experience - Working in HR - Careers Clinic

5 Transitioning to UK HR - lack of UK Law/TUPE/Early Careers experience

21 Mar, 2025 15:23

Hello everyone,

I am hoping for some guidance on breaking into the UK HR market.

I recently relocated after gaining significant HR experience in global organisations in India and the Netherlands. Despite numerous applications, I haven't had much luck.

Many job openings emphasise strong knowledge of UK employment law, TUPE, and early careers, which are areas where my experience is less direct. I am a quick learner and confident that with some mentoring, I can quickly master these areas.

My main question is: How can I make my application stand out and get noticed by UK employers when I may lack specific experience in UK employment law, TUPE, and early careers, despite my broader international HR background and willingness to learn and be mentored?

Any advice on how to bridge this skills gap in my applications, networking strategies, or specific types of roles I should target would be incredibly helpful.

Thank you in advance for your insights!

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Steven | 0 Posts

5 days ago

There could be a lot of different things going on. The UK market is saturated with HR people so it is tough for everyone at all levels. Strangely, not everyone will see the advantages of someone with international experience. Perhaps you are applying for jobs which are higher or lower than your current experience but I would start by spending a lot of time reading the ACAS guidance and consider signing up to someone like Daniel Barnett's employment law newsletter. No idea what experience in early careers means.

I would find your local CIPD branch and actively engage with them, there is a good chance your next employer is a member.

Good luck with your job search.
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Jackie Allen | 0 Posts

5 days ago
Hi Shruti

You will be competing with people with UK experience so I would consider these things:
- Target organisations that will value your international experience more than worrying about your UK experience
- Make sure your CV is selling you
- Connect with your CIPD branch to build your local network
- Take advantage of the CIPD career development tools
- Check if your MSc is CIPD accredited
- Look at a CIPD qualification or experience assessment so you can show CIPD on your CV
- Consider an employment law course to add UK credibility to your CV
- Find some voluntary work with a local charity
Hope that helps

Good luck
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Shruti | 0 Posts

4 days ago

In reply to Steven :
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, Steven, and for sharing these valuable tips. I really appreciate your insights.

I will definitely look into the ACAS guidance and find out how to subscribe to Daniel Barnett's employment law newsletter as you suggested. I have also already identified my local CIPD branch and plan to get actively involved. This information is incredibly useful, Steven.

Regarding early careers development, I understand that in the UK context, it typically falls under Talent Management and Learning (TM&L). This is a slight difference from my previous experience, where early careers programs were generally managed by the Talent Acquisition function. It's helpful to have this clarification as I navigate the UK job market.

Thanks again for your support and guidance!
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Shruti | 0 Posts

4 days ago

In reply to Jackie Allen:
Dear Jackie,

Thank you so much for this incredibly helpful and detailed advice; I truly appreciate you taking the time.

Best regards,
Shruti
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Jackie Allen | 0 Posts

4 days ago

In reply to Shruti:
You are welcome Shruti. Good luck!
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