I have been working as an HR Generalist in the Automobile Industry for 6+ years, focusing on Automobile/Auto Ancillary only. Recently, I have attended a few interviews where the hiring managers have consistently asked me, "Why are you looking to change industries from Automobile to Manufacturing/Production or other areas?" given my experience solely in the Automobile sector.
Please advise on how to address such questions more effectively.
From India, Delhi
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1Please advise on how to address such questions more effectively.
From India, Delhi
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HR deals with people. HR practices remain more or less the same across industries. Whether you have an auto factory or steel factory, PF rules are the same, ESIC rules are the same for workers. Knowledge of processes by HR makes them more knowledgeable about the whole work environment. Beyond that, HR practices cannot be markedly different.
From India, Pune
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From India, Pune
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Thank you, @Nath Rao, for your valuable reply. As you said, process knowledge of HR, wherever one works, makes them a good and knowledgeable person in the work environment. This means that if an HR professional changes or moves from one industry to another, they need to learn and adapt to the new work processes in the newly appointed industry. Their capability and adaptability to the present system will make them better.
That is what I understood from your answer. Is it correct? Please advise on how to answer this question if asked in an interview about changing industries.
Thank you.
From India, Delhi
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That is what I understood from your answer. Is it correct? Please advise on how to answer this question if asked in an interview about changing industries.
Thank you.
From India, Delhi
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Change is an adaptation that we have been undergoing for millions of years. Change is a small revolution that needs to be embraced to facilitate better progress. If an employee decides to switch industries, it doesn't imply that they are incapable of performing any job; it simply means they have absorbed all they can and now seek to enhance their knowledge to a higher level. They are mentally and physically prepared to confront any challenge that may arise. Therefore, transitioning to a new industry is a positive step as it signifies career development, battling through every situation in pursuit of perfection. Updating oneself is imperative in this fast-paced world.
From India, New Delhi
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From India, New Delhi
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Dear HR friend,
First of all, you should state that you are not looking for a change in the industry but for a better career opportunity to work as an HR professional in any industry where you are allowed the freedom and authority to apply your knowledge at a level it deserves. The basic elements of an HR job remain the same in any industry, i.e., recruitment, compensation management, performance management, employee relations, and developing sound HR policies, etc. The role of HR, whether in Automobile, IT, Chemical, Engineering, or service, provides different challenges, and that is why familiarity with those challenges is what creates industry bias in the minds of recruiters when selecting an HR person. However, any HR professional with sound knowledge and well-rounded experience can add value to the function in any industry.
Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar
HR Consultant
From India, Mumbai
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First of all, you should state that you are not looking for a change in the industry but for a better career opportunity to work as an HR professional in any industry where you are allowed the freedom and authority to apply your knowledge at a level it deserves. The basic elements of an HR job remain the same in any industry, i.e., recruitment, compensation management, performance management, employee relations, and developing sound HR policies, etc. The role of HR, whether in Automobile, IT, Chemical, Engineering, or service, provides different challenges, and that is why familiarity with those challenges is what creates industry bias in the minds of recruiters when selecting an HR person. However, any HR professional with sound knowledge and well-rounded experience can add value to the function in any industry.
Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar
HR Consultant
From India, Mumbai
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