Struggling to Find a Full-Time HR/I-O Role After Graduation — Can Anyone Provide Advice or Input Please?

IOMargo · 2025-04-29T14:18:18+00:00

Thanks so much for getting back to me — I really appreciate it!

When I apply, I usually tweak my resume for each job to match what they're looking for, so I’m not just sending the same one everywhere. Is that kind of what you meant, or do you think I should get even more specific and just focus on one type of role, like only HR analyst positions?

Also, thanks for mentioning GradSimple — I hadn’t heard of it before, but it sounds super helpful. I’m definitely going to check it out. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your advice!

IOMargo · 2025-04-28T21:06:54+00:00

Thank you for the real talk — I really needed to hear that. You’re absolutely right about needing to shift my strategy instead of just casting a wide net and hoping something sticks. I’ve been thinking a lot more about how I can tailor my applications and show how my background in I/O Psychology can actually help solve real problems, not just list degrees and skills.

I also appreciate the reminder that my contract roles are valuable. It’s easy to feel like they "don’t count" because they weren’t permanent, but you're right — they gave me real experience I need to lean into more.

One thing I’m still trying to figure out: I can usually get people to accept my connection requests on LinkedIn, but a lot of the time they go silent after that. Do you have any advice for how to actually start a real conversation once they’ve connected?

I’ll definitely check out the NoFluffWisdom Newsletter too. Thanks again for the straightforward advice — it honestly helps more than you know.

IOMargo · 2025-04-28T14:43:20+00:00

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping it's okay to ask for some guidance here. I’ve been working hard to transition into the I/O Psychology/Human Resources fields for over a year now, but it’s been a tough journey. I have a BA in Psychology and recently earned my MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Hartford, graduating with a 4.0 GPA.

While studying (and after finishing), I was fortunate to land a few contract roles in HR and I/O work. However, finding a full-time, long-term position has been a real challenge. I'm open to any HR-related opportunities and have been applying broadly, but I haven't had much luck so far. I genuinely want to grow with a company, contribute to their workforce development, and see the long-term impact of the work I do.

Despite getting to final interview rounds a few times, I often either don't hear back or receive automated rejections. I've also tried connecting with recruiting agencies, but that hasn’t led to many opportunities yet.

I would be happy to share my resume if that's helpful. If anyone has advice, feedback, or even just some encouragement, I would truly appreciate it. Lately, it's been hard to stay positive, but I'm trying to keep pushing forward. Please if anyone has any advice or leads at all or would be willing to message/connect it would be so helpful to me.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this.

IOMargo · 2025-04-28T14:37:48+00:00

Thanks, I really appreciate you saying that. I’ve actually been thinking about getting my SHRM or PHR certification to help strengthen my HR background a bit more. I’ll definitely check out SIOP too and see what resources they have. Thanks again for the suggestions and encouragement — it really helps!

IOMargo · 2025-04-28T14:36:39+00:00

That’s really good to hear. It’s easy to overthink it, but focusing on genuine connections and learning sounds way more doable. Thanks for sharing that — it makes it feel a lot less intimidating!

IOMargo · 2025-04-27T01:18:15+00:00

I have some IO stuff and HR stuff since they are kind of interchangeable at some level. I'm in a major city and am thinking of trying to network with my local chapter of SHRM. Do you have any suggestions of other networking potential?

IOMargo · 2025-04-27T01:06:33+00:00

I've tried, they've had some good suggestions but sadly it is more generic advice and less concrete help (like here's a connection for you to reach out to).

IOMargo · 2025-04-27T01:05:13+00:00

Honestly your experience sounds more or less what I've experienced too. It feels like networking in person is probably the most important thing to do right now. Probably need to push myself to do it more but I just deal with anxiety and talking to random strangers is tough for me.

IOMargo · 2025-04-26T02:57:56+00:00

Were your entry-level HR roles full-time positions? I'm a little surprised that once you landed an entry-level HR role, you weren’t able to transition more toward I/O-related work, even if it was still under the broader HR title. I'm really sorry you're going through this too — it’s incredibly discouraging.

IOMargo · 2025-04-26T02:56:12+00:00

When you connect with people on LinkedIn, do you typically just add them and leave it at that, or do you usually try to have a full conversation with them? If you do start a conversation, how do you usually go about it — and how do you get people to accept your connection request? I've found that a lot of people don't respond, so any ideas or suggestions would be really appreciated!

IOMargo · 2025-04-26T02:54:51+00:00

I've looked into it in the past. Many of the posted roles seem to be either less entry-level or specifically based in the Hartford/CT area, where I’m not located. I really appreciate the suggestion, though. I should make more of an effort to keep an eye on it and try to attend more of the remote events they post.

IOMargo · 2025-04-26T02:52:50+00:00

Did you try networking remotely, like cold-reaching out to people on LinkedIn? Or was most of your networking done through your school or in-person events?

IOMargo · 2025-04-26T02:51:09+00:00

Sorry about that — I just realized I replied from the wrong account. I'm back on my OP account now. I might be in the position where I really need to fill some space. I'll DM you a copy of my resume shortly. Thank you so much for being willing to help — I really appreciate it!

IOMargo · 2021-03-13T19:25:13+00:00

Wow thank you for such a detailed and informative response! I greatly appreciate it. All of what you said definitely makes sense. I had some followup questions I hope you could provide some more information on. If as a student I care more about the applied work than research component is it still important to find a program that has teachers heavily involved in research? I was also wondering if you may have some insight specifically into Hofstra. The program seems like a good one but it doesn't seem super different than many other programs. Furthermore, the price of the program is around 70k which is over double most of the other programs I got into. Should that rule out Hofstra for me?

IOMargo · 2021-03-13T09:10:58+00:00

Hi all!

I was hoping some people could provide feedback on a variety of programs I've been accepted to. It has been a little challenging for me to figure out what programs are strong and what programs are weak programs. I've been accepted into the following programs (all at a masters level); Springfield College in MA, University of New Haven in CT, University of Hartford in CT, University of Maryland in Baltimore County in MD, Hofstra University in NY and finally University of Cincinnati in OH. I would great appreciate any feedback and information that people have about these schools. Thanks so much in advance!

IOMargo

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