Strategies for Transitioning to HR and Gaining Experience: Expert Advice

Hi, I'm Shravan and I've completed MBA (HR) in the year 2009. As 2009 was badly hit by recession, I could not get placed in the HR field, so I've joined one MNC as a customer care executive. Now that there is no recession, I want to go for the HR field. Please assist how can I gain experience and get an HR job.

Hi there, In order to gain more experience in HR or anything else, immerse yourself in the subject. Enroll in HR-related websites, subscribe to newsletters, join HR communities, and participate in HR committees. Remember, you need to eat, drink, and breathe HR.

Hi Shravan,

Try to get in touch with the HR head of the company or a senior HR person and introduce yourself to them. You may get a chance in the same company in the recruitment section, maybe in the future, but that surely will help you start your career in HR.

Saurav Verma

Hi to all over there,

I am Mushtaq. I have the same problem. I completed my MBA from 2006 to 2008, and at that time, when I thought of transitioning into the HR stream, it was hindered by the recession. Previously, I had nearly 7 years of experience in industrial production. I aim to fully switch to HR as in the past, we were involved in manpower planning, man management, event organizing, and conducting campus interviews, among other tasks.

Could any experts out there provide me with suggestions? I have worked in various production sectors such as power plants, pharmaceuticals, paints, and infrastructures. I have been planning to switch to HR for some time now. How should I begin this transition?

Thanks,
Mushtaq

Dear Shravan111,

First of all, finding an opportunity in the HR field itself is a difficult task, and then securing the job is another challenge.

I recommend you to contact some consultancy locally and share your interest in the job, letting them know the kind of profile you are seeking. Consultancies are the best source to align your interviews. Besides consultancies, you can search for current openings on company websites. Before starting your search, decide on the industry you would like to work in, and then tailor your search accordingly. For instance, if you are interested in the retail industry, start by searching and visiting the official websites of companies like Wal-Mart, Shopper's Stop, Big Bazaar, etc. You may come across HR openings in the Careers section if available.

Next step - gaining experience:

I suggest you register with HR communities, subscribe to HR newsletters, and frequently visit HR websites to understand current HR practices. Read HR magazines like Human Capital, Human Factor, etc.

Since it has been a year since you completed your MBA-HR, it is natural for anyone to forget some HR concepts. If you are confident in your concepts, cracking the interview should be easy. In case you need to refresh your concepts, keep reading the subject books you used during your MBA.

Note: During the interview, the interviewer will assess your interest and involvement in the HR field post your break. They might ask how you stay updated on HR concepts. To provide a convincing answer and demonstrate your interest, discuss your initiatives in learning HR concepts and practices from various sources like the web and magazines.

I hope I have been able to assist you to some extent.

My best wishes for your future HR endeavors.

All the best.

Live! Let Live!

Best Regards,

Hemnath K

You can now apply for a fresher job in HR. Get some information related to HR from Google. I work in HR with a bank. Search for HR Generalist profiles, Recruitment, HR Operations, Statutory Compliances, etc. All of this will help you.

Regards,
Shepali

For fresher jobs, some companies welcome those who have no knowledge about the work area, which means it is easier for them to freeze than to unfreeze and freeze.

One option to start your career in HR could be to opt for taking HR classes in Management Institutes. Another option could be to talk to your HR department expressing your interest in being involved in their work. You can start by coordinating or arranging interviews, helping with maintaining attendance, leave records, etc. You can take the opportunity to discuss this with your boss or reporting supervisor for advice.

Take care.

Hi Shravan,

What I would suggest is to join any HR consultancy, even a small one, where you will get good exposure to recruitment. The moment you get a good break, you can transition to a corporate role, depending on your interest level in that domain. Companies like Nestle and Coke have recruited people from consultancies for HR positions. Success in recruitment and the contacts you make during that time period are crucial.

Sangeetha