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I am thrilled to have come across a platform where I can find the support I sought.
I have a masters in Industrial Psychology and a second postgraduate degree in Project Management with Corporate Communication. I am looking to start my career in Human Resources and Organizational Development. I have been tailoring my resume based on the job requirements, writing a cover letter accordingly and highlighting skills and experiences relevant to the position. The response rate is nil, and the rejection rate is stagnant.
I am unsure what more I can do at least get an interview. What can I add to my approach to get a positive response?
I appreciate any guidance I can get. Thank you.
Grisel Scarantino, Career and Work-Life Fulfillment CoachCareer Coaching for Work-Life Balance
299
09/27/23 at 8:36PM UTC
Hi Alfiyah,
Fellow I/O grad and certified OD professional here! When I first graduated many years ago, I took a job at a small company in my industry of choice (healthcare). It was a way of getting my foot in the door and building my resume with relevant outside-of-school experience. I added stretch goals to my job description related to program development and employee development/training because I love that type of work. I knew that's the vicinity where I wanted my career to go. Eventually, when I gained enough experience, I transitioned full-time into OD and became certified with a specialty in employee engagement.
That first job out of school came from my network. I encourage my clients to network with professionals in and around their desired career area and that vastly accelerates their success in finding a role.
Are you also networking with other HR, OD, or Project Management professionals out there? Or people who know them? Fellow grads? Your professors? If not, I encourage you to do so.
Then, when you get your foot in the door somewhere, show them what you can do. Express interest in doing the type of work you were trained to do and gain experience doing it. You might not be able to get exactly what you're looking for from the very beginning, but you can land somewhere that puts you on the path to where you want to go. Then it becomes a matter of building experience to keep walking that path.
Wishing you all the best in your search!
Alfiyah Qureshi
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09/28/23 at 5:18PM UTC
Hello Grisel,
Thank you so much for sharing your valuable insights and experiences with me. It's incredibly encouraging to hear from someone who has successfully navigated a similar career path.
I appreciate your emphasis on the importance of networking. While I have connected with some HR, OD, and Project Management professionals, your reminder encourages me to be even more proactive in expanding my network. I'll definitely reach out to more professionals in my desired field.
Your words of encouragement mean a lot to me as I embark on this journey. It's reassuring to know that there are individuals like you who have not only achieved their career goals but are also willing to share their wisdom with others. Thank you for your support, and I'll keep your advice in mind as I continue to pursue my passion in HR and OD.
Wishing you continued success in your career, and I look forward to staying connected.
Grisel Scarantino, Career and Work-Life Fulfillment CoachCareer Coaching for Work-Life Balance
299
09/28/23 at 5:49PM UTC
Likewise, Alfiyah! Let’s also connect on LinkedIn, if you’d like. I have a large network of HR and OD professionals there. Sometimes they’ll post a new opportunity and when I see that, I’ll comment for reach. That might help you as well. Simply search for my name on LI and send on a connection request if you’d like to :)
Alfiyah Qureshi
36
09/28/23 at 5:55PM UTC
Thank you Grisel, that'll be very helpful. I'd like that very much:))
