I am having the most difficult time finding a job in HR.

4 Comments

1. AnonymousFebruary 20,2025 at 1:54PM UTC

   Yes, an internship would have definitely helped - I didn't realize this when I went to school (nontraditional at night while working full time). My first experience in HR was years before going to school, working as a secretary in the HR department of a corporate HQ. Actually, it's what inspired me to go to school for HR. I finished my degree in 2008...during the recession, so it took some time for me to get into an HR role. I did so through Robert Half/Office Team. They placed me as an administrative assistant in the HR department of another corporate HQ. I stayed there 10 years gaining experience in various areas of HR. Currently an HR manager for a different company.

2. AnonymousFebruary 20,2025 at 2:56PM UTC

   Interesting, it's such a broad area, payroll, total rewards, benefits, L&D, generalists, Talent Acquisition/recruiters, Business partners. Keep at it.

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 21,2025 at 5:30AM UTC

   HR has gotten creamed in the layoffs the last two years - there are a lot of very experienced candidates on the market and competition is tough. I agree with Anonymous's suggestion below about temp agencies.

4. AnonymousFebruary 21,2025 at 8:00PM UTC

   Not sure if you are in school as internships are temporary work opportunities for students. If you are a new grad and are stating you couldn't find an internship, then go to a staffing company to work in any role. That way you can gain experience with a company that hires, and maybe within their HR. Going into a company wanting experience sometimes means being exposed to an area of interest. And remember, we grow in our jobs. So see what position you can obtain in an area of interest, such as HR, then learn from the ground up and then seek some HR certs. Join SHRM as well. Or see if your new employer is a member so you can participate.