CIPD Northern Ireland have put together some advice for those interested in transitioning into the HR profession or looking to pivot into a more specialised role. Here’s how to get a job in HR.
Do your research
It may seem obvious (and you are already doing research by reading this article!) but start by looking at what HR professionals ‘do’. There are many different focuses in the field of HR, including Learning & Development or Employment Law. By understanding the scope of the field, you will have a better grasp of what specialism may appeal to you. Alternatively, smaller organisations have HR generalists who have to specialise in a little bit of everything! CIPD have created a Career Guidance Hub to help you navigate and explore the opportunities available. It gives you all the information you need to know about the people profession. You can explore the twelve career areas of HR here and look at the differences between specialist roles and HR generalist. There are several career opportunities from numerical and data-driven roles in reward and analytics to development roles in talent and L&D. Reward, resourcing and recruitment, employee relations and many more ‘specialist’ professionals provide detailed advice and guidance in their areas of expertise.
Explore your options
So you’ve decided this career is the right move for you? Take a look at our comprehensive roadmap to help you navigate several routes into the people profession. We’ve narrowed down six ways for you to build the understanding, knowledge and experience you need to secure your first role in HR. Some people start with a CIPD qualification which is available at different levels to suit your experience or education. Others may choose an apprenticeship with one of our numerous partners. There are also graduate development programs and work experience opportunities.
Ask the experts
Understanding your career options and routes into the profession is outlined in our webinar series: Building your career 2021. Hear from our expert panel providing advice and inspiration to find the right role for you. Also, get your specific questions answered by visiting the Careers Clinic which is a discussions forum to help you decide everything from HR qualifications and studying to CPD and skills, work experience, internships and mentoring opportunities.
Utilise your resources
What skills do employers want to see? Essentials skills are highly transferable skills such as listening, problem solving and teamwork. They will support people as they move from school to work, from entry-level to management roles and from a career in one industry to a career in another. By utilising the numerous CIPD resource hubs, you will be well on your way to excelling in the HR profession and understanding what employers are looking for. Our series of webinars cover ‘Career paths in the people profession’, ‘Available career pathways’ and the popular ‘Moving on and up in a pandemic’. Watch our webinars to hear how you can identify and progress to the next stage of your career post-pandemic and take your career to the next level.
Ways the CIPD can help you network
CIPD LinkedIn: A popular channel for the latest news, research and analysis from the CIPD.
CIPD Community: A place to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals, including a Career’s Clinic.
Local branches: Local networks of volunteers providing you with networking and learning opportunities. While our branches are a primary benefit of CIPD membership they are open and inclusive to people professionals, policymakers and business leaders outside the membership.
Keep up to date with the latest news and views on the NI job market by following the nijobfinder blog.