Ask HR Bartender: Creating Professional Development Opportunities
I love getting questions from readers! Here’s the latest:
I’m a recent graduate with a human resources degree and having a difficult time getting my foot in the door. I’ve been applying for jobs (anything entry level HR or even administrative assistant or receptionist positions to gain office experience) for about 6 months now with only a few interviews. At this point it feels like resumes and cover letters are just being sent into a giant void.
I was hoping you could give some advice on how you began your career in human resources. I’d also be interested in your ideas on what one can do to further their development while looking for a job.
Even if you’re not a recent grad, this is a situation many of us can relate to. Maybe even feel like we’re facing right now. Trying to get hiring companies to notice us is tough.
I’ve written before about how I got started in human resources. And also about being a consultant.
But there is one thing you can do to keep your skills fresh while looking for a job. It can give you something to talk about during interviews to show that you’ve been working to learn new skills or put your HR knowledge to use while idle.
I also want to use this post as an opportunity to give a shout out to a dear friend. Deb Herman, president of DH Talent Strategies, recently started her own blog – HR Optimist. Deb has written about her volunteer experience on several occasions, so you can check it out at your leisure.
Sharing your expertise is a great way to get noticed and give back at the same time.
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