Not getting opportunity as HR in Manufacturing plant, but having 14 years of experience in other industry, is it possible?

Hi All,

I have 14 years of experience in the HR field in a non-manufacturing plant, holding a managerial rank. I have never had the opportunity to work in a manufacturing industry, which I am very interested in. Despite my awareness of all industrial laws associated with factory/manufacturing units, my resume gets rejected whenever I apply to a manufacturing unit. I have visited and contacted my placement agencies and consultants, but none have been able to provide proper guidance.

Will I ever get an opportunity? If yes, how? If no, why? Please guide.

Regards,
Atanu Saha

Dear Atanu Saha, Don't get dejected over your refusal for now. Keep trying with a motivated spirit is all I can advise. Having knowledge of industrial laws itself might not place you in the front seat. You should demonstrate your ability to perform during the interview. Maybe initially, you can try small business entrepreneurs or start-up units which might definitely offer you a job. Later, you can move on to bigger units. All the best.

Do you know why your applications to any Plant HR post are getting rejected? In factories, mines, plantations, etc., the HR Manager is still the Personnel Manager or Industrial Relations Manager. If you approach a manufacturing concern with a CV having very good exposure to Recruitment, Training and development, Performance Appraisal, Employee engagement techniques, exposure in introducing unique employee motivation theories, etc., you may not be considered and roughly your CV will be rated something like 25 out of 100. But if you just show experience in legal compliance, appearing before the labour Officers, Officers of PF and ESI, have faced three or four strikes (whether settled bilaterally or after a conciliation or even if it is referred for adjudication), conducted domestic enquiry, carried out LTS (Long Term Settlement) with the Unions- higher the number of LTS the more good it is and even presence of multiple trade union add values to an HR person- your CV will certainly be shortlisted. Why? Because these activities will give you 80 out of 100! This is the core of HR and that is what is required in a manufacturing concern. Nothing like training and development or motivational classes can bring in real productivity among the working class. Even for others it is a session to relax from the tensions of the factory!

I have advice also. Why should you come to a manufacturing concern? What is the big attraction there? Talking to the workers, having heated exchanges with union office bearers, issuing show cause notices for even silly things...

Dear Colleague,

If one has to work in a manufacturing unit as an HR, employee relations content of the job occupies prominence, and you lack exposure/experience in this area. Knowledge of labor laws is supportive for this role but is not all. Your CV should show promise and confidence that you have the potential to work in that role if given an opportunity. Keep trying with your CV restructured to contain your ability and keenness to work in an employee relations role, and I am sure you will get your dream job one day.

Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar
HR Consultant