Hello! I have been working as a generalist HR for the last 5 years in the IT industry. I wanted to shift to a role with more responsibilities and scope for growth. The problem is that the responses are generally for similar roles from similar companies, and I don't know how to overcome this.
Challenges with Correspondence Education
I heard from a few consultancies that some companies do not hire people who completed their graduation through correspondence. I did my graduation and postgrad through distance learning. Connecting with people on LinkedIn has not helped, as either they do not respond to messages or, when they do, they do not have positions open.
Considering SAP Certification
I also considered getting SAP certified, but the cost and having interviewed a few unemployed SAP-certified people made me think otherwise. If anyone can suggest a solution, I would really appreciate it.
From India, Kolkata
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1Challenges with Correspondence Education
I heard from a few consultancies that some companies do not hire people who completed their graduation through correspondence. I did my graduation and postgrad through distance learning. Connecting with people on LinkedIn has not helped, as either they do not respond to messages or, when they do, they do not have positions open.
Considering SAP Certification
I also considered getting SAP certified, but the cost and having interviewed a few unemployed SAP-certified people made me think otherwise. If anyone can suggest a solution, I would really appreciate it.
From India, Kolkata
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Dear S Arefin, what is happening with you is unfortunate; nevertheless, the reasons for your candidature being eliminated could vary.
Intense competition
The first reason is, of course, intense competition. A second pertinent reason could be your existing role. What exactly do you do in HR? If the role is too narrow, prospective employers might consider you a novice.
Qualifications and knowledge application
Your concern about your qualifications is understandable. Nevertheless, what matters is not whether you completed your graduation through a full-time course or correspondence, but how much knowledge you have retained. Additionally, it is important whether you could apply what you have learned in your job. Lastly, consider what new things you have learned and then applied in your job. Possibly, you did not get the opportunity to do all this.
Preparation for opportunities
Keep trying, but be prepared for interviews at all times. Opportunities may arise unexpectedly, and due to unpreparedness, you should not waste your chance.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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Intense competition
The first reason is, of course, intense competition. A second pertinent reason could be your existing role. What exactly do you do in HR? If the role is too narrow, prospective employers might consider you a novice.
Qualifications and knowledge application
Your concern about your qualifications is understandable. Nevertheless, what matters is not whether you completed your graduation through a full-time course or correspondence, but how much knowledge you have retained. Additionally, it is important whether you could apply what you have learned in your job. Lastly, consider what new things you have learned and then applied in your job. Possibly, you did not get the opportunity to do all this.
Preparation for opportunities
Keep trying, but be prepared for interviews at all times. Opportunities may arise unexpectedly, and due to unpreparedness, you should not waste your chance.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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Hello Arefin, I agree with Mr. Divekar. You must not worry about what other people are saying or thinking. Instead, focus on enhancing your knowledge and preparing for your upcoming interviews. If you want to work in core HR, you should enroll in relevant certificate courses, which will definitely help you.
Regarding distance education, I personally know many of my contacts who are in top management positions in reputable companies and have completed their post-graduation through distance education.
Apply for more jobs, be confident in your current knowledge and experience, and keep learning.
Good luck.
From India, Gurgaon
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Regarding distance education, I personally know many of my contacts who are in top management positions in reputable companies and have completed their post-graduation through distance education.
Apply for more jobs, be confident in your current knowledge and experience, and keep learning.
Good luck.
From India, Gurgaon
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Connecting with people on LinkedIn will not push your career. There are many other options to promote yourself, make yourself noticed. Why not attend conferences, send creative CVs, go to courses to get higher qualifications - act! Simply clicking the "Connect" button does not work.
From Turkey, Istanbul
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From Turkey, Istanbul
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Mr. Arefin,
I agree that networking with people and friends on LinkedIn or other social media doesn't help. Regarding your 5 years of HR generalist experience in the IT industry and not getting a better role, I would suggest you to do some courses in HR Business Partnering or HR Analytics. Also, try applying for HR Business Partner profiles as your HR generalist experience and knowledge can be useful and handy for this role.
From India, Pune
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I agree that networking with people and friends on LinkedIn or other social media doesn't help. Regarding your 5 years of HR generalist experience in the IT industry and not getting a better role, I would suggest you to do some courses in HR Business Partnering or HR Analytics. Also, try applying for HR Business Partner profiles as your HR generalist experience and knowledge can be useful and handy for this role.
From India, Pune
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How to Make the Right Career Move
Before making any drastic, rushed decisions, follow the 7 tips below to consider what you really want from your next role.
1. Make sure you're really ready — emotionally and practically
Before you decide to change jobs, you first need to ask yourself if you are thinking of this change for the right reasons, and not just because you're having a bad day. You need to ensure that you are committed to the job search process, willing and able to apply to vacancies, take phone calls, and attend job interviews.
2. Consider what you really want from your next role
Self-evaluation is critical but often overlooked by many professionals when they start thinking about finding a new job. Take some time to assess:
- What do you need and want from your job?
- What skills and experience do you have to offer?
- What type of role interests you?
- What type of organization do you identify with?
Knowing how to confidently answer these questions will help you clearly articulate to either recruitment consultancies or employers what you want to achieve from your next move.
3. Do your research
Once you are clear on the sort of role and employer you are looking for, research the organizations and available jobs that meet your criteria and assess if they will add value to your resume, career, or skill set. Research the job market to figure out what opportunities are available. For advice on this, a good option is to sign on with a recruitment agency to get in-depth tips on the current market, which organizations are hiring, and how long the recruitment process is currently taking. Ask for any market update and salary information and sign up for job alerts that match your chosen job criteria.
4. Get networking
By being well-networked, you'll not only be able to tap into the 'hidden' job market; you'll also be giving yourself a real advantage over other candidates. Your network should include anyone who can assist you with a job search or career move — from past and present co-workers and bosses to colleagues from business associations and friends. Attend industry events or special networking sessions and use tools like LinkedIn to expand your professional social circle.
5. Keep learning
"The more that you read, the more things you'll know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss
There's always something more to learn, or something that you can strive to do better than your competitors. Identify these areas, incorporate continuous learning as an integral part of your job search, and keep your skill sets current and updated.
6. Spend adequate time on your CV
While this may seem like common sense, many professionals can stumble at this hurdle. A good CV should be achievement-driven and sell to a potential employer the benefits of hiring you as an employee. It should always be tailored to the job for which you apply and explain why you are the right person for the role. Think of your CV as a sales document — it needs to sell you and where you can add value, and convince potential employers that it will be worth their time to interview you.
7. Consider interim management
If you're unsure exactly what your next career move should be, interim management could be an option for you. It gives you the opportunity to test your capabilities in new environments, helping you to make the next all-important career decision. Interim management assignments can also offer you greater flexibility, work/life balance, and the opportunity to increase hourly earnings. Plus, the variety that comes with working in interim management increases your skills base, industry knowledge, experience, and exposure to dynamic environments.
From India
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Before making any drastic, rushed decisions, follow the 7 tips below to consider what you really want from your next role.
1. Make sure you're really ready — emotionally and practically
Before you decide to change jobs, you first need to ask yourself if you are thinking of this change for the right reasons, and not just because you're having a bad day. You need to ensure that you are committed to the job search process, willing and able to apply to vacancies, take phone calls, and attend job interviews.
2. Consider what you really want from your next role
Self-evaluation is critical but often overlooked by many professionals when they start thinking about finding a new job. Take some time to assess:
- What do you need and want from your job?
- What skills and experience do you have to offer?
- What type of role interests you?
- What type of organization do you identify with?
Knowing how to confidently answer these questions will help you clearly articulate to either recruitment consultancies or employers what you want to achieve from your next move.
3. Do your research
Once you are clear on the sort of role and employer you are looking for, research the organizations and available jobs that meet your criteria and assess if they will add value to your resume, career, or skill set. Research the job market to figure out what opportunities are available. For advice on this, a good option is to sign on with a recruitment agency to get in-depth tips on the current market, which organizations are hiring, and how long the recruitment process is currently taking. Ask for any market update and salary information and sign up for job alerts that match your chosen job criteria.
4. Get networking
By being well-networked, you'll not only be able to tap into the 'hidden' job market; you'll also be giving yourself a real advantage over other candidates. Your network should include anyone who can assist you with a job search or career move — from past and present co-workers and bosses to colleagues from business associations and friends. Attend industry events or special networking sessions and use tools like LinkedIn to expand your professional social circle.
5. Keep learning
"The more that you read, the more things you'll know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss
There's always something more to learn, or something that you can strive to do better than your competitors. Identify these areas, incorporate continuous learning as an integral part of your job search, and keep your skill sets current and updated.
6. Spend adequate time on your CV
While this may seem like common sense, many professionals can stumble at this hurdle. A good CV should be achievement-driven and sell to a potential employer the benefits of hiring you as an employee. It should always be tailored to the job for which you apply and explain why you are the right person for the role. Think of your CV as a sales document — it needs to sell you and where you can add value, and convince potential employers that it will be worth their time to interview you.
7. Consider interim management
If you're unsure exactly what your next career move should be, interim management could be an option for you. It gives you the opportunity to test your capabilities in new environments, helping you to make the next all-important career decision. Interim management assignments can also offer you greater flexibility, work/life balance, and the opportunity to increase hourly earnings. Plus, the variety that comes with working in interim management increases your skills base, industry knowledge, experience, and exposure to dynamic environments.
From India
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