I am trying to make a career change...

Anonymous

April 12,2022 at 3:54PM UTC

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I am trying to make a career change...

I worked in the restaurant industry for almost 18 years. When the pandemic hit, I decided to return to school for my MBA. I graduate next month, yay! I have interviewed for HR positions and found that although I have full-cycle recruiting experience along with knowledge of payroll and labor law practices- no one takes my experience seriously. Why is there such a disconnect between the customer service industry to the rest of the world? Managing a restaurant requires knowledge of supply chain practices, HR, customer service, finance, etc.

Does anyone have any advice for me?

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Sophie JoernApril 12,2022 at 6:33PM UTC
Congrats on completing your degree! As a HR pro, I believe your previous experience in CS is absolutely relevant. Sometimes it takes the right organization to give you the right opportunity. Tailoring your resume to highlight your achievements can help you navigate through the ATS systems as well if your applications are getting hung up there. It may also be helpful to look for HR roles for an organization that is in the restaurant or customer service industry - they would appreciate being able to draw from your past experiences :)
Barb HansenApril 12,2022 at 6:46PM UTC
You might want to look at HR positions in the restaurant/hospitality software industry, where your experience in that industry will be viewed as a bonus.
If you want to leave the restaurant industry completely you will be moving into the restaurant-adjacent software industry and you can use that first post-MBA job as a springboard into other industries.
Dena B.April 13,2022 at 1:29PM UTC
I agree here. If you are lucky enough to be located near one of the large restaurant group headquarters (Darden Group as an example), then starting in their HR where they are definitely going to value your restaurant experience might be a great option. Then, your next employer is first looking at that "corporate" position. Even the HR dept of a large chain would be a good first step in.
JJApril 13,2022 at 1:44AM UTC
I was in the opposite situation. I have worked in my profession for 20 years. During the pandemic I wanted to look at other fields—law and real estate—so I applied to receptionist positions to gain experience. Zero interest. If I can run a global media campaign, I can run a front desk. They said I was not qualified. Employers are horrible at hiring people—they hire résumés.
Doris AppelbaumApril 14,2022 at 4:50PM UTC
You were NOT unqualified; you were overqualified. They expect you to look elsewhere soon after you are hired.
AnonymousApril 13,2022 at 2:11PM UTC
It is not only the customer service industry. I have my Masters and am an Executive Secretary with a very varied background. I can't get seen for anything above where I am, even with being called in to help on various projects that are above my level. I crush the projects proving I can do more. HR is a strange place to get into unless you are either groomed into the role or know someone it seems. Does not help that I am over 50.
Doris AppelbaumApril 14,2022 at 4:48PM UTC
Your major issue is age. I am older, so this is not discrimination. Minimize dates and emphasize results.
Appelbaum's Resume Professionals, Inc. can help.
AnonymousApril 14,2022 at 6:48PM UTC
You may want to look into HR certifications (HRCI and SHRM).
I had a master’s degree in psychology and a lot of direct and transferable HR experience, but couldn’t get an interview anywhere until I obtained my aPHR certification. The second I added that to my resume, I started receiving interest and eventually secured an HR Generalist position. (I should also add that the interviews were in a different state where I knew no one. It was strictly through applying, not networking).
Sabrina CortesApril 14,2022 at 10:55PM UTC
As a professional Resume Writer, since you're making a career shift, I'd recommend a Combination/Hybrid resume for you. This is a skills-based resume that showcases your HR experience and skills and focuses less on your employment history.
I hope this helps and feel free to ask me any questions.
Best of luck to you!