How do I start a career in HR with no experience?
You can start a career in HR with no experience by focusing on transferable skills, gaining relevant knowledge, and building practical exposure.
Many people begin with entry-level roles such as HR Administrator or HR Assistant, which often don’t require prior HR experience. Strong communication, organisation, and people skills are highly valued. You can also study for an entry-level HR course or a foundation-level CIPD qualification to demonstrate your interest and build credibility. Volunteering, internships, or supporting HR tasks in your current role are great ways to get hands-on experience. Networking with HR professionals and attending industry events can also open doors to opportunities.
Understand the HR Function
Before applying for roles, take time to learn what HR actually does. The function covers recruitment, employee relations, learning and development, payroll, compliance and more. Understanding these areas will help you identify which aspects interest you most and guide your career focus.
Many free resources are available online from bodies like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD Ireland), IrishJobs.ie, and government sites such as SOLAS. These give foundational knowledge of Irish employment law, HR best practice and current trends.
Gain Relevant Qualifications
While not always essential for entry-level HR roles, qualifications significantly boost your chances. Short courses or certificates in HR fundamentals, employment law or recruitment provide a solid base. Look for CIPD-accredited Level 3 or Level 5 certificates available part-time or online to fit around other commitments.
Educational institutions such as the National College of Ireland and Technological University Dublin offer flexible courses suitable for beginners. Skillnet Ireland also provides subsidised training programmes aimed at career changers.
Build Transferable Skills
Many skills from other sectors are highly relevant to HR, including:
Communication and interpersonal skills
Organisation and administration
Problem-solving and conflict resolution
Data management and IT literacy
Customer service and empathy
Identify which skills you already possess and highlight these in your CV and applications. Volunteer roles, internships or part-time positions involving people management or administration can help build experience.
Start in Entry-Level HR Roles
Look for roles such as HR Administrator, Recruitment Coordinator or Payroll Assistant. These positions provide exposure to HR operations and help you build knowledge of HR systems and processes. Employers often value enthusiasm and reliability over prior HR experience for these roles.
Temporary or contract assignments via recruitment agencies specialising in HR recruitment Ireland can provide practical experience and open doors to permanent positions.
Network and Seek Mentorship
Join professional networks such as CIPD Ireland or local HR groups. Attend events, webinars or workshops to meet HR professionals and stay informed on industry developments. LinkedIn is also a powerful tool for connecting with HR practitioners and recruiters.
Finding a mentor within HR can offer guidance, support and insight into the profession from someone with experience.
Many people come to HR from varied backgrounds…
… and I’ve seen firsthand that enthusiasm and a willingness to learn often outweigh direct experience. While qualifications are important, employers also value candidates who demonstrate curiosity, emotional intelligence and resilience.
If you’re passionate about people and committed to developing your skills, there are many entry points into HR. Our advice is to be proactive; take courses, network, and don’t hesitate to start with entry-level roles. The HR profession in Ireland offers excellent long-term career potential for those willing to invest in themselves."
Ready to start your HR career?
If you’re ready to take your first step into HR, HR Hire is here to help. We regularly recruit for junior HR roles across Ireland and work with employers seeking enthusiastic candidates ready to grow.
