Ask SCS: I am going to a career fair on Wednesday, and I am an English graduate student who wants to work in Human Resources. What are some good things to say?

Do homework on the companies that will be at career fair before you attend. You want to have a well written resume with you and dress professionally. You'll want to introduce yourself with a good handshake and eye contact (sounds easy but do a little research and practice). Be confident. Choose a few companies from your "homework" to target instead of trying to hit every booth. Talk to the individual (typically someone from HR or recruiting) about your major and the desire to transition into HR. Ask about internship opportunities and if there are any particular classes they suggest you take during the spring semester. I don't recommend mentioning part time. The companies at career fairs are larger companies and most likely looking for full time future employees. You can ask about job sharing opportunities or flex schedules. I'm not sure where you live so those topics might be a turn off if sharing and flex time are not popular in your region. Companies want confident, bright, and go - getter. Asking about part time, flex, or work sharing as a student might be a negative unless you have a unique situation such as having to take care of an ill parent, child, etc.

The goal is to approach the company... and get another meeting.

Top Reasons why employees don't give reasons why they are exiting an organization...

Generally employees don't leave an organization but rather leave their boss....... The prime reasons why the effectiveness of Exit Interviews has vanished is due to the following in my opinion:

1) Unwillingness to spoil rapport with the current company HR and Colleagues mainly your reporting manager

2) Fear of getting a poor review from past employer in a reference check process by the employee's future employer if the future employer is a competitor company

3) No one wants to become a whistle blower and point out reasons like mental harassment and organizational politics and risk a loss of reputation as everyone knows that his/her association with the organization is not for an eternity with any organization in today's times...

What are your reasons?

SCS Reader Says-I would love to make a career change and go into HR. What tips do you have for me to make this transition happen?

Answer:

Finding your passion in life is indeed a blessing! Paying it forward and helping others to blossom is as good as it can ever get. We are all energetically connected and whenever we support another in reaching and achieving their true potential/highest good, we help ourself! Being in service to others is a magnificent feeling, and I believe the secret to raising planetary consciousness!

Transitioning to an HR Career from Another Field

If you have a different academic background from that described, or you have been employed in another profession, a readily transferable, related academic background and related professional experience will help. Experience in general management and an understanding of business processes are vitally important. You may, therefore, wish to consider pursuing either an MBA or an MS graduate degree with a concentration in human resources in order to break into the field of HR.

When there are not sufficient numbers of qualified HR professionals with the preferred experience, employers occasionally hire other professionals who have related experience and who are willing to undertake additional education or training.

Those interested in HR as a profession can take college courses, attend seminars or take self-study courses as a beginning. In such circumstances, professional counselors might find opportunities in employer-sponsored employee assistance programs; teachers may be hired by training departments; or accounting, math and statistics majors could find employment in compensation and employee benefits. Law school graduates or attorneys may be hired to handle legal compliance or employee relations activities. Above-average communications skills are always essential for HR professionals. Since HR professionals handle confidential information, and must be comfortable interacting with employees at all levels, companies often seek people who are mature and experienced professionals—especially for higher-level positions in HR.