Is your foot in the right door? Things to consider when transitioning to Human Resources as a second career

Throughout my career, I’ve spoken to people considering Human Resources as a second career.? Some have burned out in their previous role and want a change.? Others have lost their jobs and are attempting to reinvent themselves in what they hope will be a more stable industry.? A few have even taken steps toward the transition such as obtaining a degree or certification.? No matter which set of circumstances most closely describes them, one statement is thematic. “I just need to get my foot in the door”.

I felt this way as a burned-out, mental health and human services professional looking for an opportunity, any opportunity to break into what seemed like the impossible industry of Human Resources. This logic in some cases suggests that there is only one door that all must enter to obtain that ever-elusive opportunity to begin a thriving career in Human Resources.?

What I did not realize was that the “door” I entered depended heavily on my own “foot”. My experience has taught me that there are multiple doors leading to a plethora of options for a fulfilling HR journey.? With so many options and pathways, there can be a right or wrong door for the seeker.? However, to know which doors to enter, the transitioning HR beginner must get familiar with their own foot.? Here are three things to consider when seeking a transition to the Human Resources field.

Fully understand and articulate why you desire to enter the HR field.

I am often surprised when people tell me they want to work in Human Resources, but struggle to answer when I ask them why.? The default answer is “I want to help people” but does not fully answer the question. “Why help people through a career in HR?” Nurses and doctors help people.? Teachers help people.? Scientists help people.? Why HR?? What functions of HR interest you most?? Is it recruitment and the thrill of hearing a candidate’s reaction when you offer them the role they’ve been waiting for?? Is it negotiating and administering certain benefits that will allow employees to keep their families healthy and safe? Is it resolving conflicts and solving problems in the employee relations function?? If you are unclear why you want to be in the HR field, it could be much more challenging to convince a prospective employer that yours is the right foot to let in their door.

Consider where you are in your current career and what you are or are not willing to do for the transition.?

Some have reached a senior or leadership-level position in their current industry and expect a seamless transition to HR at a similar level.? Depending on your industry, education, experience, and transferrable skills, this may or may not be possible.? Are you willing to take a salary reduction to begin as an independent contributor rather than a supervisor or director?? Are you willing to obtain additional certifications or degrees to strengthen your credibility in the HR field and make yourself more marketable for certain roles? Are you willing to volunteer or intern to earn experience without a permanent role? The answers to these questions can help you determine which roles are worth seeking for yourself and which ones might be less realistic or completely out of alignment with your preferences.

Think about your long-term HR career goals.?

Do you aspire to be a CHRO or VP of HR? Perhaps a more generalized approach would be appropriate. This might include HR Assistant, Coordinator, or Generalist roles.? Maybe you want to specialize in benefits or compensation.? In that case, seeking opportunities as a benefits coordinator or compensation analyst might be a better option.? Perhaps you want to be a talent acquisition manager.? You might opt for an agency recruitment position to gain the experience to transition to a corporate recruiter position.? These are three different “doors” leading to three very different careers in Human Resources.? But they all depend on your “foot”, and rely upon your preferences, needs, goals, and non-negotiables.

So, while you’re seeking your next opportunity and considering a pivot to HR, take a moment to examine your foot and make sure the doors you seek are a good fit.

Let’s keep the conversation going.? How would you describe your HR “foot” and how did getting clear on your preferences and goals impact the kinds of opportunities you seek? I welcome and respond to comments. Also, feel free to follow me here .