Of course, a human resources degree is necessary for the best chance to nab one of those human resources openings. It's true that people from other industries, including lawyers, are now beginning to compete for openings in human resources, but you still have the best chance of getting the job if you have the right qualifications to begin with.
Therefore, for best preparation, make sure you've got the right degree, and make sure you've got references that can help you get the job. It's helpful if you've done internships or other human resources work while still in school, so that even if you're just graduating, you can get an entry-level position in human resources.
Next, you need to make sure that you have your resume done properly, and that you are ready to interview. If you think you're not prepared for this, check with your school or with human resource employment agencies to get some help with interview skills before you start.
Looking for human resources openings by networking
Conventional human resources job "portals" like employment agencies are certainly one way to find that right job, but it might surprise you to know that you'll find a lot of human resources openings simply by networking online. Social bookmarking sites are one way to network; simply keeping communication open and by hooking up with like-minded professionals may get you both mentoring resources and actual positions you may want to apply for, assuming you're qualified.
Something to keep in mind when you do social bookmarking and other networking online is that you must always be "on the lookout." This is a great resource to have even if you've got a job, so that you can find another one quite easily if you should happen to lose your job.
Qualifications count
When it comes to human resources openings, this is one time you should not "shoot above" your abilities or experience. Because the human resources job market is so competitive, there are many, many people vying for these positions. By keeping your expectations realistic, you can get into a position that's a good fit for you, show superiors that you are indeed willing and able to rise to the occasion when new challenges come up, as well as performing current job duties, and perform your job to the best of your ability; this will help make it possible for superiors to keep you in mind for promotions within a company, or may also make you well known enough that you may be considered for openings in human resources outside of the company you work for once you're ready for promotion.
Never getting too "comfortable" in a current position
Especially when it comes to human resources, competition is fierce and you don't want to ever get so comfortable in a current position that you quit keeping an eye out for current human resources openings, or grow lax with your skills. That means you have to keep your skill levels current and your resume polished so that you can be ready to change jobs as necessary. It can be an unfortunate occurrence, for example, if you find yourself in the same job for 10 years, only to lose it such that you have let your skills "slip" and your resume and go out of date. Doing so means that you will have to in essence "start over" when it comes to interviewing and finding a new job.
Use a recruiter
Finally, because human resources openings are quite scarce, one of the best ways to find openings in human resources is to consult a recruiter. You can find recruiters online, and the good thing about using a recruiter is that the recruiter is working for his or her client, not you. That means you don't pay for a recruiter's services. A recruiter may know about positions that are yet publicly listed (or that may in fact not be publicly listed at all), which again gives you a leg up over the general public when it comes to finding human resources openings, similar to doing professional networking online.
Finally, don't get discouraged. It may take you some time to find human resources openings that actually turn into ultimate employment, but remember that the field is very competitive and that many people are applying for these same jobs. Keep going, continue to gain experience as you can, and you should find that one of these openings in human resources actually becomes a job you love.
