Recent HR Grad in Atlanta Can't Find A Job Here. Should I move? (Dillard: job market, school)

[recentHRgradready2work]

Hello everyone. I am new to city-data. A little about me...I am a recent graduate of a major university in Atlanta. I have a general business degree with a minor in HR. I am in my 20s. I have worked in HR for almost three years now (internships while as a student and contract work with staffing agencies.) I am having a terrible time finding a full time permanent job in HR in Atlanta. I am willing to start as a HR assistant or coordinator but even that is hard to come by. I feel like I am wasting time here. I spend hours sending resumes and filling out applications and I do not hear anything back. I am am member of SHRM but I never have any job leads. At this point i feel that I should either move to a city with a better economy or switch fields. I really would appreciate any advice to help me in my situation. It seems to me that the job market in Atlanta is not strong. I came to ATL for school and not to live so I am highly considering moving.

I don't want to move without a job lined up but honestly what are my options if nothing works out for me here?

I have a part time job (non HR related) but I need something more financially stable and in my field of choice.

I am willing to locate anywhere in the U.S. I have applied to jobs outside of GA but it seems that me being an out-of towner makes it harder for me to be considered. What would you do if you were me?

Thank you.

[ATLTJL]

The normal advice is not to move somewhere unless you have a job lined up first.

However, if you don't have a job here, either, that advice is fairly irrelevant unless you have some type of family/friend support network here, which it sounds like you don't have.

So I wouldn't see a problem with you moving. My advice would be if you don't have a job lined up to try to pick somewhere with a low cost of living so if you have to take a menial job you can still make ends meet.

Sorry to hear the job market is tight, but it's not surprising to me that it's difficult to find a job in HR. I would advise considering a career change because I don't see a day anytime soon where HR professionals improve their stature in companies. If you ever do get into corporate HR, you'll be able to see from the other side of the fence why you are having so many problems now (filling out job applications and sending resumes has an abysmal success rate).

This is my favorite article that has ever been written about HR. It's 10 years old, but I think still quite relevant:

Why We Hate HR | Fast Company | Business + Innovation

[lem1985]

You havent tried like Macy's Dillards Southern Company Georgia Pacific and other companies...i know they usually have HR positions every other week

[recentHRgradready2work]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

The normal advice is not to move somewhere unless you have a job lined up first.

However, if you don't have a job here, either, that advice is fairly irrelevant unless you have some type of family/friend support network here, which it sounds like you don't have.

So I wouldn't see a problem with you moving. My advice would be if you don't have a job lined up to try to pick somewhere with a low cost of living so if you have to take a menial job you can still make ends meet.

Sorry to hear the job market is tight, but it's not surprising to me that it's difficult to find a job in HR. I would advise considering a career change because I don't see a day anytime soon where HR professionals improve their stature in companies. If you ever do get into corporate HR, you'll be able to see from the other side of the fence why you are having so many problems now (filling out job applications and sending resumes has an abysmal success rate).

This is my favorite article that has ever been written about HR. It's 10 years old, but I think still quite relevant:

Why We Hate HR | Fast Company | Business + Innovation

Thank you for your input. I do like working in HR. I've worked more so in the specialty sectors of HR -Compensation and Benefits. I have found plenty of jobs but they require 5+ years of experience.

If it doesn't work out, do you have any recommendations or advice toward switching fields? I would be considering marketing or accounting. Would employers not take me seriously trying to transition? I am not sure also what opportunities would be available for me with regard to other fields other than entry level. I don't want to be an accounting clerk or marketing assistant at age 30.

Thank you.

[recentHRgradready2work]

Originally Posted by lem1985

You havent tried like Macy's Dillards Southern Company Georgia Pacific and other companies...i know they usually have HR positions every other week

Hi I will definitely look at those companies for opportunities.

[Mutiny77]

Try networking through your alma mater's alumni association.

[Beautyxoxo]

I'm not sure if you are interested in federal opportunities, if so, there are a number of specialized "pathways recent grad" positions that you can apply for. Check out the opportunities posted at the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads. Different jobs are posted regularly, so you should definitely check each day for new opportunities.

If you decide to apply, be certain that you read the job description, and that your resume thoroughly states your qualifications (which should include paid and unpaid relevant experience matching the job announcement, special school related activities/projects/clubs, HR memberships/affiliations, special skill-sets and certifications which qualify you for the position, along with your GPA (if it's at least a 3.0). Typically, most recent college graduate positions will be posted as either GS-5 or GS-7. You can qualify (as a recent grad) for a GS-7, if you have solid work experience and a solid GPA of at least a 3.0). All of the corresponding job announcements will clearly list the salary, as well as the duty location.

Usually, federal HR recent grad positions include the following duties:

Reviews and updates personnel policies; i.e., General Manual amendments, and correspondence providing procedural instructions on staffing, the Merit Promotion Plan, leave, and other human resources programs. Drafts revisions, and initiates correspondence as necessary. Provides guidance and assistance on interpretation of laws,policy, and regulations pertaining to all aspects of human resources. Drafts informational and training materials for use by others in training employees and supervisors.

Advises and assists employees, managers and supervisors regarding grievance procedures and options for conflict resolution. Assures that official case files are properly maintained with complete documentation to support recommended and final action. Completes a variety of personnel reports by compiling and analyzing statistical data. Provides advice and assistance in identifying responsibilities, duties, and functions to be performed; on-the-job and other training appropriate to each developmental level; and appropriate performance measurements.

Implement ways to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of the products and/or services provided to internal and external customers.

Performs duties in a manner which actively supports civil rights policies regarding personnel rules and regulations and delivery of programs and services without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or mental or physical handicap.

Good Luck!

[Listennow32]

Originally Posted by recentHRgradready2work

Thank you for your input. I do like working in HR. I've worked more so in the specialty sectors of HR -Compensation and Benefits. I have found plenty of jobs but they require 5+ years of experience.

If it doesn't work out, do you have any recommendations or advice toward switching fields? I would be considering marketing or accounting. Would employers not take me seriously trying to transition? I am not sure also what opportunities would be available for me with regard to other fields other than entry level. I don't want to be an accounting clerk or marketing assistant at age 30.

Thank you.

I realized you said that you work in a specialty sector. Make sure you keep an open mind and be flexible within our field. If opportunities are not panning out in that area, be sure to explore other areas as well!

[recentHRgradready2work]

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

Try networking through your alma mater's alumni association.

Thank you. Networking is something that i didn't do as a student. Because I attended a non traditional university and worked through school to support myself financially full time, I only went to class and to work. I am learning now that not networking has been a major disadvantage for me. Luckily my university has a huge alumni network. I will utilize our association as well as SHRM in order to meet other professionals and hopefully land a job.

[recentHRgradready2work]

Originally Posted by Listennow32

I realized you said that you work in a specialty sector. Make sure you keep an open mind and be flexible within our field. If opportunities are not panning out in that area, be sure to explore other areas as well!

I luckily got to work in compensation and benefits through contracting and through my internships. This October will make three full years of working in HR-but on a temp job/internship basis. I am definitely open to other areas. i initially hoped to land a job as a HR Generalist after college but it has not worked out for me yet. As a generalist, you get to work in various areas of HR simultaneously depending on your organization. This would be a great chance for me to determine exactly which area I'd like to specialize in.

Unfortunately, here in Atlanta I have not been successful i finding something permanent. I've applied for everything: HR Assistant, HR Coordinator, Recruiter, Benefits Specialist, Compensation Analyst and more.

I have had recruiters look at my resume with positive feedback so I am sure that is not the issue. I am in SHRM and am on Linkedin as well. It seems to me that my application is just sitting in the pile. I have been applying to large and smaller companies to no avail.

My experience with looking for jobs in Atlanta has been very discouraging as had hoped to have my PHR certification by this time next year, but without a steady job in my field, it will be impossible to obtain.

Thanks for your feedback.