Struggling to Find an HR Job Outside Manufacturing: Why Is My Experience Overlooked?

Hi,

My name is Chaitali. My question to all the respected seniors is, why, despite handling the complete HR functions alone for almost 5 years in a jewellery manufacturing firm, am I unable to find a good job elsewhere? Just because I have experience in a manufacturing industry and not in IT? An HR professional is an HR professional, regardless of the industry they work in. An HR professional in a factory will possess the same kind of knowledge as one in IT. Why this difference without judging a person's abilities, skills, knowledge, etc.?

My factory closed last week, but I still couldn't find a good job just because I have experience in a manufacturing unit. If possible, please guide me. I am unable to find the answer by myself.

Regards,
Chaitali
Chaitali.agarwal@gmail.com

Dear Chaitali,

May I know in which region you are searching for a job? Please let me know so that I can guide you.

Regards,
Mahesh

Dear Chaitali,

I agree with your observations. An HR works with human beings, so it should not matter in which sector he has experience. It is correct that the profile of the employee changes with the sectors in which they are employed; however, a good HR professional who is adept at dealing with human beings should be equally successful in any sector.

However, somehow the employers have this HR myopia, that if an HR has worked in, say, the manufacturing sector which mainly employs blue-collar workers, he will not be adept at dealing with white-collar workers or knowledge workers. Also, they think that an HR will not be able to adjust to the different job requirements and needs of the organization. It is a popular myth that needs to be dispelled.

Warm regards.

Hi Chaithali,

You are right, a HR is a HR. I agree with Mr. Rajkumar and would also like to provide a few examples of how individuals are demoralized. I heard from a friend who has completed her MBA in HR. Whenever she appeared for an interview, she was asked irrelevant questions such as why she didn't score good marks and if she had any experience in payroll. Despite clearly stating that she was a fresher and being called for the interview, it seems that as good HR professionals, they should have screened the applications for such details. If a candidate does not meet the expectations, they should not be called for an interview or should at least be given a chance to demonstrate their abilities.

I may sound a little emotional, but it's the truth. For me, the self-confidence of an individual can work wonders when utilized correctly.

Vidya

Hi, Chaitali,

It is not that by working in a jewelry manufacturing firm, despite handling the complete HR functions, you will be denied a job elsewhere. Maybe the size of your organization and your exact role may be the deciding factor. Also, it is not clear how well your resume is written to attract prospective employers. It is required to sell yourself a bit in terms of your strengths, multitasking abilities, working under pressure, your competency in knowing the latest HR practices, which will go a long way to impress employers.

Again, you must not overstate your skills. Just state what you are capable of in light of your personal traits, academic skills, work experience, etc.

All the best. If you can have your resume sent to my email id sri1958@gmail.com, maybe I can help you with this.

Please do not lose hope. All the very best.

R. Srinivasan

Chaitali,

Good morning. Never lose hope. Something better is waiting. It's primarily because of the cultural atmosphere of different companies that they prefer their own HR employees. Anyway, you are an asset to the manufacturing industry, so utilize it. If you want a change, please post your resume; maybe we could help you.

Best wishes,

T.N. Singh

Dear Chaitali,

I agree with everyone's opinion. We cannot change the views of any potential employer. In the IT and service sector, your clients are more polished; but in the manufacturing sector, they may be a bit more rustic. Try to get a break in any sector. Do not compare your present emoluments with the new offer. You are only looking for a launching pad. Once you settle in the new environment, you can look for a better break.

K.V. Mohanan

Dear Chaitali,

Every employer has their own perception. As HR professionals, we cannot change their minds. But trust me, wherever we go, we'll rock because we are in one of the toughest jobs, dealing with the human mind and heart. The toughest jobs require tough times. You are going to get a job, so do not lose heart.

Even after 9 years of hardcore HR experience in Engineering and IT companies and 1 year of a complete break, I transitioned to a 100% EOU. All the best to you.

Swatee

Hi Chetali,

As all of our friends are right, HR practices remain the same, but you need to put in some innovations into it according to the field you want to go into. It seems that you want to go for an IT field; therefore, I suggest you analyze the latest trends going around in the particular field and try to reframe your resume accordingly. I am sure things will work out this way because I think you are using the same old resume of yours, so a few updates in the resume are what I suggest you do now.

Hope this proves to be a good help for you.

Hi,

This is the basic problem of the industry setups. I am working with a person who came out of the IT industry and joined to maintain the blue-collar workers. Although he is deputed as an admin manager, I understand from him that anyone can work in any industry if their basic attitude is there to work. Apart from this, the employer should also consider that such kind of cross-section industries person may do better. The right employer should come your way in the near future. God bless you to find the right employer.

Regards,

Hello everybody,

I would like to seek guidance from all of you. I need some ideas regarding stress management. I'll be doing my summer placement project in HR with the topic as Stress Management in an organization. Please help me if you can.

Thank you.

Dear Chaitali,

I agree that HR is HR, but put yourself in the recruiter's place and then think. What was your strategy while selecting a candidate in your jewelry manufacturing firm? I am sure that your preference will be a candidate who belongs to the field, then next will be the one whom you can train. If not, then only you will go for some other options. Sticking to one sector is a good option; otherwise, to change sectors, you have to face challenges or compromise.

Regards, Shirish

Thank you very much for all of your suggestions. I have hereby attached my updated CV.

Thanks & Regards,
Chaitali