Feeling Stuck in HR: How Can I Overcome Rejections Due to My LLB Degree?

Dear Seniors, I have over 8 years of experience in HR & Admin profiles. I have worked in almost all HR departments, except for statutory compliance. I completed my MBA in HR and later pursued an LLB as well. Currently, I am seeking a job change. However, when I applied to a manufacturing organization, I was rejected due to a lack of prior compliance experience. Similarly, in the corporate sector, my LLB degree was questioned, leading to rejection.

I am now facing confusion about my next steps. I pursued an LLB with the intention of furthering my growth in HR.

Dear Naresh,

Your MBA (HR) with an LLB degree is sufficient for a career in HR. However, qualifications alone are not the sole criterion for any job without relevant experience.

With over 8 years of experience in HR & Admin, not knowing about statutory compliance indicates a gap in essential knowledge. The rejection is justified as employers may have higher expectations due to your multiple degrees.

Understanding HR Functions in a Manufacturing Unit

You need to understand the HR functions involved in a manufacturing unit, including the ID Act, Gratuity Act, Payment of Wages Act, Contract Labour Act, Factories Act & welfare measures, EPF & ESI, Trade Union Act, The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, The Apprentice Act, and Employees Compensation Act.

Familiarizing with New Labor Codes

You also need to familiarize yourself with the newly framed Four Codes, including the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, and the Code on Social Security, 2020.

There is no need to lose heart or feel confused about not being selected. Instead, take this as an opportunity to understand the exact requirements of the position and prepare yourself accordingly.

Dear Naresh,

When a candidate applies for any position, they must be prepared for the possibility of their candidacy being turned down (not rejected, please note). In this context, if your application is declined, it does not diminish your worth. It is common for there to be a mismatch between a candidate's profile and the interviewer's expectations. Therefore, do not lose heart.

While you hold a degree in law, you lack practical exposure to statutory compliance. However, this is a common challenge faced by many HR professionals like yourself. Consider enhancing your knowledge of labor laws. If statutory compliance is not your strength, perhaps consider seeking opportunities in the service industry rather than the manufacturing sector.

Regarding doubts raised about your LLB degree, these concerns may have arisen due to your limited experience in the legal field. It is important to stay connected to your field of study by reading magazines, books, articles, etc., even after graduation.

Many students focus solely on achieving a certain grade or classification during their professional studies. However, the true journey of a professional begins after obtaining the degree. It is essential to continually engage with your field of expertise to grow and succeed.

One's professionalism can also be judged by how they present themselves. The ability to use industry-specific terminology in daily interactions is significant. Differentiating oneself as an MBA, for instance, requires more than just a degree; it demands a deep understanding of the field.

Lastly, remember the English proverb, "reading maketh a man." Acquiring knowledge is valuable, but being able to apply that knowledge in practical situations is equally important. Embrace failures as learning opportunities, work diligently, and success will follow.

All the best!

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Naresh,

Hands-on experience or exposure to problem-solving is certainly a must for any professional degree holder. A law degree holder is not an exception, for like any other professional/technical subject, law is also vast, and one cannot master all its branches. Even in lawyering, a Civil lawyer cannot handle a criminal case as effectively as a Criminal lawyer could. Among civil lawyers, one may specialize in tax matters, while another may focus on Constitutional matters, and yet another may excel in labor/service matters. This diversity also exists within the Judiciary. Therefore, your degree is a mere passport; the visa is your in-depth knowledge of a particular branch of law associated with your profession. Experience is the application of theoretical knowledge to practical situations to achieve a desired result.

The Role of an HR Manager in Industrial Relations

As an HR manager handling industrial relations, you must be well-versed not only in the compliance aspect of labor laws but also knowledgeable about the effects of non-compliance. When dealing with an industrial dispute, understanding the nuances of a conflict and being more concerned about the effects of its continued non-resolution rather than seeking a quick-fix solution is vital. Thus, just having an LLB to your credentials alone cannot make you an effective industrial relations manager. Familiarity with important case laws is crucial. During interviews, hypothetical questions based on case laws will be posed to assess your legal mindset. A positive response can compensate for lack of experience and create the impression that you are a potential contender for the position. This is just one example. HR problems vary according to the industry type. Therefore, as an HR manager, it is not sufficient to be well-versed only in routine administrative matters; you should also be a motivator, trainer, coordinator, problem solver, easily accessible, and so on.

Experience Versus Formal Education

In my work experience, I have encountered many effective Personnel Managers (as they were called then) without a law degree who handled questions of law in conflict situations, particularly regarding statutory compliance, more effectively than a lawyer, as they were always ready for a compromise that benefited both sides out of practical wisdom, which does not solely stem from past experience but also from the ability to visualize the future.

Hence, if you rely more on an LLB to become an HR manager in a manufacturing industry, it should complement your MBA (HR) in all job aspects to the extent required.

Sincerely