I graduated from university nearly two years ago and have been trying to get into HR ever since. The closest I have got is my current role, where I work as a recruitment co-ordinator for a recruitment agency. Can you offer any advice as to where to look for experience directly in HR – either paid or unpaid? I do have the transferable skills but companies seem reluctant to take me on, even at an administrator level
How to get your foot in the HR door
Q. I graduated from university nearly two years ago and have been trying to get into HR ever since. The closest I have got is my current role, where I work as a recruitment co-ordinator for a recruitment agency. Can you offer any advice as to where to look for experience directly in HR – either paid or unpaid? I do have the transferable skills but companies seem reluctant to take me on, even at an administrator level.
A. Looking for that first professional position upon leaving university is widely recognised as one of the hardest steps in a person’s career across most professions. Graduates will often find themselves in what they describe the “catch 22” scenario of not having the practical experience many employers are seeking for advertised roles, but they are unable to get that chance in order to gain such work experience to ensure success in the job application process.
However, there is no need to be disheartened! There are certainly some practical solutions to help HR graduates be successful in finding that ideal role upon graduation from university. So, what can be done? Students can begin the process well before graduation from their university degree. Many universities now include practicum placements as part of their programs and proactive students can ensure it may lead to future employment within the organisation. Realise the full potential of these practicum experiences through intelligent job placement choices, ensuring high performance during the duration of the project and facilitating ongoing contact and relationship building with key team members after completion of your time with the company. This will increase your chances of future work with the business, should a position be made available in the future.
If these opportunities do not prove to be fruitful there are many post-university avenues that can be pursued. Undoubtedly success will come to those who build strong networks within the human resources industry. This may involve joining relevant industry bodies and attending events that will see you mix with both future employers and colleagues. Sell yourself through positive interaction with HR professionals and align yourself with successful HR practitioners within the market. This may also open opportunities to perform volunteer work or short-term contracts with contacts you develop through your networks, or give you some valuable referees, who can expose you to opportunities that arise through their networks.
Ensure you cover all avenues in sourcing potential opportunities in the market. Maximise strong relationships with recruitment agencies that specialise in your field and have access to all relevant job placement mediums from print advertising to online resources, company websites and industry publications.
Today’s employment market is characterised by a huge diversity of employment options for jobseekers. Remember, different paths can lead to the same destination, therefore be creative about ways to reach your ideal career goal. Broaden your horizons from only applying for HR generalist positions and look for roles that will give you exposure to working within a HR team whilst drawing on your current skills in recruitment. For example, with the widely recognised skill shortage, many businesses are outsourcing or employing staff to facilitate and strengthen their talent management process. By securing an internal recruitment position within a business it will provide you with the opportunity to work with their HR team and move into a broader HR role within the business when the opportunity arises.
Ensure you present yourself in the best way possible throughout all stages of the recruitment process to ensure converting your opportunities to successful outcomes. Your resume is your personal sales document and often the first impression you are making on a business, so make it count!
Finally, it is all about attitude so continue to stay positive and persist! As Emerson said: “That which we persist in doing becomes easier – not that the nature of the task has changed, but our ability to do has increased.” Future employers recognise and embrace resilience, perseverance and a positive nature so allow your attitude to positively influence your job search process.
