Beyond an initial "readiness" mindset and general preparation as outlined above, one of the most important things to do if you're undertaking a job search for human resources is to make sure you that you network constantly. There are several ways to do this type of networking, and the Internet has made professional networking quite easy. There are many social media sites, for example, that focus on not just professional networking contacts, but those specific to a variety of industries, so that you can be continually doing a human resource "job search" at all times, even when you've got a job. That doesn't mean that you're going to necessarily be job hunting all the time. However, this will give you the resources you'll need in the event that if you do find yourself out of a job and in need of a new one, you have already got contacts that can help you get that job.
Back to undertaking your first human resource job search, though. The problem is, there are lots of candidates for human resource jobs, more than there are jobs available. That means that if you are doing your own job search for human resource employment, you have to be on top of your game, ready for the interview, and be a professional at all times.
What do human resource employers look for?
If you are doing a human resource job search, it helps to know just what human resource employers are looking for. What they really want are people who are professional, prepared, and experienced.
Match your talents and experience to the position you're looking for
Too many people doing a job search for human resource employment set their sights too high based upon their background and experience. In other words, if you've just graduated from college, look for entry-level employment in your job search for human resource jobs. If you do have the experience to match a particular position, by all means do apply for that position -- but show up for the interview prepared, ready to show that you are the right candidate, and at the top of your game.
This is a tough job market for every sector of the economy right now, and the market for jobs in human resources is no exception. Therefore, if you have relatively minimal experience, don't apply for higher-level positions until you've got the experience to do the job right for those positions.
Once on the job, you absolutely can certainly show your employer what you are made of, in that you are always seeking to improve and rise to challenges at all times. A willingness to undertake challenges in general will help you get those human resource job promotions when you are ready for them, and/or will also give you the experience necessary to apply for more challenging human resource jobs when the time comes to do so.
Other things to keep in mind when you're doing a human resource job search
If you persevere, AND you have the experience, willingness, and background to work in human resources, you will eventually land a job in human resources. It may not be exactly what you're looking for, and you may not be paid exactly what you want to be paid, but it does provide an avenue for you to eventually transition to the position you truly want. Above all, keep in mind that you should always be willing to do things exactly as prospective HR employers ask you to do them, in a sense attempting to "fit in" as much as possible. At the same time, you can show that you have the initiative to take on challenges that will make you a prime candidate for eventual promotion or acquisition of a job that is even more challenging, at higher salary and responsibility level.
Above all, don't get discouraged. A job search for human resource jobs is certainly going to be challenging for anyone in this economy, more so if you don't have a lot of experience or background in the field. You may have to "settle" for a human resource job you would rather not be doing, but eventually, you can move into the human resource job you want, so that your human resource job search is ultimately successful in getting you the exact position you want.
