Forums
Soon to be college graduate with no HR experience but PHR certification
HR Career Forum
Soon to be college graduate with no HR experience but PHR certification
Discuss your job search, the interviewing process, creating the right resume, how the HR profession's changes require new job-search approaches and related topics.
I have somewhat of a delima. I will soon be graduating with my bachelors degree in Business Management/HR Emphasis with PHR certification. I have found it difficult to find a job as a generalist in my
0
Cat:Topic ForumsForum:ForumId97
Cat:Topic ForumsForum:ForumId97Discussion:DiscussionId32975
Forums » Topic Forums » HR Career Forum » Soon to be college graduate with no HR experience but PHR certification
Forums
»
Topic Forums
»
HR Career Forum
»
Soon to be college graduate with no HR experience but PHR certification
|
Soon to be college graduate with no HR experience but PHR certification
posted at 3/8/2007 1:25 AM EST
|
Posts: 9
First: 1/21/2007 Last: 4/11/2008 |
I have somewhat of a delima. I will soon be graduating with my bachelors degree in Business Management/HR Emphasis with PHR certification. I have found it difficult to find a job as a generalist in my area. I do not have any HR experience, but I get interviews with company's just to be told I'm not qualified enough. I do realize that a degree and certification alone do not qualify you for a job, but should it not count for something especially since I do possess the educational knowledge? How do I get around this problem. I do want to learn and willing to take a pay cut to do so. The field Im in now pays alot more than what an HR generalist would make in my area. Could that be a problem? Meaning if an HR recruiter sees what I make now that they feel they wont pay me that and I would not be interested in the job?
I just don't know. Could someone help with those questions. Thanks. |
|
|
Soon to be college graduate with no HR experience but PHR certification
posted at 3/8/2007 2:59 AM EST
|
|
Posts: 2146
First: 2/15/2006 Last: 9/14/2011 |
How did you get your PHR certification without 2 years of exempt professional HR work experience or without working in HR at least 50%?
From HRCI's website regarding eligibility: "HRCI does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender or disability. To be eligible to take any of the exams, candidates must demonstrate that: At least 51 percent of their daily activities are within the human resource function. Those activities are at the exempt (professional) level (described below). The exams reflect todays HR practices. Although the two years of exempt-level (professional) HR work experience need not be current or sequential, more recent experience is more likely to coincide with the exams content. Eligibility is determined by the information found in the work experience section of the application and, if necessary, on the completed supporting documentation form and any accompanying documentation. If a candidate is found ineligible, there is no appeal process. It is in a candidates best interest to ensure that supporting documentation clearly demonstrates two years of exempt-level (professional) HR work experience. " Even with certifications, lack of real work experience will not look good because the level you want to start at based on education/certifications is higher than your experience would allow. PHR would usually mean more of a managerial/high associate role than an incoming new-to-HR person. I would agree that the salary range that you are wanting wouldn't coincide with your experience. You are basically overqualified educationally for the types of jobs you would start at. It is even possible that those interviewing/making the hiring decision dont' have the same amount of education/knowledge as you do. Your best bet would be looking for a small company who is needing an HR person for the first time and gaining some experience there. rr |
|
|
Soon to be college graduate with no HR experience but PHR certification
posted at 3/8/2007 5:54 AM EST
|
|
Posts: 9
First: 1/21/2007 Last: 4/11/2008 |
rrupert:
I should have stated that I got a student certification which was part of the curriculum. That means that I have to submit my degree (which I will do in the next comming days)and a letter stating that I completed at least two years exempt HR work. I do appologize for that. I do however explain that to the people that I seek employment from during interviews and it is also listed that way on my resume. So am I to understand that the certification is more of a hinderance than a help? I also wanted to know how does a person gain experience when no one will hire based on the fact that education (certification) makes me overqualified and experience makes me under qualified? |
|
|
Soon to be college graduate with no HR experience but PHR certification
posted at 3/8/2007 12:29 PM EST
|
|
Posts: 80
First: 12/4/2006 Last: 3/12/2007 |
Listing it on your resume that way is unethic al as you are not supposed to use the credential in any way.
When I see individuals who have presented themselves as you have on yhour resume they don't get interviewd and I inform HRCI. I know many other HR Pro's who feel the same. Sorry for the hard line stance but I am a strong advocate for certification and am staunchly opposed to student certification. You illustrate one of the many reasons why. |
|
|
Soon to be college graduate with no HR experience but PHR certification
posted at 3/8/2007 11:28 PM EST
|
|
Posts: 9
First: 1/21/2007 Last: 4/11/2008 |
Thank you all for your comments.
HrPro: The way it is listed on my resume states that it is not a full certification, but a certification that is contingent on fulfilling other requirements to become fully certified. I in no way try to misrepresent myself or lie to anyone during the process. But I do thank you for your input |
|
|
Soon to be college graduate with no HR experience but PHR certification
posted at 3/9/2007 12:56 AM EST
|
|
Posts: 2146
First: 2/15/2006 Last: 9/14/2011 |
Based on what you posted, I would not put it on your resume at all...because it looks like you are trying to claim something that other HR professionals have worked very hard to obtain. I would let potential interviewers know that you are "pursuing" your PHR, but I know if I saw it on your resume with NO experience, I would think you were lying because I have never heard of the student certification part.
Certfications can be a huge deal especially for those that have completed ALL of the requirements. In their mind you either did it ALL or you can't take credit for ANY of it. Here is the direct language from the HRCI website/handbook: "Passing students/recent graduates cannot use the PHR and/or GPHR designation until they obtain the required work experience, provide proof of graduation and pay the balance of the exam fee. Students and recent graduates can let prospective employers know they passed the exam and will become certified once they obtain the work experience." rr |
|
|
Soon to be college graduate with no HR experience but PHR certification
posted at 3/27/2007 2:49 PM EDT
|
|
Posts: 8
First: 12/8/2004 Last: 1/18/2008 |
Kwame:
I think another way to go is get started in an HR Assistant position. You will be amazed how much you will learn and the experience that will come with it. |
|
|
Soon to be college graduate with no HR experience but PHR certification
posted at 4/23/2007 4:11 AM EDT
|
|
Posts: 31
First: 8/8/2006 Last: 7/9/2008 |
kwame;
I graduated last year and began my search much like you did. I didn't take the PHR while in school, but wish I had. Definitely letting a potential employer know you completed the PHR as a student would be helpful, but as already stated at this point I wouldn't put it on the resume. Did you have an internship while in school? That may be what is hurting you the most right now. I was having a very hard time as well this time last year, and I actually gave up and looked more for a supervisory position. The bigger companies do require experience, I would work low, get your 2 years and then with a full PHR you will be a great applicant for a larger company, especially if you pursue your masters. Good luck with your searches and congrats on graduation. |
Forums » Topic Forums » HR Career Forum » Soon to be college graduate with no HR experience but PHR certification
