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Advice for someone starting out in HR
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Advice for someone starting out in HR
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 currently hold an entry-level position as a healthcare recruiter. While the position is titled "recruiter" I am also responsible for other general HR duties. I have had this position for about a yea
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Advice for someone starting out in HR
posted at 2/23/2008 6:09 AM EST
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Posts: 4
First: 2/23/2008 Last: 3/6/2008 |
I currently hold an entry-level position as a healthcare recruiter. While the position is titled "recruiter" I am also responsible for other general HR duties. I have had this position for about a year and am seeking to find a better HR position elsewhere that will be the next step in a long HR career.
I also have a Bachelors in healthcare admin. I have been trying to find my next position by contacting old college professors, alumni from my university, writing letters of interest to local hr managers whose contact info I have gotten through research and asking them to meet with me, online networking, and applying directly with companies that have posted positions online. While I am fully committed to finding a new position as soon as possible I am a little leery of my current employer finding out I am seeking a new position. I am concerned that they might come across my resume/cover letters as I submit themto new potential employers. Does anyone have any advice on what the best course of action for someone in my position would be? |
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Advice for someone starting out in HR
posted at 2/25/2008 1:06 AM EST
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Posts: 159
First: 1/31/2008 Last: 9/17/2008 |
Its a tough world out there and while you are doing all the right things you've been in an entry level jhob for less than a year. Take some time to learn it. Stay a couple of years and then move on. In the interim keep developing that network. |
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Advice for someone starting out in HR
posted at 2/25/2008 9:59 AM EST
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Posts: 4
First: 2/23/2008 Last: 3/6/2008 |
I appreciate the advice HRPRO. I figure I will be at this job for at least a year.
The thing is I have absolutely no desire to stay at my job any longer than is necessary. They expect people to want to move up and become accounts managers after a year toa year and a half and I have no interest in becoming one. I have already started to feign interest in it though as I am afraid that anyone who does not express interest may at some point be in danger of losing their job as a recruiter. To be very blunt...the impression I have come to get of my current employer is that it is basically a "chop shop" where kids right out of college can go to get some experience while they are worked to death. Some decide to move up but to be honest the quality of the management isn't the greatest. Most of the accounts managers are in their mid to late twenties and seem more concerned with prolonging thier immature lifestyles as long as possible rather than growing up and becoming serious professionals. It's all very disturbing and takes it's toll on somebody like myself. What is your opinion as a seasoned professional HRPRO. Is a year on an indidual's resume at their first HR position too brief. My position before this in another industry lasted seven years. Sevean years in one position and then a year to maybe a little over a year in an hr position that is also related to my education certainly wouldn't be considered job hopping would it. I just feel that I have learned all I can about core HR functions from the position I am in now and seek to move on to something a little more promising that would offer growth within the organization that I'd actually be interested in. Words cannot express how much I would appreciate any input from those of you reading this that have a wealth of hr experience to share and offer guidance and advice based on. |
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Advice for someone starting out in HR
posted at 2/25/2008 10:27 AM EST
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Posts: 228
First: 11/1/2006 Last: 1/20/2010 |
If you are that unhappy where you are currently at your career and with your current employer - you really should be looking for other employment. While some employers may question your length of service in an HR role, it sounds to me that you have valid reasons for wanting to move on. Life is too short. Do yourself a favor and start looking. As I've told unhappy employees in the past "you aren't being held hostage here." I don't mean to sound flippant - I've just learned that you gotta know when to fold em (quote by that great philosopher Kenny Rogers). Good luck to you. |
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Advice for someone starting out in HR
posted at 2/25/2008 10:54 AM EST
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Posts: 159
First: 1/31/2008 Last: 9/17/2008 |
Given the greater depth of detail regarding your current situation I would agree that it is best to move on. Your networking efforts are appropriate and going in the right direction. I would continue what you are doing with the knowledge that good effort is rewarded.
As to any concerns that your current employer will find out - I wouldn't worry about it. It would appear they are not paying attention. |
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Advice for someone starting out in HR
posted at 2/26/2008 2:30 AM EST
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Posts: 237
First: 7/10/2007 Last: 8/31/2011 |
Most employers do look at continuity of employment when sifting resumes. How much its weighted is an individual matter. A years experience isnt going to open a lot of doors, other than for similar entry-level positions. In that arena you would, however, have a leg up on others with no relevant work experience.
If your goal is main-stream HR you might consider adding the following to your resume after the Recruiter title; (with some Generalist duties). The parenthesis set it aside from the official title, but still lets the person doing the screening know that you have experience outside of recruiting. I would cover the reasons for seeking a change of employment in the cover letter. In a positive manner, of course. Good Luck |
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Advice for someone starting out in HR
posted at 2/27/2008 12:14 AM EST
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Posts: 4
First: 2/23/2008 Last: 3/6/2008 |
Thanks for the input Ida. My resume does say Recruiter/HR on it. ALso the first paragraph in the cover letters I have been sending out usually state something to the affect of "while my current job has provided experience that has allowed me to develop the foundational skills necessary for a successful career in HR, I believe it is time to take the next step to a new position which will allow me to further develop these skills."
One thing I always try to hammer home in my cover letters is how my skills can help the organization that I am applying to. I also always try and throw in alittle something that shows I have researched tthe company. For example in a recent cover letter I wrote I quoted something from the company's own mission statment and explained how it represented the exact working environemnt I am seeking and would thrive in. |
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Advice for someone starting out in HR
posted at 2/28/2008 1:43 AM EST
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Posts: 237
First: 7/10/2007 Last: 8/31/2011 |
It sounds like youre on the right track. You might also focus on areas where your current, or past, work experience might give you an edge over other applicants. Sometimes a single bit of experience or a personal achievement can make a difference as to which pile your resume will go to. In the mean time its important to give your current employer 100% and wait for the right opportunity to come along.
Good Luck |
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