If you’ve ever looked for a new role while working in HR, you’ll know - it’s not always straightforward. You spend so much of your time supporting others through change and uncertainty, but when it’s your turn? It can feel a bit lonely, and even overwhelming.
That’s where HR communities come in — and if you’re job searching right now (or even just thinking about your next step), they can be a genuine game changer.
What is an HR community?
An HR community is a group of people in the profession who come together to:
- Share advice and experiences
- Offer support through the highs and lows
- Talk honestly about the reality of working in HR
- And crucially - open doors for each other
It could be a paid membership, a WhatsApp group, a LinkedIn network, or something like ELEVATE Hub. But whatever form it takes, the value is the same: it reminds you that you’re not doing this alone.
Why HR communities are a lifeline when you’re job searching:
1. You get real talk and real support
Let’s be honest - job searching can knock your confidence. Especially when you’re in HR, where there’s this unspoken pressure to have everything together.
In a community, you can say, “I didn’t get it,” or “I’m struggling with interviews,” and people get it. You’ll get honest feedback, encouragement, and support that lifts you up rather than wears you down.
2. You hear about opportunities before they’re public
Some of the best roles aren’t advertised. They’re shared between peers, passed on through DMs, or mentioned in the right space at the right time.
When you’re active in an HR community, you’re far more likely to hear:
“I know someone hiring for that.”
“This role isn’t live yet but would be perfect for you.”
That kind of inside information is gold - and it only happens when you’re plugged into a trusted network.
3. You get help showcasing your strengths
Writing your CV. Prepping for interviews. Choosing the right words for your LinkedIn profile. It’s hard to do that for yourself when you’re emotionally invested.
A good HR community will help you:
- Spot your blind spots
- Celebrate your wins
- Frame your experience in a way that lands
Because sometimes, you just need someone to say, “You’re underselling yourself — this is a huge achievement!”
4. You build your confidence back up
Job searching can knock even the most experienced HR professionals off balance. Whether it’s rejection emails or radio silence, it chips away at your self-belief.
In a community, you’re surrounded by people who remind you of your value, help you see the bigger picture, and encourage you to keep going. And when someone else lands a role? The whole group celebrates — because there’s space for all of us to win.
5. You stop feeling like you’re the only one
That alone is powerful. You realise that:
- Others are navigating career change too
- You’re not the only one questioning your next move
- You can talk openly about feeling stuck, tired, hopeful, or excited
And that space - to be honest, vulnerable, and real - is something we don’t get often enough in HR.
If you’re searching for a new role right now (or even just feeling a bit stuck), don’t do it in a vacuum. Surround yourself with people who will back you, guide you, and remind you that you’re capable — especially when you forget it yourself.
You don’t have to wait for a manager to invest in you. You can choose to invest in your own growth — and a good HR community is a brilliant place to start.
New members are welcomed into the ELEVATE Hub on the 1st of the Month. Join the waitlist today!