Struggling to Break into HR at 27: How Can I Overcome Age and Experience Barriers?

There is a person who is 27 yrs old. He has worked for around 5 yrs in a very small firm in the field of marketing. That person does MBA - HR and now the problem starts for getting placement. Companies are not willing to give him trainee or entry level job because of his age (27 yrs). As that person is not experienced in HR so companies are not able to give him any other position . What should that person do ? Person is very interested in the field of HR and doesn't want to go back to marketing. How should that person contact and convince the HR people to hire her/him?
This is a real life problem !!!

Peculiar Problem

X's core competence is marketing/sales currently. X must use this competence to enter selling/marketing of HR consulting [Recruitment/Selection]. As X starts selling, X must develop knowledge/skills in:
- recruitment
- selection process
- job analysis
- writing job descriptions
- job specifications
and slowly mold himself into HRM. At the same time, X must do a course in "TRAIN THE TRAINER" and develop sales training skills. Now X has two major elements of HR in his pocket and is ready to move into HR in a market-oriented company. I have only listed one aspect; there are many ways to move into HR. Solid determination is required.

Regards,
Leo Lingham

Is age the only factor? Are there any professional weaknesses?

If HR is interested in the individual, he/she should identify sales skills that have an immediate need in HR, for example: sourcing (recruiting). You are trying to incite interest with the prospective employee, which requires sales skills. He/she has to use marketing experience to his/her advantage.

He/she may want to start a career with a staffing firm, gather a year of experience, and move into the corporate world where later he/she can transition into other areas of HR.

Hope this helps

Hi, I refer you to the 8th Habit by Stephen Covey, who takes an approach that assists people in getting the job they want. Well worth reading anyway. On a more practical note, I would suggest that your friend starts showing practical interest and involvement in the field of HR. If possible, in his current company, he should meet with the HR people, understand training and development processes, volunteer to assist, run a marketing training program for non-marketers, conduct a study of HR practices in the organization, and make recommendations. Alternatively, he could get involved externally, join a professional HR society or organization, and associate with HR people.

In attempting to secure a job in HR, an MBA specialization is not enough; the candidate should show practical interest. This can be pursued while searching for an HR job and looks good on the resume. Your friend may not have explored all companies for HR opportunities; he should continue following his passion, and eventually, a company will be willing to give him the opportunity. Good luck, Elaine, Israel.

Hi Hemanth,

It is better for him to go for recruitment first, and after that, slowly he can get into HR activities. Even you know, I did my MBA in Marketing, and I worked in marketing for 4 years. After that, I switched to HR. Then, I pursued my PGDHRM in HR. So, I think he can start his career in HR by focusing on recruitment initially.