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Starting a career in Human Resources (HR) can feel overwhelming when you don’t know where to begin. Whether you’re new to the workforce or transitioning from a different career path, HR offers a rewarding journey filled with opportunities to grow, influence organisational culture, and make a tangible difference in people’s working lives.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essential steps you can take to begin your HR career from scratch, complete with practical tips and insights to help you succeed.
Understanding the World of HR
Before jumping into job applications, it’s vital to understand what HR professionals actually do. HR is a broad field with specialisms such as recruitment, learning and development, employee relations, and reward management.
Start by:
- Researching different HR roles and their responsibilities
- Comparing job descriptions for entry-level HR roles
- Making a list of pros and cons based on your own values and interests
- Understanding the qualifications and experience employers typically look for
- Talking to people currently working in HR to gather real-world insights
A solid understanding of HR will help you identify which area you might want to specialise in, and what your next steps should be.
Developing Your Core HR Skills
You don’t need to be an HR expert to get started, but developing the right skills can set you apart from the competition. Think about what you already bring to the table, and where you might need to upskill.
Key skills for early-career HR professionals include:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Organisational ability
- Attention to detail
- Basic knowledge of employment law
- Emotional intelligence
How to build your skills:
- Volunteer in roles that require people management or administration
- Take online courses or webinars
- Study for an entry-level HR qualification such as the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate
- Stay informed by reading HR blogs, listening to podcasts, or subscribing to industry magazines
Remember, even soft skills gained from customer service, retail, or admin roles can be highly transferable to HR.
Networking Within the HR Community
One of the best ways to break into the HR field is by connecting with others who are already part of it. Your network can help you discover opportunities, gain referrals, and offer career advice.
Ways to build your network:
- Join HR groups on LinkedIn
- Attend local or virtual HR networking events
- Take part in industry conferences or workshops
- Reach out to former colleagues or friends in HR
- Ask for informational interviews with HR professionals
Your network can become one of your most valuable resources – offering support, leads, and mentorship as you progress.
Finding the Right Opportunities
Now that you have some direction and growing confidence, it’s time to explore the job market. Start by identifying the types of companies or sectors you’d like to work in.
Tips for a smart job search:
- Use specialist HR job boards like People Management Jobs or Personnel Today
- Sign up for job alerts and newsletters
- Follow organisations you admire on social media
- Set up Google Alerts for keywords like “entry-level HR jobs” or “HR assistant vacancies”
- Regularly check the careers pages of target employers
- Let your network know you’re actively looking
Creating a system for tracking your applications (such as a spreadsheet) can help you stay organised and ensure you follow up where appropriate.
Applying with Confidence
Standing out during the application process means more than submitting a generic CV. Tailoring your application to each role and showcasing your skills with clarity is key.
Best practices:
- Adapt your CV and cover letter for each job, highlighting relevant skills
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your achievements
- Double-check spelling and formatting
- Include specific examples that show how you’ve made an impact
- Track deadlines and submit applications ahead of time
Don’t let rejections discourage you. Treat every application as a learning experience and keep refining your approach.
Nailing the Interview
Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview. Now it’s time to prepare and present yourself professionally and confidently.
Top interview tips:
- Research the company thoroughly and understand their values
- Revisit the job description and think about how your experience aligns
- Prepare for common HR interview questions (especially behavioural questions)
- Practise using the STAR method to answer competency-based questions
- Dress appropriately and ensure you’re punctual
- Remember to ask thoughtful questions – interviews are a two-way street
Always follow up with a thank-you email. It’s courteous and reinforces your enthusiasm for the role.
Get Qualified and Grow
If you’re serious about progressing in HR, gaining a recognised qualification can significantly boost your credibility and confidence.
CIPD qualifications, for example, are widely respected and often listed as essential or desirable in job ads. They cover essential HR knowledge and practical skills, and are designed to suit learners at every stage of their career.
Start your journey with We-are-HR
We-are-HR is an official training provider of CIPD and CMI qualifications, and we offer flexible, 100% online courses tailored to your career goals. Whether you’re starting out or looking to move up, we can support your professional development every step of the way.
👉 Explore our CIPD and CMI courses here
Final Thoughts
Starting a career in HR doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right steps, persistence, and guidance, it’s absolutely achievable. By investing in your skills, growing your network, and seeking out opportunities with intent, you can confidently launch a fulfilling HR career.
Ready to take the first step? Get qualified and stand out in the HR job market today!
📞 Talk to our advisors today on 020 3740 0757 to discover which CIPD level suits you best.