Return to HR/Study - Struggle? - The HR Forum

Return to HR/Study - Struggle?

Posted by Sue Davies on September 28, 2017 at 3:07pm

I posted a while back peoples thoughts on the Level 5 course. Well I'm now after further thoughts (sorry!)

I have been told that because the market is awash with great candidates (and some not so great) who have experience and often high level qualifications meaning many employers can be very choosy, making it harder for people who have an A-typical career path or whose career narrative is a bit disjointed (like my CV). Its about finding an employer willing to take a risk (as they see it) rather than a more conventional candidate and that with or without the Level 5 I will struggle?

So you can imagine after a few people saying that, I now wonder which may to turn?

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Sue

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Replies

Lorraine Ann Condron October 6, 2017 at 2:33pm

Hi Sue,

Don't give up Sue. You will find something suitable, and taking the course will be beneficial if you wish to stay in HR. I was made redundant at 57. I managed to get a new job roll as a general administrator. My new employee saw the potential in me and paid for me to do the CIPD Level 3 & Diploma. I realize i was very lucky as the company did not have a HR department at that time. Directors of the company took responsibility for all staff. They realized they needed someone to take on the roll, I have since been offered to do the Level 5, which I am thinking about. Good Luck with your search.
- Sue Davies > Lorraine Ann Condron October 6, 2017 at 3:42pm
  
  Hi Lorraine
  
  Now that sounds like the perfect company and role to have...Congrats
Charlotte Jarvis October 6, 2017 at 11:23am

How have you got on Sue?

I am doing the level 5 course as I am going to try to return to HR after being out for 7 years working n a school while my children were young. Previous to that I had worked in HR in Retail environments for 10 years.....its scary, but I'm looking forward to coming back!

Charlotte
- Sue Davies > Charlotte Jarvis October 6, 2017 at 11:51am
  
  Hi Charlotte
  
  Well been turned down by a couple of agencies for roles which I knew I had the experience etc..which is frustrating. Offered an interview with a company that I directly applied for, however, i'm away and they can't rearrange. Applied for others but no joy....to be honest I am still unsure what to do....study or just not go back into HR? Just seem to take two steps forward and then 4 back.
  
  Be great to keep in touch and hear how you are getting on?
  
  Sue
Annie Essex October 4, 2017 at 10:07am

Hi Sue,

I am brand new to the HR world, after doing a degree in film photography and video - so in something completed unrelated - I worked in retail roles and business admin roles in mainly the public and charity sector, not always for long periods of time. I decided I wanted more from my future and therefore applied for what felt hundreds of HR admin roles to get a foot in the door.

With some luck I managed to successfully gain a role in a cooperate company as an HR assistant and the company are incredible at looking after their staff. I have started my level 3 (within 6 weeks of starting my role) and already there are talks of going further. The company is funding these qualifications and developing my skills - giving me time off for workshops and if quiet in the office I can do some of my e-learning too.

When I have asked my colleagues why they chose me for the role they told me they had no one in the team who was creative, which I am, that my business admin skills showed my attention to detail, I had great customer service skills and I could bring new ideas to the table.

I hope that may help you in knowing that if you do find the right company they will invest you and develop you. Just try to apply your current skill set to the role you are applying for.

In regards to the studying, for myself it is still early days, but so far I am really enjoying it. It is just about making time and finding the right balance with work, studying and all the other things in life.

I would definitely recommend just going for it, look around and search for companies that are willing to invest into their staff.

Good Luck. Annie :)
Jason Fox October 2, 2017 at 3:12pm

In a twist of fate, PM insight sent me an interesting link to a whitepaper on just this topic earlier today Sue..."The Definitive Guide to Advancing Your HR Career".

If you can get past the shameless CIPD self promotion and the astounding salaries that we should be on with a Level 7 CIPD qualification it does raise some interesting points you might find useful.You may need to log in to download the report.

Heres the link to the article

The Definitive Guide to Advancing Your HR Career

Advancing your career in HR takes more than simply showing up at work every day; it takes networking, strategy and expanding your skillset to push yo…
- Sue Davies > Jason Fox October 2, 2017 at 4:08pm
  
  Thanks Jason. I'll read with interest once I finally get the report as logged in but nothing but blank page!
Sarah Loates October 2, 2017 at 11:46am

Hi Sue

Thanks for sharing your thoughts there are clearly many out there who can empathise with you.

The Level 5 qualification will typically act to ensure you are shortlisted and also is a great way for you to validate your 'informal' experience. I did exactly this when I worked in an unoffical HR role for 6 years, I left the role and completed my Level 7 to validate my experience (albeit many years ago now).

I was given a great piece of advice when I started my HR business and that was never, ever give up, even though you face rejections and people's opinions (which are after all only opinions), the ideal role is out there for you somewhere.

I can only advise what I would do in this situation and it would be to use my network, get out there on LinkedIn, coffee and catch ups connect and talk to people (as you are now). I don't think for me using agencies would get me anywhere nowadays because my perception is supply is greater than demand, so you need to use your networks who understand you disjointed career narrative, (which by the way also could read as highly adaptable), and believe in yourself, you can do it!

All the best

Sarah
Ruth Holroyd September 29, 2017 at 4:42pm

Hi Sue

I have read this with interest. I have spent my career so far working in a different field and although closely aligned with HR, it has never 'officially' been HR. I completed my level 5 this year and have looked at opportunities to break into HR role. This has been really difficult! I don't have the right experience, despite having many years as a senior manager in a FTSE company or I'm over qualified!

I think the level 5 is the right thing to do but do feel that as an industry, many businesses are losing out on fantastic candidates by only looking for the conventional. I think that when someone does give me a chance, it will be a very different kind of business prepared to take a risk.

Good luck!

Ruth
Karen Bubenzer September 29, 2017 at 4:09pm

Hi Sue,

I think all the points raised are really useful. I have worked in HR for SME's for 20 years. My current company has been acquired by a large organisation and I now find myself part of a large HR team, most of whom have the Level 5 qualification. Out of necessity, feeling the need to back up my experience with a qualification and out of some embarrassment for not completing it sooner, I have just started an online course in September.

And actually, I love it! It's daunting, time consuming and quite scary but its great to feel part of a HR community, to learn new skills and feel a sense of achievement. My advise is to take the plunge!

Good luck!

Karen