Is My HR Experience in Consultancy Useful for a Manufacturing Role? Seeking Advice

Dear HRs,

I'm Kranthi Kishore. I have completed my MBA in A.P. Currently, I have been working in a consultancy for 3 months as an HR recruiter in Bangalore. Yesterday, I applied to a manufacturing company for a position of HR Assistant. Shortly after applying, I received a call from the company. During the call, the HR inquired about my job profile, and I explained my current responsibilities. However, the HR mentioned that my current role may not be as useful for their manufacturing organization.

I am now wondering if my experience in the consultancy would be beneficial for a manufacturing company, as I am keen on working in that sector. Could you please advise if my current experience would be valuable in a manufacturing setting?

I am looking forward to your valuable answer.

Regards,
Kranthi

Dear Kranthi,

The HR role in a manufacturing industry is very different from a service industry. If you want to place your candidature in a manufacturing organization, you will have to be well-versed with hardcore HR functions. I would suggest that you improve your knowledge regarding different labor laws, industrial relations, employee engagement activities, etc. I hope it will help you to get an opportunity in a manufacturing unit. Best of luck.

Regards

Thank you for your kind reply. I am familiar with labor laws, but I am unsure if a recruitment job is useful for HR executives/HR assistants in manufacturing companies.

Regards,
Kranthi

Dear Kranthi,

In a manufacturing unit, the attrition rate is very low. Consequently, the major focus is on candidates who have knowledge of the following acts:
1. EPF Act
2. ESI Act
3. WC Act
4. Industrial Dispute Act
5. Bonus Act
6. Gratuity Act
7. Minimum Wages Act
8. Payment of Wages Act
9. Contract Labour & Regulation Act
10. Factory Act

Recruitment in manufacturing units is not a challenging task, and having a strong understanding of recruitment may not be beneficial as they do not utilize platforms like Naukri or Monster for hiring. Typically, they rely on recruitment consultancies due to the low attrition rate. If you wish to become part of the manufacturing process, it is advisable to strengthen your knowledge of labor laws.

Thank you.

Thanks for your kind advice. Is this recruitment experience useful to manufacturing companies after gaining knowledge in labor laws?

Regards,
Kranthi

Dear Kranthi,

Recruitment is a part of the HR function in any industry, even in manufacturing. So it's clear that experience in recruitment is good. But if you are asking for a manufacturing company, as Aditi and Anupam said, due to the low attrition rate, the recruitment function is very limited. Thus, along with experience in recruitment, you should have very good and vast knowledge about other areas as specified by Anupam.

Also, as a matter of fact, most companies do not prefer candidates from consultancies due to limited experience in recruitment only. Hence, if you want to get hired, you need to present and prove that your knowledge and skills are competent enough to make you the right choice.

Dear Kranthi,

You yourself clearly explained that you are working as an HR Recruiter and you are asking about an HR Executive (Generalist) role. Again, I really wonder how that company would have called you if you had mentioned your present role is only recruitment and not as a generalist.

You should be very clear while preparing a CV. You should clearly state the role which you are playing and the fields in which you are sound. The main question of yours, "The consultancy experience would be useful to Manufacturing companies," is not clear as you have to define in which role you are interested to work in an industry. The explanations given by Aditi, Anupam, and Dhanu are pretty clear and concise.

Anyway, good luck!

Dear Kranthi,

As suggested by Aditi, Anupam, Dhanu, and Mahesh, please chalk out a plan to prepare your practice-based knowledge in the Generalist Areas where you intend to grow. Request you to read the discussions and material available in this community on the topics mentioned to you. You may request your current employer to offer you some responsibilities in these areas. Once you start delivering in the role, you will realize the difference in the knowledge required.

A rejection can never sound good to anyone on this earth. But that becomes our point of learning, and we propel further.

Regards,
(Cite Contribution)

Dear Mr. Dhanu and Mr. Mahesh,

First of all, I am very thankful for your kind suggestions. I am interested in working in the manufacturing sector. In this field, it is essential to have a good understanding of both superiors and subordinates. Additionally, the role involves handling various tasks such as counseling, employee training, welfare activities, etc., similar to that of a Generalist.

However, yesterday I received a call from a manufacturing company stating that my experience is not useful for their organization. This has raised doubts in my mind regarding the value of my consultancy experience and the duration one should work in consultancy roles.

Regards,
Kranthi

Dear Kranthi,

This is Ms. Dhanu :) lol. Now coming to the point. If you really want to go for a Generalist Profile in a manufacturing company, consultancy experience would not help you; in fact, it would count as zero for the role you are seeking.

I would suggest not being industry-specific too early. First, try to get an entry-level role for a generalist function or a relevant job. Gain at least 1-2 years of experience, upgrade your knowledge and skills, and then try for your preferred employer.

I guess this would suffice the doubt. All the best!

Dear HRs,

Good afternoon. Could someone please provide information on the following Acts? I am familiar with them but seek further clarity:

1. EPF Act
2. ESI Act
3. WC Act
4. Industrial Dispute Act
5. Bonus Act
6. Gratuity Act
7. Minimum Wages Act
8. Payment of Wages Act
9. Contract Labour & Regulation Act
10. Factory Act

Regards,
Kranthi

Dear Kranthi,

It's not that manufacturing companies do not consider Consultancy Exposure. If you want to be part of a manufacturing unit, you will have to make a proper plan:

1. Do not work more than six months to 1 year.
2. Start by reading about practical implementations such as daily activities in core HR generalist profiles, like PF contribution, challan preparation, required returns, and your current work location. Please try to understand their process of handling internal HR operations.
3. After understanding these aspects and engaging in HR operation activities in your consultancy, prepare a CV with a generalistic profile. You will then definitely secure a job in a generalist profile. Gain experience, and after two or three years, you can secure a job in manufacturing units with your recruitment knowledge.

Thank you.