Want to start a career in HR?
If you’re a creative extrovert who enjoys working with people, a career in HR or L&D could be a great way to hone your skills and thrive in a career you’re passionate about. But how can you get your foot in the door? It might be easier than you think.
We spoke to Avado, the UK’s No.1 online provider of professional qualifications, to find out how you can break into the HR industry:
Utilise your transferable skills
Let’s face it, all experience is good experience.
Whilst it might feel like your current skills aren’t relevant, you’d be surprised at how much what you’ve already learnt could benefit you in an HR role.
For example, soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and time management, can be gained in a variety of environments – whether it’s through working or volunteering, studying at school, college, or university, or even through your hobbies.
Luckily, they’re also just a few of the key skills needed to thrive in the HR industry.
So whether you carried out a successful group project whilst studying, you’ve worked in a people-focused environment like customer service, recruitment, sales, or hospitality, or you’ve played the role of a key decision maker in your current role – you’re exhibiting all of the core skills needed to succeed in HR.
Tailor your CV for a job in HR
If your previous experience is in another industry (or you’re coming straight out of education), your CV is likely tailored in the wrong direction.
In other words, if you’re struggling to get interviews, it’s not you – it’s your CV.
Not only will a tailored CV demonstrate a genuine interest in the role, it’s also the perfect way to frame your skills and experience – making your suitability clear to recruiters.
So before you apply for any job, give your CV a makeover. How? Simply use the job description to figure out what the employer is looking for, and place an emphasis on those skills and attributes in your CV. Whether it’s dedicating more space to certain areas of your experience (and removing others), or ordering it in a different way.
And don’t forget to write a clear and concise personal statement, that makes your interest in a role in HR immediately obvious.
Tailoring your CV: What you need to know
Take an alternative route
OK, so you’ve been applying for HR jobs with no luck. What now?
Moving into a new industry isn’t always easy (or instant), but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. You just need to try different routes.
Firstly, do some research into the possibility of gaining HR experience within your current role. Even if there aren’t any HR or L&D opportunities available at your organisation, there are other ways to gain essential skills – without changing jobs.
For example, a secondment is a great way to gain practical experience in HR, as well as get a feel of whether the role is right for you. You could also ask your manager if you can take on new responsibilities (e.g. people management) within your current role that may make you more employable in the HR industry.
Lastly, getting a job in HR isn’t necessarily an immediate leap. Sometimes it might require a step sideways.
That might involve gaining experience in similar positions (e.g. recruitment, customer service, admin), for example, that will gradually build the skills needed to progress to a role in HR.
Changing careers: What you need to know
Get qualified
Gaining an industry recognised certification is a great way to improve your employability, especially if you’re lacking in practical work experience in the field you want to enter.
And for those looking to start a career in HR? A CIPD qualification is the industry standard.
Not only is it often seen as a prerequisite for HR professionals, its world renowned reputation is guaranteed to add credibility to your skillset, and help you gain the core knowledge you need to progress in this field.
And with a wide range of courses available, teaching everything from employment law and employee engagement, to resourcing and talent planning, from foundation level to intermediate, there’ll be something to suit you.
What’s more, most CIPD courses can be studied entirely online, at your own pace, flexibly, and around you and your commitments – meaning you won’t need to quit your job or travel to get qualified.
Five reasons you should become CIPD certified right now
Why study with Avado?
AVADO is the leading provider of professional qualifications in the UK, with an ever-growing community of over 50,000 HR professionals trained and counting. Students study with us to secure promotions, achieve higher salaries, or advance their careers in new directions.
As an official, CIPD Organisational Delivery Partner, AVADO offers exclusive access to CIPD experts and cutting-edge content that cannot be found elsewhere. Through our award-winning Learning Hub, enhanced by AI learning assistance, we deliver over 26 years of experience in online learning, paired with a high pass rate on our CIPD courses.
Key benefits of studying CIPD with AVADO include:
- Interactive classes that allow you to learn alongside other students.
- Expert tutors who guide you every step of the way, providing support whenever needed.
- Flexible, interest-free finance plans to make learning more accessible.
- An advanced online learning platform, personalised around your needs.
- Instant feedback on assignments through Quickscore.
- Mobile-friendly, bite-sized content for learning on the go.
- Exclusive access to Avado Connect, a vibrant community designed to support your career development and provide opportunities to learn, work, and grow.
With comprehensive CIPD training, cutting-edge AI tools, and a thriving community, AVADO helps you enhance your skills and accelerate your career journey, powered by expert tutors and state-of-the-art technology.
Want to learn more about how a CIPD qualification could change your career? Enquire now.
Avado is the largest online provider of professional qualifications in the UK, with courses available in HR, Accountancy, Bookkeeping, Business and more.
