Breaking into HR: How Can I Start My Career Without Prior Experience?

Good Afternoon All, I am in the last trimester of my MBA, specializing in HR. I aspire to pursue a career in HR; however, most HR job postings require prior experience. I seek guidance on how to secure a solid platform in the field of HR.

Best Regards, Pallavi

Hi Pallavi,

Don't worry. I can suggest you work with a consultancy just to start your career, as the basics of HR involve recruitments, and consultancy is the best place to learn about recruitments in depth. I started my career with a consultancy, and now I am an HR Generalist in an IT MNC. Just keep working hard, ensure your basics are clear, and do not panic.

Thanks.

Neera says, "Right, Pallavi, you can start your career in recruitment and consultancy first. After one year of experience, you can try the same. Or you can check here on a daily basis because most opportunities can be found here."

Thank you very much for providing such an inspirational and motivational suggestion. As I am currently in Bhubaneswar, would it be beneficial for my career to join a consultancy?

Best Regards,
Pallavi

Hey Pallavi,

Wherever you are, consultancy is a good starting point for an HR career because it allows you to understand both the employer's and the employee's perspectives. Instead of sitting idle, consider pursuing this path. Believe me, once you have mastered recruitment, companies will be eager to hire you, and once you are part of any company, work will flow. You can then transition to a Generalist profile.

Give it a try! It's fruitful :)

Neera
HR Generalist
Veristrat Info Tech Limited

Hi Neera, your words are truly magical. They have increased my confidence. I'm sorry for the query, but I want to ask: Does the experience gained at a consultancy hold value for companies?

Best Regards,
Pallavi

Hello Pallavi,

I think you are still confused despite Neerasharma's clarification.

Please note that EVERY fresher in ANY field of study faces the problem you are likely to face. So you aren't alone in this—everyone has gone through this cycle. And by this self-doubt, you are only lowering your self-confidence.

In your latest posting, you asked: "Is the experience at consultancy of value for companies?", when Neerasharma had already given you this input: "...believe me when you are masters of recruitment, companies run to hire you in...."

This is something YOU need to face. Also, look at the situation in this way. Like Neerasharma mentioned, "consultancy is the best place to learn recruitments in depth." Can you think of ANY OTHER FIELD where there's scope for such an entry point into the field? In almost every other field—including engineering, medical, other specializations in MBA, etc.—the fresher HAS to go through the initial struggle. HR is, by and large, the only field that has this scope of easing things a bit.

Just leave your self-doubt behind and begin to focus on the next steps you need to take.

All the best.

Regards,

TS

Hey Pallavi,

Don't calculate any firm's value, just remember one thing in life: whoever or whatever teaches you, has its own value. It's basically your skills that have value. Bring exceptional skills to attract companies. Nothing is inherently good or bad; it's you who decides what's good and what's bad.

Don't worry! I am also not that experienced to teach you, but I am just sharing my experience with you. Hope you are not confused anymore! :)

Hi Pallavi,

"All HR jobs need experience" – who told you this? Could you please let me know how you came to that conclusion? Do you truly believe that all HR professionals, seniors, and experienced individuals had prior experience before starting in their careers? Everyone starts as a fresher at some point. There is no requirement for the experience you are assuming.

You just need to learn and understand HR concepts and practices. I believe you can apply for entry-level positions. Many employers offer opportunities for freshers, providing training and a stipend during apprenticeships. Don't lose hope; apply for entry-level positions.

CiteHR is a great platform to learn and grow in your HR career. The community here will support you in building your career. Learning is essential for your growth, and I am confident you will gain the knowledge needed to establish yourself in HR.

If you require further assistance, feel free to reach out to any of us. We are here to support you.

Best of Luck

As you mentioned, you are in the final semester, so practice for PSUs and begin preparing by going through employment news. You can also consider working with a consultancy if you need to support your livelihood. It is beneficial to get involved with PSUs.

Regards,
BG

Ya, the way in which you all seniors have responded to my problem, I really appreciate it.

Best Regards,
Pallavi