3 answers
Britney
Student
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
1
Question
Asked
704 views
Looking for someone flexible with experience?
I'm currently a student at NAIT taking business with a concentration in Human Resources. I have 5+ years of experience in retail as an assistant manager. Great with customer service skills and want to get out into the workforce to help others.
#business #career #career #networking #human-resources #Peoplefirst
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3 answers
John Greenwood, MBA
Strategy Director
57
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
John’s Answer
Hey Britney,
Don't sell yourself short! On your resume, when applying to jobs, or netwroking, I recommend focusing on what aspects of being an assistant manager apply to being an HR professional as well as what inspired you to pursue that career path.
Coming out of college, many employers are looking at hiring recent grads with little to no related work experience for their entry level jobs. Your experience can be a big benefit in the application process.
I do recommend networking and not just applying for jobs though. Get to know people who work in the jobs in HR that interest you (especially at the companies you are most interested in). You can often reach out through places like LinkedIn to learn about people's experiences. Keep in mind, you should be focused on building relationships, not asking for a job. You should ask what they recommend for someone in your position looking for a job though. That let's them choose how to help and advise you. This will help you find a job and know how to get it once you do!
Don't sell yourself short! On your resume, when applying to jobs, or netwroking, I recommend focusing on what aspects of being an assistant manager apply to being an HR professional as well as what inspired you to pursue that career path.
Coming out of college, many employers are looking at hiring recent grads with little to no related work experience for their entry level jobs. Your experience can be a big benefit in the application process.
I do recommend networking and not just applying for jobs though. Get to know people who work in the jobs in HR that interest you (especially at the companies you are most interested in). You can often reach out through places like LinkedIn to learn about people's experiences. Keep in mind, you should be focused on building relationships, not asking for a job. You should ask what they recommend for someone in your position looking for a job though. That let's them choose how to help and advise you. This will help you find a job and know how to get it once you do!
Thank you! I have been a little bit clumsy in my networking attempts as I'm not working on the jobs right now. Love that tip of building relationships!
Britney
Britney,
Networking is definitely a lot of work! It can also feel awkward. I recommend reading the book "2-Hour Job Search." It has a great section on how to network meaningfully and in a natural way.
The 20-30 minute "information sessions" with people in interesting jobs is something you can (and should) do when you don't need a job. It's a great way to get to know people AND learn more about the industries and field you are interested in. Plus, when you are just getting to know people, then the invitation is harmless (zero risk) for the people you are building relationships with. If you are reaching out to people asking for a job... that can be very difficult to get people to agree to meet. So now can be a great time to build the relationships!!
John Greenwood, MBA
Ramendrajit Sen
Human Resources
2
Answers
Cupertino, California
Updated
Ramendrajit’s Answer
Hi Britney !
Having an experience in retail industry / customer service is a great stepping stone into HR. The best HR people are the ones who have business Hands on experience and can relate to business challenges . So as you study the HR nuances as part of your course , always try to relate it to the day to day experience that you had in your earlier job... I think that will be much richer learning for you .
And as u go into LinkedIn do look up profiles of HR professional who had prior experience in different lines of business .. it may give you an insight into skills and competencies that will be critical for success .
All the best
Ramen
Having an experience in retail industry / customer service is a great stepping stone into HR. The best HR people are the ones who have business Hands on experience and can relate to business challenges . So as you study the HR nuances as part of your course , always try to relate it to the day to day experience that you had in your earlier job... I think that will be much richer learning for you .
And as u go into LinkedIn do look up profiles of HR professional who had prior experience in different lines of business .. it may give you an insight into skills and competencies that will be critical for success .
All the best
Ramen
Jenna Friedel
Sr Manager of Talent Acquisition
8
Answers
Westwood, New Jersey
Updated
Jenna’s Answer
Hi Britney!
Based on your experience, recruitment could be a great first step for you into HR at a corporate company! I personally went from a sales career into recruitment, and have continued to grow into HR leadership roles over the past 6 years. There is a TON of opportunity in the HR space. Your customer service and management skills as a retail assistant manager will transfer seamlessly into a recruiting role. Your customer service skills will be applied when speaking with candidates (which will be daily), and your leadership skills will be applied when working with your hiring managers to inform them on the talent market and persuade them that your candidates are the best fit for their roles. In a recruitment role, you will also be fulfilling your desire to help others - you will be providing jobs to those who need and are looking for them!
For an even better match, I would seek out retail recruiter roles with large retail companies. If you like your current company, I would even look for a role like this internally in corporate HR. This way, you can also apply the knowledge & experience you have from working in retail to help attract the right talent to open retail roles.
Best of luck!
Jenna
Based on your experience, recruitment could be a great first step for you into HR at a corporate company! I personally went from a sales career into recruitment, and have continued to grow into HR leadership roles over the past 6 years. There is a TON of opportunity in the HR space. Your customer service and management skills as a retail assistant manager will transfer seamlessly into a recruiting role. Your customer service skills will be applied when speaking with candidates (which will be daily), and your leadership skills will be applied when working with your hiring managers to inform them on the talent market and persuade them that your candidates are the best fit for their roles. In a recruitment role, you will also be fulfilling your desire to help others - you will be providing jobs to those who need and are looking for them!
For an even better match, I would seek out retail recruiter roles with large retail companies. If you like your current company, I would even look for a role like this internally in corporate HR. This way, you can also apply the knowledge & experience you have from working in retail to help attract the right talent to open retail roles.
Best of luck!
Jenna