At a webinar hosted by The HR World and sponsored by The Talent World, a highly experienced and informed panel offered a wealth of information, ideas and tips on how to create a successful HR career campaign in what is currently a very challenging jobs market.
The session offered a wide range of hints and tips, including CV and LinkedIn management, networking and day-to-day practicalities. Here, some of the panelists, Hannah Ford, Managing Director, Maru Search & Consultancy; Caroline Woolland, HR Director, The King’s Fund and Nebel Crowhurst, Fractional Chief People Officer at Each Person, answer another couple of questions raised by the audience:
Q: I am currently in a role I enjoy as HR Manager of an organisation that has never had a HR presence. What can I do to ensure that I grow my role in this very AI and technology driven climate with very limited financial resourcing?
Nebel: Have a business mindset – showcase how HR can have a positive commercial impact on the organisations success. Translate people data into commercial metrics.
Hannah: Being an HR Manager in a business that has never had HR before gives you real scope to shape things, even without much budget. I’d focus on the skills that matter most in a more tech-driven landscape, such as using data well, presenting insights clearly and communicating in a way that brings people with you. You can make a big impact with the tools you already have: SharePoint, Teams, Power Automate, Canva for clean documentation and visuals, and simple dashboards. These practical improvements help managers feel more supported and create quick wins that build credibility. The more you understand where the operational gaps and frustrations are, and the more HR helps to ease those, the faster your role naturally grows. HR becomes an enabler rather than a cost, and that is what gives you influence in organisations still finding their feet.
Caroline: Don’t forget HR is a business problem solver – engage with people, make personal contact and they will seek you out for solutions.
Q: Are there any daily habits you’d recommend while engaging on a job search – e.g. daily checking of LinkedIn/other websites? Keeping up to date with HR practices? Having other activities to keep my mind of job hunting?
Caroline: Attending events is a great way of keeping up to date and making you feel engaged, particularly if you are between jobs. If you’re between jobs, can you also use it as an opportunity to think what you’d really be interested in doing? It can sometimes send you in a different direction. I spent 6 months working in a children’s hospice, and it was the most amazing experience, but I’d probably not have thought of it had I not broadened my mind about what was worth doing or not. If you are able to, are there pro bono or volunteering opportunities that you can do? They can help self-esteem and often very interesting topics at interviews.
Nebel: I am on LinkedIn every day whether I am job hunting or not, so I definitely believe engaging in your communities regularly is a vital contributor to building your network and being seen. If you are a CIPD member use their info to keep up to date with what is happening in the profession. Commit to attending regular in person networking events. If your CV is not getting through, think about using some time to create a portfolio website to showcase your successes and achievements – I have found this helpful in the past. An easy site to use is WIX.
Hannah: When you are job searching, having a rhythm really helps. Some roles move quickly, so checking messages and emails once or twice a day is important. Keep lightly connected to what is happening in HR, and keep talking to people because conversations often open more doors than applications. Treat your CV as a living, breathing document. Keep revisiting it, reread it with fresh eyes, ask for feedback and make regular improvements. I always like having a master version that lists everything, and then tailoring a shorter, sharper version for each application. It also helps to have a simple application tracking system in Excel or any format you prefer, somewhere to log deadlines, set reminders to chase recruiters and keep track of who you have spoken to. If you want to, connect with people inside the organisations you are applying to, as it can give useful insight and visibility. And alongside all of this, look after yourself. Get outside, stay hydrated, keep your environment tidy enough that it does not affect your mood, and make time for things you enjoy. If the days feel long, a part-time role can help. It does not need to be HR-related. I spoke to an L&D professional recently who is moonlighting as a chauffeur, and it gives him structure, a bit of income and actually reflects well on his resilience. All these habits help you stay grounded and maintain momentum in a demanding market.
