My question is, what are some HR positions I should be setting my focus on, based on my current skills and experience level?
Here is some basic information on my skills and experience:
1) Bachelors degree in non-HR field, but currently taking courses towards Masters in HR
2) AG/ Military HR officer experience of 4 years
3) No civilian HR experience
Should I strive for an HR Generalist position, or do I need to look for something entry level like a recruiter, before companies will consider me for anything else later on?
Answers
Joseph: I've worked in Human Resources for 30 years (time flies)! So much changes over time. I enjoy the field - yes pay starts low....but builds over time. It will never be in the pay range of Finance - however it is important to enjoy the work you do. I love the people problem solving aspect vs. crunching numbers and analytical. Although there is analysis in HR as well.
I've worked in Recruitment for most of my HR career and have found that I prefer it over HR Generalist or Manager of HR roles. Recruitment is more high energy, uses more technology and has quicker/faster changes than some aspects of HR (usually the first area to receive new technology aside for Compensation/Benefits area).
Definitely agree with Joe that gaining an HR certification either through SHRM or HRCI will demonstrate your knowledge of the HR field (legal etc.) and help people to realize that YES your HR experience is very transferable.
Also FYI on compensation - organizations with higher profit margins do pay higher salaries. Aerospace and Pharmaceutical companies are able to pay very well. Not all Insurance is the same - Risk/Reinsurrance for corporations also has much higher profit margin compared to health insurance industry.
Good Luck!
Deborah
Joseph, I would say try HR Generalist based on your skillsets, have a look at government jobs in HR. Additionally, I will tell you to never believe that the Recruiter position is entry level - it depends on the organization. My company hired me as a Corporate Recruiter based on my 8 years of Military Recruiting experience and 1 year as civilian college recruiter.
I would encourage you to join your local HR Society and then later join the National Human Resource Management Society, these organizations will help you to network with those that are in Human Resources, which in turn will help with leads on open positions. I will say as soon you can start working on the National certification in Human Resources.
Because civilian and military HR are so vastly different (policies & tools mostly), you may find it useful to pursue a civilian HR cert thru SHRM to facilitate your transition. Because Recruiting and HR are a bit diferent, you might find it more useful to pursue an HR Generalist position vice Recruiter if you aspire to become an HR manager at some point. This is a tough transition though - even though you have military HR experience you will find that very little of that resonates in industry other than the overall principles of supporting the employee through administration of pay & benefits. Beneath that level, much changes.
I have been chatting with some large operators in my old industry..Cable TV
I am retired now...they say their big need is entry level technichians...I would zero in on new work force employees for recruitment on you HR job...this may echo the work force you have been dealing with in the military. The "stick" rate remains at only 60% after 1 year of new hires. If you can improve the stick rate by hiring the right worker...you are an asset to the company.
John,
Thank you for your input. I am interested in HR because I feel it is my particular calling, as well as what I enjoy. Money is not a big factor in my career choice.
Hi Joseph,
HR positions are not where the money is. An HR recruiting specialist is expected to make +/- $50k.
A financial analyst could make +/- $70k.
An IT guru could make +/- $150-$200k
So, you may wish to reconsider your choice of career direction.
You will be starting at entry level, but could advance within one to three years.
What makes you want to be an HR person? Why not some other career where the pay is better ?
HTH,
JG
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