Feeling Stuck in Administrative HR? How Can I Gain Core HR Experience Without a Pay Cut?

Hi,

I need some advice. I'm working in an HR department for a large company for a year, but the work I'm doing is very administrative. I want to switch to another company, but my past experience (or should I say lack of?) does not support the switch. I have very little exposure to recruitment functions or training & development. What work I have done is paper-pushing; i.e., report generation and staff record maintenance.

What should I do? I need to build up my resume somehow... I know what I want to do, I have the knowledge and have read the papers and know how things work... I lack the actual experience.

What can I do at my current job to improve my situation? Or should I make the switch to another company where I would need to take a fairly large pay cut, but will be able to learn more (taking a pay cut also reflects badly on a resume)?

Any help would be great.

Hi Siddiqif,

"I need some advice. I'm working in an HR department for a large company for a year, but the work I'm doing is very administrative. I want to switch to another company, but my past experience (or should I say lack of?) does not support the switch. I have very little exposure to recruitment functions or training & development. What work I have done is paper-pushing; i.e., report generation and staff record maintenance.

Since you haven't mentioned how long you have been working, so I guess that it's just the beginning of your career. Most HR professionals tend to get into administrative work in the early stages of their career. Nothing wrong in it as per se, as it helps one in the future. As one moves up, one needs to display strong competency in administration, especially in HR function.

"What should I do? I need to build up my resume somehow. I know what I want to do, I have the knowledge, and have read the papers and know how things work, but I lack the actual experience.

What can I do at my current job to improve my situation? Or should I make the switch to another company where I would need to take a fairly large pay cut but will be able to learn more (taking a pay cut also reflects badly on a resume)?

Since you know what you want to do, great... that's the first step. Frankly, most of us fail in that!

You have the knowledge and understand the process but lack the experience.

Options:

Talk to your seniors about the possibility of performing similar functions, after all, you know the organization and I'm sure they will provide you the opportunity.

Otherwise, take a cut (are you sure it would happen?).

If you apply elsewhere, be frank and candid. Many organizations value the trait of honesty and intent! It helps. If not, keep trying. I'm sure you will get what you are looking for. Just like they say someone somewhere is made for you, similarly, some organizations may be looking for someone with your profile.

So, don't get discouraged and be positive.

Cheers and best wishes.

Rajat

Encouragement is indeed required and received. From a career perspective, immediate growth, whether internal or external, is essential. Since possibilities within a large company should exist internally, the only thing you may need to do is give some time to yourself and work out after discussing with superiors. Of course, it may not happen at once.

You may be considering a job function change, so think about what your goals were when you first joined the organization. Revise them and work towards achieving them.

Hi Rajat and Umalme,

I've been in this field for about 1.5 years. I've asked a consultancy to put my resume forward to different places. It's the opinion of the person at the consultancy that because of my experience, it will be difficult for me to find a job at my existing pay level. Even without the salary issue, the fact that I have mostly administrative HR experience does not bode well for me. I personally don't think that badly of the work I've done, but I do agree that it is hard to make that switch.

The reason I don't want to stick it out here is because I don't see the room to grow beyond admin roles, no matter what section I'm in; recruitment, OD, Performance management, etc. Maybe I'm taking it too seriously and too much to heart :) ... I don't normally feel this way about a job hunt... at least I know where I want to go and am just figuring out the steps to get there :) Thanks for the encouragement.

Regards

Hi Siddiqif,

I was also in the same dilemma. Though I did more than administrative HR. On my constant request, now the management has started including me in the discussion on salary surveys. As we are in the process of revamping the salary structure, I am actively gathering data from my contacts and understanding the process of calculating compensation reviews and how they are implemented. I am also actively involved in redesigning the designations. Remaining in the same organization may not help me with monetary benefits, but I am sure it has added knowledge.

I would suggest that, as your experience level is still at a beginner stage, you may need to put in a couple of years and keep proving yourself in what you are doing. Along with that, you can request your senior management for the opportunity to learn and grow more in this field.

Cordially,
Preet

Hi,

I am in total consonance with RAJAT. In the initial stage of your career, you ought to have experience in Admin, which will make you aware of the nitty-gritty of HR. Prior to circulating your resume to consultants, please go through the career management policy of your organization and discuss the same with your seniors as well.

Regards,
Deepa

Hi Vijay,

I am interested in this offer. Can I apply for that? I have 3.8 years of experience in the HR field. I am from India. I am very strong in recruitments and maintaining relations. If I am eligible for this position, I would be grateful. Currently, I am working as an HR Generalist.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Regards,
Maruthi Ram
91-9885778269
Hyderabad, India.