Veteran trying!!
I really need to vent. First let me say that sometimes I really believe I am my worst enemy. Maybe I should be more aggressive. Perhaps I should take someone's HR office hostage. Desperate times call for desperate measures, remember John Q. Here is the deal, over a year a go I ended my military service and then received a BA in Human Resources. When I started working on my degree I was on active duty and at the guidance of a school counselor I decided on a degree in HR. Now had I known how HARD it would be to break into human resources I might have went a different route. In the past year civilian life has been a real eye opening experience for me. I would love to work in HR, I mean I did spend all that time going to school for it. I would also to be paid for my combined educational and (military) experience. I just feel that I haven't been given the chance to show and prove and that is very frustrating. Almost frustrating enough to make me want to join back up...naw not that frustrating.
Working for barely above minimum wage is not only depressing, it sucks! I just want to make $75k or more a year...ha ha...eventually.
So start with, what did you do during active duty that you can translate in to "sellable" skills in the work that you want to do? They may not seem on the surface to match but you might be surprised.
Have you had your resume looked at?
Are you working with a placement couselor at the university?
With your, I am assuming honorable discharge are you beating the doors of all government opportunities? You should be!
I was in transportation while I active duty and I'd rather not work as an operator anymore. I have translated my resume into civilian language and expressed my prior managerial experience (at least I thought was what I did).
I have had my resume looked at.
And believe me I have been applying to government positions.
Try over on the resume boards here. There are some pretty smart folks who might be able to offer you some advice. HR is a tough nut to crack. While you were in university did you specialize at all? Such as in benefits or payroll? Maybe there is a way to really focus your resume and your past experience.
I wish I could offer some better advice. HR is not my area of expertise but there are a few others on these boards who are in HR. Hopefully they can chime in. You might try looking over on the Industry Insights boards in the Specialty areas as well.
HR is incredibly hard to get into. You're going to need to start in something VERY entry-level such as Admin Assistant in the HR department or Recruiter at a temp company. Then you can wiggle your way up through the various areas of HR.
Also, try non-profits. They need HR help for both volunteers and paid staff and will often be more accepting of lack of experience or other issues. It is a great way for you to start building HR experience that you can later transfer to a company.
All the best!
Tess
On the non-profit topic, you should specifically try Red Cross in your local area and see if they have any openings. They are very veteran friendly. As a matter of fact, there are so many retired military guys in Red Cross that we often joke about it really being the "Khaki Cross".
Good luck!
Tess
It seems as if you are in the same boat that I am in I got out in January and no luck....it seems like eight and a half years just went down the drain. I cant even help you here since i am searching just like you are...human resources/ business marketing/probation and parole or corrections no luck....Just to let you know you are not the only one!!!