Dear Camille,

I'm enthusiastically interested in transitioning into human resources from financial analysis. Although I have taken all the necessary steps the HR experts have advised (HR Certificate program, HR volunteer work, HR association membership and volunteering at events, networking, etc.)I'm still finding it extremely challenging to get my foot in the door. Anything more that you can get suggest to increase my chances of success?

HR Professional Hopeful

 

 

Hello HR Hopeful,

First of all, congratulations on deciding what you want to do to make a change and taking proactive steps to reach your goal.  You have passed about ten major milestones...like that you weren't satisfied working in financial analysis and getting all the way to where you are now.  Take a moment to pat yourself on the back!

 

I have held over 40 paid positions, so I could tell you a few things about career transition.  It's all about focus and knowing exactly what you want to do. Next, you build the structure under the "dream".

 

I'm not psychic, but I definitely see an HR comp and benefits job in your near future.  Why?  Because quite simply, you have built the basic foundation needed to get there.  Here are a couple more ideas to build on your current activities...

 

1.    Build a list of your qualifications and the top 50 companies you are interested in researching/possibly working for.

 

2.    Identify your top ten HR contacts at hiring manager level built through all the work you have noted in your inquiry above.  Set up a coffee, lunch, cocktail, dinner, phone appointment...whatever. 

 

3.    Share the #1 with #2 above and ask for advice, information and referrals.

 

4.    Hone in on researching the companies in #1.  Add other companies that you learn about and removing any companies that your research proves NOT to be appropriate to your perfect job.

 

5.    Write down your absolute perfect work scenario.  Be as specific as you can be at this point in your discovery process.  Write down every detail about the kind of people you are working with,  the hours, what the culture is like, the commute, the type of product/service, the reputation of the company, what your role is, what the physical work environment looks like...yada, yada, yada.

 

6.    Spend five minutes every day focusing on #5 in a positive way...as if you are now in that scenario.

 

7.    Don't ever give up, don't ever give up, don't ever give up.  "Never, ever, ever, ever, give up".

 

OK, that is actually Winston Churchill's quote, but I gotta agree. Stick to the above plan and you'll have those new business cards in hand before you know it.