HR Jobs In Sri Lanka
Table of Contents
Finding a Human Resources (HR) job in Sri Lanka isn’t always straightforward. It takes time, patience, and the right strategy. I know this because I’ve been through the process myself—from job searching and preparing for interviews to finally landing a rewarding HR role. Through this article, I want to share my experience, hoping it will guide and encourage anyone looking for a career in HR.
Step 1: Start with the Right Mindset and Education
My journey started soon after I completed my degree in Business Administration with a specialization in HR. At that point, I believed my academic qualifications would be enough to secure a job quickly. However, the reality was quite different.
Many companies were looking for experience, specific skills, or exposure to HR systems. That realization made me take a step back and focus on skill-building. I enrolled in a few professional courses from CIPM (Chartered Institute of Personnel Management) and took online classes in HR software, labor law, and performance management systems.
These extra qualifications gave me more confidence and made my CV stronger. But more importantly, they made me feel like I was truly ready to work in HR, not just academically but practically as well.
Step 2: Searching for HR Jobs – Be Consistent and Creative
Job hunting can feel overwhelming at times. At first, I only applied to vacancies on popular job portals like TopJobs and XpressJobs. But after a few weeks with no response, I changed my approach.
Here’s what worked for me:
- Daily Job Alerts: I signed up for email alerts from job sites so I wouldn’t miss new postings.
- Company Websites: I listed out 20 top companies I admired—MAS, Brandix, John Keells, Dialog, etc.—and visited their career pages weekly. This helped me apply early when vacancies came up.
- LinkedIn Networking: I updated my LinkedIn profile with my qualifications, shared some HR-related content, and followed HR professionals. I even reached out politely to a few of them for advice—not asking for a job, but for career guidance. Some were kind enough to respond and even share openings in their companies.
Eventually, I learned that job hunting isn’t just about applying everywhere—it’s about being smart, consistent, and proactive.
Step 3: Crafting a Strong CV and Cover Letter
Once I started getting interview calls, I knew my CV was working—but it wasn’t always like that. In the beginning, I used a generic format that simply listed my qualifications and internship. But then, after some feedback, I tailored it to highlight specific skills, achievements, and projects I had worked on.
For example, I changed phrases like:
- “Involved in recruitment”
to
“Assisted in recruiting 20+ candidates across multiple departments during my internship, including coordinating interviews and onboarding.”
Each application I sent was personalized with a cover letter mentioning the company’s values or something specific about the role. This small effort made a big difference.
Step 4: Facing Interviews – Learn, Improve, and Stay Calm
My first few interviews were rough. I remember one where I was asked, “How would you handle an employee grievance?” I gave a textbook answer, but it lacked practical insight. I didn’t get that job—but I learned a valuable lesson: prepare for real-world scenarios.
From that point, I started preparing answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). I also practiced mock interviews with friends and watched interview tips online.
Here are a few questions I encountered in multiple HR interviews:
- How would you handle a conflict between two employees?
- What do you know about Sri Lankan labor law?
- How do you manage recruitment under a tight deadline?
- What strategies would you use for employee engagement?
One trick that helped me calm my nerves was taking a few deep breaths before interviews and always reminding myself that interviews are two-way conversations—not exams.
Step 5: The Follow-Up and Waiting Game
After each interview, I made it a habit to send a short thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture but leaves a good impression. Sometimes, I didn’t hear back for weeks, which was frustrating. But I learned not to take it personally. The job market can be competitive, and hiring managers have many responsibilities.
I kept applying, kept learning, and didn’t lose hope.
Step 6: Landing the Job
Finally, I got a call from a mid-sized company for a second-round interview. This time, I felt more confident. They asked me to present a short plan for improving the onboarding process. I did my research, created a simple PowerPoint, and explained my ideas with examples from my internship.
A week later, I got the offer letter. It wasn’t the highest-paying job, but it was my first real HR position—and it was the perfect place to learn and grow.
What I Learned
Looking back, this is what I’d advise anyone searching for an HR job in Sri Lanka:
- Keep learning. Even a short online course can make a big difference.
- Be visible. Update LinkedIn, connect with HR professionals, and attend webinars.
- Tailor your applications. Don’t send the same CV and cover letter everywhere.
- Prepare thoroughly. Practice answers, do your research, and stay calm.
- Don’t give up. It may take time, but your opportunity will come.
Final Thoughts
Everyone’s journey is different, but determination and preparation are universal keys to success. Finding an HR job in Sri Lanka isn’t just about applying—it’s about growing, connecting, and being ready when the right door opens.
I’m still learning every day in my HR career, but I’m grateful for the path that brought me here. If you’re on that path now, keep going. Trust your journey. Your HR job is out there, waiting for you to find it.
— Chathura
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