The HR profession

HR director, food services, resourcing and development, Compass Group

I'm in a standalone HR role, so am involved with a lot of recruitment, HR admin and some HR officer duties. I have a law degree and a masters in human resource management. I'm job-hunting and the feedback I get after interviews for HR admin roles is that I am overqualified, but when I apply for HR officer roles, they say I lack experience. What should I do?

Body odour problem

The Rant on professional development in HR (Personnel Today, 18 April) was spot on. I was able to take my Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualification within the NHS, but when I tried to get a job outside, I was told that I didn't have enough experience

We at Personnel Today are delighted to have won the recognition of our peers at the 'Oscars' of the publishing world - the PPA Awards

Next month's evening brief of the HR Directors Club, on 6 June, plays host to journalist and broadcaster Rageh Omaar, who was the BBC's man in Baghdad during the war in Iraq

Richard Fuller has been promoted to director of HR at Threadneedle Investments. He will oversee the provision of HR services...

So, only 22% of respondents to the Personnel Today barometer poll would take up the challenge of workforce director at the Department of Health (2 May). No wonder businesses regard HR as light, fluffy and non-strategic

Why join the HR Directors Club?

Almost daily we hear that the prime minister wants to leave a lasting legacy to mark his time in office. Could it be education and training? Only if he sees the bigger picture.

Recruiters say the demand for training and L&D professionals is - after a period in the doldrums - on the up. But don't get too excited: you'll need to be a class act to exploit the opportunities available.

I have observed in a totally unbiased manner a number of HR directors and, in general, they offer very little value to the worth of a company

What is the best way to switch from a generalist to a specialist role?

HR director, marketing arm, AstraZeneca UK

Barry Thompson, Andrew Mayo and Trevor Hipkins take on new roles