16 answers
Pearl
Student
India
22
Questions
Asked
897 views
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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16 answers
Megan Brandenberger, MBA
Senior Recruiter
6
Answers
Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Updated
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!
Pearl
James Schindler
Risk Analyst
5
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
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!
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 so much, James!
Pearl
Padmaja Mantrala
Human Resources
2
Answers
McKinney, Texas
Updated
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 so much for the advice.
Pearl
Laurie W.
Head of Talent Acquisition and Human Resources Strategic Partner
1
Answer
Lewisville, Texas
Updated
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 so much for the very detailed and insightful answer!
Pearl
Cristina B
HR Professional | Global Recruiter | Translator | Career Coach
1
Answer
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Updated
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!
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Pearl
Naveen B. Miller, CPCU
Human Resources Consultant
17
Answers
Bloomington, Illinois
Updated
Naveen B.’s Answer
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!!!
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, Naveen B.!
Pearl
Monique Jaye
HR
1
Answer
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Monique’s Answer
Absolutely you can! Many HR professionals transition from other fields like payroll and recruitment administration. In terms of certification I highly recommend CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development) which is based in the United Kingdom but I believe you can study online from India. Good luck!
https://www.cipd.org/asia/learning/short-courses/regional-partners/
https://www.cipd.org/asia/learning/short-courses/regional-partners/
Catherine Altman
Human Resources
2
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
Hello Pearl,
Obtaining certifications can indeed be beneficial, but their importance can vary depending on your location and the specific companies you work for. My initial experience was in the Washington D.C area, where the firms I was employed with insisted on certifications for all HR hires. However, when I relocated to Charlotte, NC, I noticed a shift in perspective. Here, HR roles didn't place as much emphasis on the need for certifications. Currently, I'm with Verizon, a company that doesn't mandate or particularly value certifications. Despite this, I've made it a point to keep my certifications current, just in case I decide to transition to a company that does require them. Remember, every company is unique and they each have their own stance on the importance of certifications.
Obtaining certifications can indeed be beneficial, but their importance can vary depending on your location and the specific companies you work for. My initial experience was in the Washington D.C area, where the firms I was employed with insisted on certifications for all HR hires. However, when I relocated to Charlotte, NC, I noticed a shift in perspective. Here, HR roles didn't place as much emphasis on the need for certifications. Currently, I'm with Verizon, a company that doesn't mandate or particularly value certifications. Despite this, I've made it a point to keep my certifications current, just in case I decide to transition to a company that does require them. Remember, every company is unique and they each have their own stance on the importance of certifications.
Norman Blackman
Human Resources
4
Answers
Knoxville, Tennessee
Updated
Norman’s Answer
It's definitely possible to transition into the HR field without a specific degree in it. Your past experience could potentially qualify you for roles such as an HR Coordinator or even a Recruitment position. When preparing your resume, it's crucial to highlight any skills and experiences that could be applicable to these roles.
In the situation of shifting from a different field, it would be beneficial to compose a cover letter. This will allow you to delve deeper into your motivations and aspirations for moving into the HR field. Self-study can be an effective method to demonstrate your eagerness and dedication to this career path.
Transitioning into Recruiting from a different industry is a feasible move. Your previous work experience could be a valuable asset, as it can provide you with a unique understanding of roles that align with your background or industry. For instance, if you've worked as an Engineer, you'd likely find tech recruiting to be a smoother transition compared to other fields.
Initially, you might need to be open to accepting a more junior role such as a Recruiting Assistant or Talent Search Specialist. Recruitment agencies often seek motivated individuals who can effectively scour the internet and other channels to locate suitable profiles for their clients. By providing support to your Recruiters, you'll have the opportunity to climb the career ladder swiftly.
In the situation of shifting from a different field, it would be beneficial to compose a cover letter. This will allow you to delve deeper into your motivations and aspirations for moving into the HR field. Self-study can be an effective method to demonstrate your eagerness and dedication to this career path.
Transitioning into Recruiting from a different industry is a feasible move. Your previous work experience could be a valuable asset, as it can provide you with a unique understanding of roles that align with your background or industry. For instance, if you've worked as an Engineer, you'd likely find tech recruiting to be a smoother transition compared to other fields.
Initially, you might need to be open to accepting a more junior role such as a Recruiting Assistant or Talent Search Specialist. Recruitment agencies often seek motivated individuals who can effectively scour the internet and other channels to locate suitable profiles for their clients. By providing support to your Recruiters, you'll have the opportunity to climb the career ladder swiftly.
Kylie Rosario
1
Answer
Ogden, Utah
Updated
Kylie’s Answer
Hi Pearl,
I agree with everything everyone has said above, and just wanted to share a few other things: I transitioned into HR from retail management. I share that to say - like others have said above - there are so many skills you can glean from other roles that are relevant to HR and recruiting. For example: are you great at sales? Awesome! You have to sell the company and the job to prospective candidates.
If you have a current job, I recommend telling your manager or someone you trust that you are interested in learning more about recruitment. It's possible they could have some small project opportunities that would help you learn more.
I also see that you are based in India. A colleague I worked with started a community on LinkedIn that's bringing recruiters together, focused in India: it's called I AM A RECRUITER: https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-am-a-recruiter-community/. Joining communities like this can help network to find entry level opportunities, and this would provide another place for you to ask questions about how best to get into the field of recruitment.
Best of luck on your journey!
I agree with everything everyone has said above, and just wanted to share a few other things: I transitioned into HR from retail management. I share that to say - like others have said above - there are so many skills you can glean from other roles that are relevant to HR and recruiting. For example: are you great at sales? Awesome! You have to sell the company and the job to prospective candidates.
If you have a current job, I recommend telling your manager or someone you trust that you are interested in learning more about recruitment. It's possible they could have some small project opportunities that would help you learn more.
I also see that you are based in India. A colleague I worked with started a community on LinkedIn that's bringing recruiters together, focused in India: it's called I AM A RECRUITER: https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-am-a-recruiter-community/. Joining communities like this can help network to find entry level opportunities, and this would provide another place for you to ask questions about how best to get into the field of recruitment.
Best of luck on your journey!
Jairo Henao
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Recruiting Program Manager
4
Answers
Updated
Jairo’s Answer
Hi Pearl!
You can absolutely break into HR without a degree. HR covers a lot of different areas such as Talent Acquisition, Benefits, Workplace Experience, Compensation, etc. As someone who works specifically in recruiting I got into this field because of my love for hosting campus tours when High School students would visit campus. I'd also participate in panels to share more about my experience on campus. If you're in school, it's a great way for you to explore Recruiter opportunities based on previous experience. If you're not in school, look for ways in your community or PT roles that have transferable skills (e.g. tour guide at a museum). Hope this helps!
You can absolutely break into HR without a degree. HR covers a lot of different areas such as Talent Acquisition, Benefits, Workplace Experience, Compensation, etc. As someone who works specifically in recruiting I got into this field because of my love for hosting campus tours when High School students would visit campus. I'd also participate in panels to share more about my experience on campus. If you're in school, it's a great way for you to explore Recruiter opportunities based on previous experience. If you're not in school, look for ways in your community or PT roles that have transferable skills (e.g. tour guide at a museum). Hope this helps!
Jaylahn Johnson
Human Resources Analysts
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Jaylahn’s Answer
Absolutely, you can pursue a career in HR without having a specific HR degree! HR roles primarily rely on soft skills like customer service, time management, communication, decision making, efficiency, and problem solving. These skills can be developed in various jobs and are transferable to HR positions such as recruiter, payroll specialist, benefits coordinator, HR analyst, HR technology specialist, or organizational development strategist.
While a degree in HR provides foundational knowledge for compliance-focused roles, it’s not essential for a successful HR career. Many skills can be learned on the job. You can major in fields like psychology, computer science, or finance and still transition into HR. (I have many colleagues, and even leaders/ Vice Presidents, who don't have a HR degree)
Additionally, certifications from recognized organizations like SHRM and HRCI can enhance your qualifications, though they are not mandatory. Some universities even offer these certifications at no extra cost, so it’s worth checking if your chosen institution provides this benefit.
While a degree in HR provides foundational knowledge for compliance-focused roles, it’s not essential for a successful HR career. Many skills can be learned on the job. You can major in fields like psychology, computer science, or finance and still transition into HR. (I have many colleagues, and even leaders/ Vice Presidents, who don't have a HR degree)
Additionally, certifications from recognized organizations like SHRM and HRCI can enhance your qualifications, though they are not mandatory. Some universities even offer these certifications at no extra cost, so it’s worth checking if your chosen institution provides this benefit.
Gergő Kosztik
People Operations Lead
15
Answers
Kraków, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Gergő’s Answer
Hi Pearl,
Absolutely.
There are also different tasks in Recruitment.
Sourcing candidates, resume screening, initial screening, background and reference checks and interview scheduling etc.
Some of these can be done by a junior with some training and the rest you can learn on the job. Additional courses can be very helpful.
I hope this helps!
Absolutely.
There are also different tasks in Recruitment.
Sourcing candidates, resume screening, initial screening, background and reference checks and interview scheduling etc.
Some of these can be done by a junior with some training and the rest you can learn on the job. Additional courses can be very helpful.
I hope this helps!
Antonia Kolm
Software Sales
3
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
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
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
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Pearl
Karen Chrisman
Sales Recruiting, Talent Acquisition
1
Answer
Washington, Washington
Updated
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.
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.
Thanks for the advice.
Pearl
Joe Azzone
Consulting
8
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
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.
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.