How to find my first job in HR?

Hi everyone! I’ve recently transitioned from hospitality to HR. I have a CIPD Level 3 certification and I’m actively applying for entry-level roles, such as HR Administrator or Assistant. I’m also trying to find volunteer or internship opportunities, but I’ve been searching for 5 months without any luck.

My CV has been reviewed by a mentor with significant HR experience, who provided valuable recommendations for improvement. I’ve also been participating in conferences and workshops to develop my skills, expanding my network, and working on growing my LinkedIn profile.

Despite these efforts, when I do get invited to interviews (which has happened 2-3 times so far) or receive calls, the main feedback I get is that they want someone with more direct experience, which I don’t have, and there’s no clear way for me to gain it. I’ve also reached out to several organizations asking about unpaid internships, but I haven’t received any responses.

I would really appreciate any advice on how to move forward in this situation. How can I break through and find that first opportunity? Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Parents
  • Hi Svitlana. Myself and a number of my HR colleagues started out by working in recruitment agencies. We all then got into internal recruitment, and have gone from there. My focus now is L&D. Working in a recruitment agency can be tough but a fantastic learning curve. They're often hiring due to the high turnover of the industry, but they really can be a great step into HR.
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  • Hi Svitlana. Myself and a number of my HR colleagues started out by working in recruitment agencies. We all then got into internal recruitment, and have gone from there. My focus now is L&D. Working in a recruitment agency can be tough but a fantastic learning curve. They're often hiring due to the high turnover of the industry, but they really can be a great step into HR.
Children