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Question
I have two questions. First, I have been attending college while working, first in HR recruiting for fifteen months, and then in admissions recruiting for the past 20 months. I've been checking out online resume writing services, and they charge different rates for a professional mid-level resume versus a student resume. For which do I qualify? Second, my career goal is to become a human resources director. Do you think potential employers will view me differently since I've worked in another field for two years, after having worked in HR for a year?
Answer
Regarding the resume writing service, I'd suggest you contact them with the assumption that the student rate applies because you are actively enrolled in a bachelor's degree program. But be sure to have them confirm the rate in writing before you give the go-ahead for them to start work.
By the way, given your experience in HR, you might also want to take a crack at writing the resume yourself--after all, you've had a chance to see some of the good, the bad, and the ugly of resume writing, so you may have a good feel for what works and what doesn't.
As for your experience, this definitely should count for you rather than against you, even though you've been working outside of HR for the past 20 months. For one thing, admissions recruiting is similar enough that it could be spun as an extension of HR. For another, having nearly three years total of professional experience is outstanding for someone still working towards a bachelor's degree. This puts you well ahead of most of your peers. Don't expect to be made a director of HR immediately upon earning your degree, but your experience should give you an easier time competing for an HR job with a promising growth track.
By the way, given your experience in HR, you might also want to take a crack at writing the resume yourself--after all, you've had a chance to see some of the good, the bad, and the ugly of resume writing, so you may have a good feel for what works and what doesn't.
As for your experience, this definitely should count for you rather than against you, even though you've been working outside of HR for the past 20 months. For one thing, admissions recruiting is similar enough that it could be spun as an extension of HR. For another, having nearly three years total of professional experience is outstanding for someone still working towards a bachelor's degree. This puts you well ahead of most of your peers. Don't expect to be made a director of HR immediately upon earning your degree, but your experience should give you an easier time competing for an HR job with a promising growth track.
Get Personalized Career Advice: Ask Richard
Richard has over 20 years of business experience in marketing, financial services, and management.
