Show off your skills
If you’re currently working in another profession you may be at an advantage if you’re able to demonstrate relevant experience.
This is particularly true if you’re working in a senior role or specialism, such as employee relations, as wider business knowledge can be very valuable.
Soldier, sailor.....
Your experience in law, accountancy, general people management or administration may help you to move into HR.
Find out if there are any opportunities where you’re working at the moment – speak to someone in the HR department to see what advice they give. Let them know that you’re interested and keep an eye out for any secondments or project work that may come up in the HR department.
Those who can, teach
If you’re working as a teacher and you’re interested in moving into training your experience may give you a head start, but look at the specific qualifications required for different vacancies.
Employers may want you to have a relevant CIPD qualification.
Research and development
What are your existing qualifications worth?
Research the market thoroughly to see what employers are looking for in terms of qualifications and experience. If you already have general management experience and a CIPD qualification this may stand you in good stead for a role that’s more in keeping with your current level.
Highlight your skills
Make sure your CV is selling you in the best way possible. Any transferable skills should be easily identifiable on your CV.
Sometimes it's who you know...
Don’t underestimate the importance of networking. Use the contacts you have to help you in your job search – these may include ex-colleagues and employers. Make use of local network groups such as your local CIPD branch.
Well read...
Keep abreast of current HR issues – PM magazine and the CIPD website are good starting points. This will show you are genuinely interested in working in HR and already have some knowledge of what’s going on.