How to Get into HR Without Experience
Human Resources, or HR, is the department within a business or organisation responsible for hiring, managing, and developing the company’s employees. HR team members can be involved in everything from recruitment to overseeing training programs to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. There are many professional and university level qualifications available to aspiring HR professionals, but academic achievement isn’t the only route onto this career path. If you are looking to get into HR without experience, we’ve put together this useful guide to the skills you’ll need alongside the related entry-level jobs that will help you break into and develop your HR career.
Top 5 soft skills for HR roles
Whilst HR professionals do need to have a firm grasp of local employment laws and legislation, it’s not always critical when you’re looking to land your first entry level role. Instead, you should be focussing on demonstrating that you have the desirable soft skills employers are looking for in HR employees.
If you’re looking to get into the HR profession or land an entry level human resources role you should be:
1. A good communicator
HR professionals are the link between employees and businesses. Because of this they need exceptional communications skills. Not only will you be dealing with employees at every level of the organisation, but you might also be asked to write processes and policies, communicate data to stakeholders or provide training sessions.
As such your written and verbal communication should be something you emphasise on your CV. Try to think of times and examples where you have adapted your communication for different audiences.
2. An organised administrator
Much of an entry level HR role is administrative. Even if you have no prior experience in a HR role, demonstrable strong administrative skills will help you land that entry level role. Show that you have great attention to detail, are comfortable with process driven work and data entry and that you have solid word processing and IT skills.
3. Trustworthy
Since the HR department is often tasked with handling sensitive and confidential employee and salary data, as well as managing difficult situations and offering unbiased advice to both employees and managers, you should be a credible and trustworthy person who is able to maintain company confidentiality.
Demonstrate trustworthiness and reliability by showing that you have assumed responsibilities requiring confidentiality, and you are consistent and honest. Have you had to overcome conflict in the workplace? Or is there a time when you were challenged ethically at work? Use these examples.
4. Able to manage your time well
Showing that you are organised, proactive and have the ability to juggle multiple tasks with competing deadlines will stand you in good stead for entry level roles. HR professionals must manage tight schedules, conflicting stakeholder requirements and large volumes of documentation whilst maintaining productivity.
5. Be a team player
Human Resource departments can be large or small depending on the organisation. Either way, you’ll have to work closely with colleagues to ensure the day-to-day tasks get done and that important deadlines are met.
Demonstrate these important soft skills on your CV and you’ll have no problem getting into an HR role without direct experience.
Great entry level HR jobs in London to help you get experience
Now you know what skills entry level HR roles are looking for we’ve put together a list of roles available that will help you gain experience and determine if a career in human resources is right for you.
1. HR Assistant
This role will involve helping managers and department heads with administrative tasks related to employees such as documenting absences, writing performance reports and documenting grievances. They are also involved in recruitment processes such as writing job descriptions, contacting references and scheduling interviews.
2. Recruitment Administrator
Focussed solely on recruitment this administrative role involves entering candidate data on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), screening candidates, scheduling interviews and other admin tasks to support the recruitment process.
3. HR Trainee
Trainee roles are designed for those just starting their careers in human resources and are ideal if you have no prior experience and know that this is the career for you. Responsibilities vary but will involve supporting in all aspects of the department from administration to helping provide training plans and addressing employee queries.
4. HR Administrator
Maintaining employee records such as payroll, annual leave and sickness, scheduling onboarding activities and collating documentation, liaising with benefits providers and assisting during the leaving process are all responsibilities you may come across as a HR Administrator.
5. HR Temp
Temporary roles are a great way to gain valuable experience in specialised roles like human resources. Temp staff are often brought on to assist with admin tasks when workloads are heavy, for example if a company has many new starters or is planning an expansion. Positions can last for a few weeks to several months.
Hourly rates vary dependant on the temporary role.
Find your perfect HR role with Australasian
Looking for HR roles in London? Whether you’re just starting your career in Human Resources, or you are a seasoned professional, Australasian can connect you with high profile clients across London who need your skills. Explore the latest vacancies, get support with writing you CV and find your perfect HR role today.
Send us your CV or say hello to get started.