Struggling to Find an HR Executive Role with Broad Responsibilities? Seeking Advice!

Respected seniors, please let me know how I can get a job in a company where there is a scope for all HR activities as an HR executive. I have been trying for a year but have not yet secured a job like that. Currently, I am working as an HR associate in a consultancy in the recruitment department. Please guide me on how I can approach getting a job for such a profile.

I hope to receive good suggestions.

Best regards,
Sravani

This may seem as beaten and dicey as it sounds. Hiring is governed by the right fit. You will be hired for a generalist role only when you are good to deliver on that, which entails you have already worked in these areas. Yes, right now it may seem dumb to you, but this is exactly how it works. No one would want to hire and then train you for the role. The handholding you would receive in a new job is merely to figure out operations and how to resolve the escalations.

Suggestions for Gaining Experience

My suggestion to you is to start volunteering for all these areas in your current organization. Yes, there would be too many obstacles to it, such as there is no need to volunteer, your managers might not offer it to you even if it is available, greater workload, and so on!

Please remain persistent, just as you are right now. Even some amount of exposure in your current firm will put you in a better position to land the generalist role. A certain amount of work will help you answer the questions during the interview. List out every such area you managed on your resume while appearing for your next interview.

Targeting Smaller Firms

Finally, look for openings with smaller firms where recruitment is a big requirement and the generalist areas are far smaller. Such a firm will hire you, given that you have already worked in the hiring team. Eventually, you can graduate to a bigger firm where you manage the areas of Core HR.

Wish you all the best!

To provide you with a more affirmative insight on the role you are seeking, here I suggest a few steps:

Since you are already working as an executive, you might consider learning other aspects at some point while recruiting candidates. As you may be aware of the opportunities that the client possesses, check for a Human Resource position there (even a junior position would help you learn better).

Perhaps, if the above is maneuvered, you could attend a few HR workshops and connect with other HR professionals. This could increase your chances of finding an opening. Keep their contacts handy for potential job opportunities in human resources.

Learn as much knowledge as you can on the relevant areas to be able to contribute valuable insights when discussing matters with members in that field.

Good luck to you!

Understand one thing: no one excels in all HR activities in their early career stages. Moreover, many of the top HR professionals today started their careers as recruiters in consultancy firms.

I suggest that you look for a small company where you can learn a lot. You will gain practical exposure from statutory to F & F of employees. Also, try to implement new things in your current firm, such as coordinating with clients, creating skill matrices, communicating with candidates, and sourcing profiles on job sites. Don't say, "I am already doing the above." Instead, try to improve one aspect each day. Additionally, learn all the statutory laws like PF, ESIC, Bonus Act, Maternity Benefit Act, Gratuity Act, Shops/Establishment Act, and payroll processes along with the components of payroll.

In many interviews, you will likely be asked about statutory laws and processes. Therefore, you must confidently answer questions on these subjects.

During interviews, HR professionals are aware of your role and responsibilities as a recruiter, so do not misrepresent your experience. Instead, express your willingness to prove yourself and ask them to test your knowledge in various HR areas. While this approach may not work in all organizations, some companies do provide such opportunities.

Regards.