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Can someone become an HR or Talent Recruiter without a degree in the field Is it possible to transition from another background, and do HR certifications help in landing a job in this sector?

Also, can I learn about HR through self-study, and if so, how effective is that for finding opportunities? I will be very grateful for any helps.

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Padmaja’s Answer

Hello Pearl, absolutely, it's possible to shift into HR from a different field. It's advisable to make this transition sooner rather than later to maximize your work experience. Certifications in HR from esteemed institutions like SHRM and HRCI are not only valuable but also highly beneficial. I recommend becoming a student volunteer with SHRM to establish meaningful connections. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Pearl
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Cristina’s Answer

Hi Pearl! You can definitely enter the field without a degree in HR. Depending on your experience, you might be able to start as an HR Coordinator, or even Recruitment. Make sure to emphasise your transferable skills and experiences in your resume. And in this case of transitioning from another field, I’d recommend you to write a cover letter where you can go deeper into explaining your motivation and desire for entering the field. Self-study can indeed be very effective and further show your motivation for entering the field. Additionally, highlighting your interest in pursuing an HR certification, such as the CIPD can further strengthen your application. Hope this helps!
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Pearl
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Megan’s Answer

Just like many have said before, there are countless opportunities to make your mark in the Talent (Recruitment) or HR field. One such path could be starting as a Recruiting Coordinator or even as a junior HR assistant. Being at ease with cultivating relationships is a great asset in this field. So, if you have any experience in customer service or hospitality, it could serve as a fantastic stepping stone into this career. Keep going, your potential is limitless!
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Pearl
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James’s Answer

Absolutely, you can certainly secure a position in Human Resources (HR) even if you don't have prior experience or a degree in the field. Staffing agencies can provide a wealth of experience and they often cater to various sectors such as technology, business, or healthcare. Major retail chains, like Target for instance, typically have HR representatives in each store or Business Partners overseeing multiple stores.

Moreover, large corporations often have numerous HR opportunities and they tend to promote from within. So, if you're already part of such an organization, you could apply and potentially transition to an HR role from an unrelated entry-level position.

To broaden your understanding of the field, consider exploring resources like YouTube and Indeed. They host a variety of insightful videos that shed light on what HR professionals do on a daily basis. Best of luck on your journey!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, James! Pearl
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Hi Pearl—good insightful question! The short answer is YES and YES!

You definitely can be selected in an HR role without HR experience. Some large companies have a promote from within environment, so if you are in that type of organization, you can get selected into HR. The roles may be first level Recruiter or an HR assistant, where you might learn and develop experience and expertise. Remember the role of HR teams is to consult on business issues impacting people, so the more you learn about that particular business operation, and it’s challenges, the better off you’ll be.

Additionally, HR certifications will show your desire to learn about the profession. Many of those have been suggested in previous responses.

Best of luck to you!!!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Naveen B.! Pearl
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Laurie’s Answer

Absolutely, I adore this question! Indeed, it's entirely possible for you to become an HR Business Partner (Generalist) or Recruiter, even without a college degree. Moreover, you can make a smooth transition from any other profession into HR. Having spent a significant amount of time in HR, particularly in Talent Acquisition / Recruiting, I've had the privilege of working alongside a broad spectrum of colleagues, direct reports, and leaders from diverse backgrounds. If you don't have specific HR experience, I'd suggest seeking a certification through SHRM or HRCI. Another excellent strategy is to volunteer for HR-related projects and actively network with HR professionals to find a mentor in the field. Entry-level positions in recruitment are plentiful, with staffing agencies often providing a fantastic starting point to gain experience. Additionally, there's a wealth of LinkedIn groups, free industry newsletters, and HR organizations you can follow to stay updated on the latest topics and trends. Some worth considering include: SHRM, HR.com, Electronic Recruiting Exchange, HR Certification Institute, HR Dive, HR News, TLNT, and more. Many of these platforms offer free webinars that could aid your proactive self-study. I trust this information will be of great value to you. Best of luck! You're absolutely capable of this!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the very detailed and insightful answer! Pearl
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Karen’s Answer

Absolutely! Just like many others have shared, it's totally possible to land a job in Recruitment or HR even without a degree. I myself transitioned from Account Management/Sales to Recruitment without any prior experience, because many of the skills I had were applicable.

I'd suggest you keep exploring the fields that catch your interest, like Healthcare, Software/Technology, Manufacturing, Retail, and so on. In the world of recruiting, we're seeing a surge in contract-to-hire positions. If you're keen on a role in recruitment or Talent Acquisition, starting as a sourcer could be a great stepping stone.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Pearl
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Antonia’s Answer

Hello Pearl,
It is realistic to pivot into Recruiting from another industry. Your prior work experience may even be an asset as you will be able to understand roles similar to your background/industry much better. (If you were an Engineer for example, tech recruiting will be much easier for you than other.:
You may have to be prepared to start in a more junior role in the beginning as Recruiting Assistant or Talent Search Specialist first. Agencies oftentimes look for driven people that screen the internet and various other channels to find for desired profiles for their clients. If you are a support for your Recruiters you will be able to move up the leather quickly.
Best,
Antonia
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Pearl
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Joe’s Answer

Hello Pearl, the response is a resounding yes! I have a close friend who is a recruiter without a degree and, in my opinion, they may very well be the most successful recruiter I know, having spent five years myself in recruitment across various firms.

Sure, there will always be a number of firms that require a degree for their HR or recruitment roles, but don't let that discourage you. There are also many that will consider and employ you. If you're open to the idea of agency recruiting, which involves working in a recruitment firm that assists other companies in filling their open positions, I personally believe it's a fantastic way to kickstart your career. Given the sales-oriented nature of these roles, you'll often find that more companies and hiring managers value your work ethic and eagerness to learn over whether or not you hold a degree.
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