Navigating HR Careers in Hyderabad: Does Consultancy Experience Really Count?

I am new to this site, HR. I need all your valuable suggestions. I have a general MBA from the UK and graduated in 2012. I am currently trying to secure a job in the HR field in Hyderabad. I have been receiving job offers from consultancies and small companies as an HR Recruiter/HR Executive, but they are offering lower pay and also requiring a 2-year bond. I am desperately seeking opportunities in good organizations even if the salary package is less. Does HR recruiter experience from consultancies count? Please provide me with all of your suggestions.

Thank you.

The entry-level job offers are too few and similar to the ones that you have found so far. I request you to try and communicate with training firms such as SHRM or even Dale Carnegie. It's not a necessity that you will find great pay or even a good role, but you will find a brand to start with. Offer research support companies such as Great Places to Work. You need to reach out to all of them and keep trying. Any option with a firm like that will give you the start you are looking for.

Wishing you all the best.

First, I would suggest you not accept any job with consultancies. This is a question of Career Decisions, and one wrong decision can put you (or any candidate in the same situation) on a track that may lead to regret in the future over a hasty decision. Therefore, you need to be very conscious about your decisions.

I would say you certainly can get a good Trainee job with any reputed organization, and I hope you are not in a hurry to join anywhere. Sometimes candidates have to spend a good amount of time searching or waiting for a good job, especially for Overseas Students.

Candidates with overseas degrees may face some difficulties in searching for and securing jobs because of the general perception among recruiters/employers about overseas students. They may question why candidates are looking for jobs in India and why they were not able to secure a job in the location/country where they obtained their degree. However, sometimes candidates with overseas degrees find it easier to get good jobs due to the reputation associated with an "Overseas Degree."

So, in this case, what candidates must do is wait for good options and spend time searching for a good job. Therefore, I'd suggest you create a good profile, register yourself with job portals, attach a cover letter, and try to connect directly with employers by applying for jobs.

- Register yourself with Naukri and other job portals.
- With a complete profile, attach a cover letter expressing why you are seeking jobs in India with an overseas degree.
- Spend a good and regular amount of time job searching, carefully read company profiles, and apply for Trainee/Freshers positions.

You can find many openings posted directly by employers as well as by consultancies for reputable companies based on their requirements. You can also stay in touch with employers through the contacts provided on portals.

But let me repeat again, you must not accept any job with consultancies.

In the meanwhile, I advise you to spend your time learning and gaining knowledge about Indian Labour Laws, which will help you a lot. You can spend time here on this platform (CiteHR) reading live discussions on daily life issues and learning about the Indian Employment System and the functions of HR Departments.

By doing this, you can demonstrate your learning skills and interest to your recruiters/employers, which will be appreciated by them too.

My best wishes are with you.

Kindly do not be offended by these questions.

General MBA UK or General MBA-HR from the UK?

Which university? What were your specialization areas? What was the duration of the course?

What aspect of the HR function are you psychologically close to?

To create a sharp focus for yourself in a career, taking a clear view of the function's reality is essential, as only then can you better strategize for a career. Assuming that you have done an MBA in HR, I will proceed.

While the functional spread may differ from organization to organization, or from country to country, or even from the culture of one organization to another, in very general terms, the HR function comprises fundamental areas: conflict-prone areas, non-conflict-prone areas, and personnel administrative areas.

Conflict-Prone Areas

Conflict-prone areas lead you to applicable "labour issues, collective bargaining areas, and Union-Management areas," which generally direct towards the manufacturing sector of the economy. This area is typically referred to as the "Industrial Relations" area.

Non-Conflict Prone Areas

Non-conflict prone areas will guide you from recruitment, appraisals, compensation planning, rewards and punishment schemes, to the creation of "Policies & Programmes" that help the organization get the best out of its human resources. This area is usually referred to as the "Human Resource Management" area.

Personnel Administration Area

Personnel Administration area concerns itself with establishment matters like attendance, leave management, statutory compliance, salary/wage administration, and the like. It is generally a "Records and Routines" function.

Please remember that these are not watertight compartments and are configured by organizations to suit their situations and systems.

In India, finding an exclusive area to develop a career in is a matter of good fortune! If you do not desire the conflict-prone areas and/or the "Records and Routine" areas, your group of potential employers will be rather limited to large Indian corporations or MNCs.

Furthermore, if "Training and Development" is your preferred area, your choices become even more restricted. I would advise you to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of the function and the organization before entering the Training and Development field, as your comprehension of strategies, input administration, and generally your effectiveness will depend on the credibility you command!

If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Lastly, starting as a "Recruiter" with a small/large recruitment consultancy firm, to me, is a wrong way to begin a career, especially for someone with a British qualification! Your future changes considerably based on what you are currently doing. Consider this aspect as well. Do not be desperate and accept any job!

Regards,
Samvedan

January 14, 2013

Hi Reethu,

Considering your background in general MBA and your interest in entering the HR field in Hyderabad, it's understandable that you're looking for guidance on the best path to take. HR recruiter experience from consultancies can be valuable and can serve as a stepping stone to further opportunities in HR. While the job offers you've received may be offering lower pay and requesting a bond, it's important to carefully evaluate each opportunity and consider the long-term benefits and growth potential.

Enhancing HR Knowledge

To enhance your HR knowledge and increase your chances of securing a position in a good organization, pursuing additional qualifications can be advantageous. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) offers globally recognized HR qualifications that can help you develop a strong foundation in HR practices and principles.

CIPD Courses from Avado

Avado is an accredited provider of CIPD courses, offering flexible online learning options. They offer various CIPD qualifications, such as:

1. Foundation Level: The Level 3 Foundation Certificate in Human Resource Practice is a great starting point for individuals new to HR. This course covers key HR topics and provides a solid understanding of HR fundamentals.

2. Intermediate Level: The Level 5 Intermediate Diploma in Human Resource Management is suitable for those with some HR experience or those looking to advance their HR careers. It provides a deeper understanding of HR practices and prepares you for more senior HR roles.

By enrolling in CIPD courses from Avado, you can gain theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and a recognized qualification that can enhance your CV and demonstrate your commitment to professional development in HR. This can help you stand out to potential employers and increase your chances of securing a position in a good organization, even if the initial package might be lower.

Evaluating Job Offers

Additionally, while considering job offers, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each opportunity. Look beyond just the salary and consider factors such as growth potential, learning opportunities, company culture, and future career prospects. Sometimes, starting in a smaller organization or consultancy can provide valuable experience and exposure to different aspects of HR, which can be beneficial in the long run.

Networking in HR

Networking is also crucial in the HR field. Attend HR industry events, join professional HR associations, and connect with HR professionals in Hyderabad through online platforms like LinkedIn. Building a strong network can open doors to potential job opportunities and provide valuable guidance and mentorship as you progress in your HR career.

Overall, pursuing CIPD qualifications from Avado can strengthen your HR knowledge and increase your marketability. Combine this with careful evaluation of job offers, networking, and continuous learning, and you'll be on a path towards securing a position in a good organization that aligns with your long-term career goals.