Looking for HR position

Question

I was laid off at end of March as an HR Coordinator due to reduction in HR headcount across US facilities. I am a single Mom of 6 that doesn’t want to drive over a 30 minute commute due to the kids. I have years of experience but I’m having trouble finding something. I have a glowing Letter of Recommendation from my former employer.  I had my resume professionally re-done.........several 2nd interviews but nothing pans out.  Any suggestions or advice would be helpful. Thank you.

Anonymous · Answer

I know this is discouraging, but the job market is not good now.  I know that is not what you hear in the media, but over and over I hear stories like yours and mine is similar, 5 months of looking, 2 interviews and I am a well qualified person with 20 years of experience.  Employers are expecting the candidate to check off EVERY box, they won't invest in people for training, they won't consider you if you have worked in a different industry and half the job postings go to internal people so your efforts were for naught!

Keep networking, if your area has a women's networking group, join, try to get your face out there any way you can.  Good luck.

Melanie · Answer

Laura, sorry  to hear you got laid off.  I was at the end of January and had an HR Director level role.  I think the job market is  solid overall and landed via networking. Sounds like
you are getting traction with your resume but can’t close the deal in an interview for the company to select you over the other candidates.  Therefore, it may be your interviewing how you are answering the questions, or the questions you are asking, them, attire, etc.  Some studies  say that women sometimes undersell our accomplishments/achievements  in interviews.

Finally 70-80% of people find jobs via networking.  Therefore, if you are applying and waiting for a response you are not using the most effective way to land.  Ask friends, former coworkers,  church members, etc. for job leads or if they know anyone in the company you applied. Finally, if there is a job transition Work Group in your area  you need to join.  It’s great for networking and people help each other.  Dress for Success is a great organization who helps with dressing, interviews and resumes .

If you want to chat more send me a private message or connect.   Good luck!

Johana Tatlow · Answer

Where do you live? I would recommend checking in with recruiters for your field--often they hear of positions that are not posted. Hiring is starting to pick up now that we are past Labor day. Also, circle around to the employers who turned you down, ask if there is anything you could improve, or if there are other employers they can recommend you to. Make sure you are searching a variety of terms. HR could be 'People and Culture' at one company, and 'Talent Support' at another.

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