Navigating Career Choices in HR and Admin: Seeking Advice on Next Steps and Education Options

Seeking Career Advice in HR and Admin

I really need some good advice from all you experienced people out there. I am looking for a job in HR as a fresher. I started my career at the age of 21 as an air hostess and, after 3 years, quit the aviation industry and joined the front office with a media company. I quit that position in 8 months and joined another company as a front office and admin executive, leaving after 6 months as my parents wanted me to get married. In 2011, I went back to college full-time after getting married and completed my graduation in 2013, majoring in economics with first-class honors. I have a 15-month-old baby who goes to the creche.

I am now looking for a job in HR or admin. I have been trying for 15 days, applying through naukri.com and other job portals, but have not received any interview calls yet as I feel my CV is very weak.

Career Path Dilemma

My question is, should I join a recruitment firm as a recruiter? My concern here is that I am interested in an HR generalist role and not a recruiter role. Alternatively, should I wait it out to get into admin? I am finding it hard to secure an admin job as well; I am receiving offers for reception roles. I do not wish to return to work as a receptionist as I know my skill sets are better than that of just being a receptionist.

Further Education Options

Are there any distance education courses that I should enroll in, as I do not have time for a full-time MBA at the moment?

I live in Mumbai in the suburbs. Let me know your advice.

Thanks & Regards,

Bhagyashree Sengupta

[Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Exploring New Opportunities in HR

It's really nice to see your self-motivation. It's great that you are open to something new. When it comes to your CV, there are numerous ideas available for free on the internet. Just search, and you will find various CV options relevant to any role. Consider working as a freelancer for a few months to gain more experience.

Educational and Learning Resources

For your MBA, there are plenty of cost-effective options. Give MOOC platforms like EDX a try; there are many free courses available, although you may need to pay for a certificate. Stay updated by reading newspapers like the Times of India daily. If you have a smartphone, download free HRM applications from the Google Play Store for added convenience.

It's very important to look for more information online. Keep learning and exploring, and one day you will become the best HR professional. Wishing you all the best in your endeavors.

Regards

Career Guidance for Bhagyashree

First and foremost, I have changed the heading of your post. Your CV is not weak as such; hence, I deleted that portion of the heading.

Your career confusion is because of not sticking to one particular industry. For career growth, one should stick not only to an industry but also to a function (like HR, Finance, Purchase, etc.). Your change in industry was counterproductive. There is nothing wrong with changing the industry; however, what you did not do was make a career plan for the next 5-10 years. This lack of preparation of a career plan is a root cause of your problems.

Imagine for a while if you had stuck to one particular industry like garment, retail, or hospitality, etc., the career break due to family reasons would not have mattered. However, this has come as a double whammy to you. Anyway, this is hindsight. What next now?

Since you worked as a cabin crew, obviously your communication skills are supposed to be good. You are also supposed to be presentable. Nevertheless, what you do not have is admin experience, hence the turning down of your candidature. Against this backdrop, to restore the thread of your career, I recommend you join again as FOA. However, this time you need to try to make a lateral move to get into Admin or Executive Assistant to the Director.

While enhancing education is not a bad idea per se, nevertheless, your degree certification will not be a license to get a job. Your job search will continue even then.

As a truce with destiny, you may get into recruitment, but then that job also will not give you a sense of fulfillment. Secondly, automation is happening very fast. Who knows if recruitment gets automated, there could be a reduced requirement for recruiters. In that case, what will you do after 5-10 years?

I may suggest you join the Hotel Industry as a salesperson. Over a period of time, you will surely grow. They require salespersons with good communication skills and presentation. Trust me, if you work well, then in just 7-8 years, you will become VP (Sales). Do not get me wrong. I am not selling you dreams but sharing my experience.

In the recent past, there was a query similar to yours. In addition to me, several other members have given their quality replies. Click the following link to refer to it: https://www.citehr.com/525691-job-se...abin-crew.html

All the best!

Regards,
Dinesh Divekar

Career Advancement and CV Improvement Tips

Firstly, it is nice to see the drive to acquire proper qualifications. Secondly, ensure you create a well-crafted CV. There are templates available on the internet for various types of CVs. Modify them to align with your specific requirements.

Ensure that your CV is factually accurate in all aspects, including spellings, grammar, and the sequential order of qualifications and work experience. Your CV should be able to withstand subsequent background verifications.

Continue to apply for suitable jobs in Mumbai since you reside in this city. Additionally, you have the added responsibility of taking care of your child.

Register your name with prominent companies like L&T that accept CV submissions on their website for any potential vacancies.

While you could pursue a distance MBA, bear in mind that the value of such distance courses is perceived to be lower by recruiters. Patience may be required as you search for a specific job, but rest assured, the right opportunity will come your way.

Prepare in advance by gaining knowledge about HR procedures, duties, etc., so that you are well-prepared for interviews. Rapid job switches may raise questions during interviews.

Consider starting as a recruiter and later transitioning into an HR role. Working as a recruiter will provide you with a broader understanding of the job market.

Best of luck.

Regards