If you love working in Human Resources but the specific position you are currently in is not the right fit for you, consider a career change. Making a career change in the same field can be just as challenging as transferring over to an entirely different line of work. You would have to face some difficulties such as dissent from your current employer, limited knowledge about how to properly change careers and constraints from the labour market.
If you are reading this article, you’re probably already familiar with Human Resource work and what it entails. Here, we will discuss five tips on how to change your career in the field of HR and get instant approval from your employer.
5 Ways to make a career change in HR
There are many ways to change HR careers. You can make the most out of the situation where the company you work for undergoes some changes and adjusts your career path along with them. Or you can also speak with senior management or other career networks directly to relay your plans. Either way, you should consider taking these steps:
1. Communicate with your current employer about your career plans
t impression that your employer had of you may be lasting and difficult to change. When they hired you, they most likely thought that you would be a good fit for the role that you have now. And the fact that you still have that job means that they think that you’re good at it. They wouldn’t want to change that. Not if they want what’s best for their company and are satisfied with the status quo.
Their interests might not always align with yours. However, if you want to change your HR career, it’s important to speak with your employer, the person who has some level of control over it. The good thing is, if you already have a good working relationship with the company, they’ll be open to discuss your future in their workforce.
Set an appointment with your boss and explain that you want to broaden your role in Human Resources and explore other job prospects in the field. Tell them that you need them to give you a chance to do so. If you have ever experienced asking for a pay raise, you know that there is no guarantee that you will get instant approval from your employers but it is possible to persuade them.
You can do this by showing them that your career change will benefit not only yourself but also their company. You need to get it across to them what they’ll be getting in return by agreeing to your proposal. Tell them that you will be better off in a different role than the current one you have. Explain that you will be performing better and that it will allow you to reach your full potential. Make them see that your gain can also be their gain. After all, you will still be working for them and for their interests.
Of course the downside of agreeing to your plans would be apparent to them, such as having to train another person who will be replacing you at your old job and needing to prime you for your new one. But once they understand that it will be the best move in the long run, they’ll agree to it.
You should also treat this conversation with your employer like an interview for a new job. They will be determining if you are the right fit for the new position that you are trying to get. Show them that with your credentials, experience in the HR field and willingness to improve, you will be equipped to handle whatever your new role throws at you.
2. Make a career change in HR with a new employer
Having said all that, not every employer would be willing to give you what you want. They might not agree to keep you while you work on your career transition. An alternative will be to look for a new employer, one who is willing to work with you and approve your application instantly while you change careers in Human Resources.
You may also want to take this time to earn a Professional Human Resources certificate to help with your plans to expand your knowledge in the field of Human Resources. Getting this certification can also make you a more competitive candidate for hire in the HR department. You can add it to the list of your qualifications in your resume.
3. Ask advice from locals working in HR
Situations may vary depending on the customs and the job market state of the area. Speaking to people with experience in the city or town where you work may help you get some insight into how things operate in that place. Their experience can guide you on how to proceed with your career change.
They can tell you about the criteria that companies look for such as education, certification or experience. By speaking to them for the purpose of gathering information on how to change careers, you’ll also be creating valuable connections within the HR community who might be willing to hire you.
4. Do your networking In person and online
Speaking of making connections, finding events, online groups and forums where you can meet potential employers and other HR career professionals can help you with your transition. You can ask your current boss if you can represent the company in professional associations and attend networking events. You can find people with similar interests willing to give you information about different careers in HR.
5. Connect with business groups and professional associations
There are many other business groups out there for you to join and learn from. Your area may have government organizations or region-boosting groups that are dedicated to improving Human Resource Management. They conduct meetings and symposiums that you can attend. This will greatly expand your HR circle. You can find them online or through your colleagues.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about how to handle a career change in HR, you can now act on your plans and transition to a new position in the field.
Rumzz Bajwa is a digital strategist and content marketer. She enjoys spending time with her family. She loves to go out and experience new moments whenever they came to light. Rumzz discovers satisfaction in investigating new subjects that help to extend her points of view. You can frequently locate her immersed in a good book or out searching for a new experience.