You're sending out resume after resume, hoping to get your first job in human resources. Isn't there an easier way to break into this field?
It would be great if you could just wave a magic wand and, poof, you're in. However, it's not that simple. Follow these tips and, before you know it, you'll be the one offering advice on this topic.
Tune out the Negative Noise
If I had a dollar for every person who told me I would never break into HR, I wouldn't have to work today. Lots of people are going to offer discouraging words, and you need to block them out and keep your eye on the prize. Keep in mind that no one was born with experience and everyone has to get a break somewhere along the line.
Make Sure You Have the Proper Credentials
If you are complaining you can't break into HR and you haven't bothered to start working on your college degree yet, you have no one to blame but yourself. Today's companies are looking for educated HR professionals, even at the administrative level.
Search job postings to see what credentials employers seek. Then take steps to at least meet the minimum qualifications.
Get Some Experience
How can you get experience when no one will hire you without experience? This seems to be the biggest stumbling block to breaking into any field. But there are ways to overcome this:
- If you are not currently working, approach an employer and ask the company to take you on as an unpaid intern. Work with this employer to clearly define tasks you can do that will be helpful to people there, while giving you the experience you need.
- If you are working full time, consider volunteering your services on a part-time basis to a nonprofit organization. A nonprofit will be glad to have you on board, even if you can't work 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The organization may have a number of HR projects put on hold due to budget constraints.
Get Involved in Your Local HR Association
You shouldn't just join but really get involved. Volunteer for a few committees and get to know the players. This is a wonderful way to get some exposure while learning about HR. Try to volunteer to work on the placement committee; you will be exposed to all of the job openings listed with the organization.
Ask for an Informational Interview
Now that you know some HR people, call them and ask for 30 minutes of their time. Tell them you would like to meet with them to learn how they got started in HR. People love to talk about themselves, so this shouldn't be a problem.
However, there are two rules to heed when going on informational interviews: Stick to the agreed time limit and never ask for a job. Of course, you can have your resume on hand in case one of your contacts asks for it. But keep your word, because you don't want to ruin it for the next person who may ask for help. Also, be sure to thank your contact on the way out.
Find a Mentor
Approach one of your old human resources professors and see if he is interested in mentoring you. If you are involved in your local HR association, see if another member would be willing to take on this role. Ask your mentor to give you some guidance during your job search. Be sure to stay in touch after you've found your job, because you will be doing another job search at some point in your career.
Network, Network, Network
Get the point? The key to any successful job search is networking. Meet as many people as you can, and tell everyone you are looking for a position in HR. Even tell your letter carrier; he knows a lot more people than you think.
When you do land your first HR position, notify all your contacts. Thank them for their assistance and offer to do the same for them in the future. Be sure to stay in touch with your contacts. Send them holiday cards and let them know how you are doing.
This article originally appeared on Monster.com.
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