HR Q&A

I've worked for my whole HR career in the technology space. I know I'm very marketable in this sector but I'm ready for a change to a new industry. How should I go about this?
Answer:: Part of what sometimes makes HR practitioners valuable is their business HR knowledge. Remaining in the same industry and knowing it 'back to front' is a good way of maximising your business knowledge and your marketability to competitors in that sector. As in your case, when an HR professional tries to move industries, your long-term specialisation in one sector can sometimes work against you. Our advice would be to look at industries or companies that will value aspects of your technology experience. For instance, you could be an interesting candidate for an HR role covering the technology function of a Bank or an FMCG company. Other than this, we advise you to do your homework on those non-technology companies in your local market that have CEOs or HR Leaders who themselves come from backgrounds in the technology space. These stakeholders may be more willing to give you a chance. And you should be willing to be flexible yourself - you may for example have to take a step backwards in seniority in this initial move. The only exception to this is if the hiring company is specifically looking to inject HR talent from outside their industry.
Back to list

Senior VP of HR, China (844/TCCG), Fast Moving Consumer Goods: China, Permanent | 03.02.2012
Singapore HR Lead (1329/TCCG), Banking & Financial Services: Singapore, Permanent | 03.02.2012
Regional Head of Shared Services, APAC (938/TCCG), Banking & Financial Services: Singapore, Permanent | 02.02.2012

: 01.02.12; When should I hand over my HR salary information in contemplating a career move?