Casey Jensen ⋅ Saint Louis, MO Express Scripts ⋅ 17 years experience

Good Day Christopher,

Most companies understand that not all applicants have experience with the specific software platforms that they use. If you are a solid candidate that matches all other qualifications your experience with a system is of relatively low concern. One exception, if the position is a database admin or coding for the system, then direct experience is required.

Remember that there are many many platforms that companies use to run the business and a name for the software is not always revealing. For example, I worked for a company that used a well know ERP system, however it was ten years out of date. Even if I used YouTube to understand the platform, the capabilities of the newest version compared to ten years in the past is vastly different. It wasn't until I started and got hands on that I understood how to use the their version of the system.

I do agree that YouTube is a great source to get an idea of how a specific system works at a higher level. However, the version of the software will also play a part in understanding what to look for, plus most people need to use a system to learn it.

I recommend during an interview talk about past systems and how quickly you pickup on how to use the it. Discuss some of the challenges and how you overcame them. For example, if you had to learn on your own versus if you had 1:1 training versus a training course.

Drew Schildwächter ⋅ Wilmington, NC Salesforce ⋅ 8 years experience

Christopher: while there are training programs for almost anything out there, YouTube is one of the best ways I've found to learn more about different software (at least at first). Videos come in three basic categories: demos from the vendor, videos from expert users, and videos from the vendor's partners about specific solutions using the product. The enthusiastic and/or expert users' walkthroughs will show you not only how the products work, but give you an idea about how people are using them, or maybe some insight into benefits and limitations.

Here is an example of a Workday walkthrough (https://bit.ly/2Jlm9EC ) and an Oracle HCM walkthrough (https://bit.ly/2Jixjtv).

Deb Yeagle ⋅ Tampa, FL Plan To Win, Inc. ⋅ 39 years experience

Hi Christopher,
Thanks for your service!
Many software vendors provide free trial licenses and demo software (with limited features), so you could request those as a way to get some experience through the "self-taught" route.

Also, many software vendors are often looking for Beta testers, so you could volunteer for that role to get some experience with future production releases. Here is one that I found through simple Google searching:

https://techcrunch.com/2018/03/16/gusto-free-hr-basics/

Other than having to put your time into these activities, there should be no cost to you, and these experiences could be added to your resume to demonstrate your HR software skills.

Good luck and thanks again!
Deb

Brian Rohner ⋅ Alpharetta, GA Atlanta Accounting Search ⋅ 24 years experience

I'm a recruiter that works with HR departments. In this current job market, many companies are more flexible than ever about hiring people that don't meet every job requirement. You could take a class on an HR software program, but more importantly is getting some experience at a company. Offer to work for an HR department on a temporary or internship basis over the summer to get some experience. If you work hard and do a good job, that company may be willing to take a chance on you and hire you themselves. Good luck! Thank you for your service!