Thursday Jul 7

Getting your first job in HR can be hard, but Network HR have put together some useful tips to help you get started. Employers can afford to be picky and will usually choose a candidate with HR qualifications rather than a candidate with none. Not having any HR qualifications can limit the number of positions you could realistically apply for. However ‘there are HR Professionals who have made it into the field without training and qualifications, but they are in the minority’ (personneltoday 08/2006)                      

Tips

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)

Research joining the CIPD, it will give you professional recognition in the workplace  and the resources to keep you updated in HR. Being a member of the CIPD could also allow you to network and gain valuable contacts within HR. (CIPD 2011)

CV and Covering letter:

Keep it short: Two pages will be sufficient.

Stick to a simple layout: Do not use fancy graphics or fonts.

Quantify your achievements and Skills: What you can do for an employer e.g. organisational skills.

Tailor your covering letter: The covering letter is your selling tools ensure it incorporates key words and skills mentioned in the job advert.

Be selective in the information you include: Only include the information most relevant to the job.

Start at the Bottom:

As a graduate the realistic place to start looking for jobs is at entry level. It would be beneficial to gain experience in another role e.g. administrator or HR administrator. Gaining prior experience of working in an office will also increase the amount of administrative skills you have to offer.

Network:

When trying to enter a new industry it is useful to Network. Use HR events to gain advice from HR professionals and improve your understanding of the profession.

Sign up to agencies:

There are a number of agencies both commercial and specialist that specialise in junior HR Recruitment, who would be working on entry level vacancies and could offer a source of advice and information. Some agencies cover temporary vacancies, which could give you the experience you need.

We hope that the above advice will help you to gain the experience you need to gain a foothold in the HR market.

Network HR has a reputation as a quality led recruitment specialist and we are also proud to be part of Network Group Plc, a diversified group of specialist recruitment companies.

Our website offers a comprehensive overview of the services we offer as well as many testimonials from both our clients and candidates, please take a look www.networkhr.co.ukor call on 0121 450 5030.

Personnel today 2006 http://www.personneltoday.com/topics/

CIPD 2011 http://www.cipd.co.uk/Membership/

Thursday 7th July 2011