HR - Career opportunities

[AnnaJ]

Hi All,

I am currently looking to advance my career opportunities in the field of Human Resources. At present, I am employed as an Accounts Payable/Human Resources Assistant and am looking to focus more in the field of HR or work as a Personal/Executive Assistant to the Head of Human Resources.

I am currently completing my Human Resources Diploma part time. Last year I completed my Certificate IV in Human Resources recording a final overall mark of a Distinction. I have a great interest in HR and all the tasks that are involved.

I've been applying for jobs which have been advertised on Seek but haven't had too much luck as there is a large demand of people looking for jobs.

Does anyone know of any organisation looking for a dedicated and hard worker who is keen to advance in their HR career?

Many thanks,
Anna

[Midaz Coaching & Consulting]

Hi Anna,
Over 65% of positions are never advertised so you are doing a good job in using networks outside of the normal advertising. Are you a member of AHRI? I would suggest going along to AHRI functions so you can meet the people you are wanting to work and learn from. If you have the time, maybe you can volunteer to join the local AHRI committee/specialist group to get your name out there.

I know of a lot of people that have started in smaller organisations that don't have an HR department as such. With a background like yours, you may be able to springboard off a PA or office management role where you can take on the HR coordination role along with payroll and accounts payable/receivable. If you find a role like this, be sure to get yourself a mentor so you don't feel like you are left dealing with more than you can cope with. AHRI has a mentor program that you can apply to which you can find on their web site.

Good luck.
Mary-Leigh

[Moz]

Hi Anna,
Over 65% of positions are never advertised

Mary-Leigh, where does this figure come from? (I find it very hard to believe)

Anna, if you really want to focus on HR, I would go for a role that is pure HR and leave the payroll/account stuff behind. If you're looking at PA to HR Manager/Director type roles you should acquaint yourself with the typical duties of a PA (if you haven't done already) because it can sometimes be a pretty demanding job.

I'm not convinced a Personal/Executive Assistant role is the best way forward anyway, even if it is to a HR Mgr/Dir, because it may involve a lot of work that is not HR related, such as organising meetings, booking flights, even getting your boss' dry cleaning!

If you go down that route just make sure that it is going to lead to more HR career opportunities!

Moz

[Midaz Coaching & Consulting]

Hi Moz, I work in outplacement and these stats came from a study that was released. I can find out exactly who and where if you like.... Aside from the stats, we find that many of our outplacement clients gain employment through word of mouth and networking with people they know or know of.

I agree that not all office management/PA roles are ideal however the amount of clients I work with that started off "doing" HR before the were "in" HR is really high. I think that comes from the fact that many organisations still don't really understand all the HR is and how it can add value. There are many dinosours out there that just want the "personnel" side of the HR function and for a person breaking into the market, it's not ideal, but it is a break all the same. There are so many qualified and experienced people in the market at the moment and not all of them are willing to compromise their resumes to take on roles that aren't pure HR. And rightly so - I don't think I would either - but, that does leave a place in the market for those trying to break in...

Yep, I agree, organising someone's drycleaning and travel arrangements isn't what it is about but when you can't get in the front door, getting in the back door can be helpful. So long as you don't loose sight of the goal and choose the opportunities that will take you towards your objective, then it just might be a road worth travelling.

Thanks for throwing another light on those suggestions Moz.
Cheers
ML