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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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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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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!
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