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Is recent experience really a must-have?

Liz

"You will struggle to find a role as you do not have recent experience for the roles to which you're applying, hiring managers will give preference to someone already in work" 

Been told this twice last week by two different recruiters - wondered how true this really is?  Is that the biased views of two individuals or the reality of the HR job market at the moment?  Interested to hear your thoughts....

I appreciate that this challenge could face someone at any stage of their career but for me, this is following a mid-career break which has included interim contracts, study and volunteering aligned to my HR/business work experience.   I'm looking for senior HRBP level work.

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  • Hi Liz

    I was made redundant from a stand alone HR Manager position a few years ago, and got similar responses after a few months out of work - I had done some HR consultancy work which helped, but as Keith says there are many candidates for each role and many do put recent experience high on the wish list.

    After 6 months I applied and was successful for a temporary Senior HRBP position (6 months maternity cover) - they needed to get someone in quickly, and I was not only available but had the experience, and was also the right fit for their business (I was by no means the only candidate). I had originally shied away from temporary work after the uncertainty of redundancy but in the end felt it was the best way to get back into the market. In my case it worked out as I ended up being there for 6 years....maybe something to consider?

    I would possibly disagree with Andre about stepping down to try and get back in. It isn't always easy to convince people you are serious about the position rather than just 'wanting to get a foot in the door' and would a more junior role work for you now in terms of being an interesting position?  Maybe it depends on the company and the role. 

    Whichever way you go, best of luck!

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  • Hi Liz

    I was made redundant from a stand alone HR Manager position a few years ago, and got similar responses after a few months out of work - I had done some HR consultancy work which helped, but as Keith says there are many candidates for each role and many do put recent experience high on the wish list.

    After 6 months I applied and was successful for a temporary Senior HRBP position (6 months maternity cover) - they needed to get someone in quickly, and I was not only available but had the experience, and was also the right fit for their business (I was by no means the only candidate). I had originally shied away from temporary work after the uncertainty of redundancy but in the end felt it was the best way to get back into the market. In my case it worked out as I ended up being there for 6 years....maybe something to consider?

    I would possibly disagree with Andre about stepping down to try and get back in. It isn't always easy to convince people you are serious about the position rather than just 'wanting to get a foot in the door' and would a more junior role work for you now in terms of being an interesting position?  Maybe it depends on the company and the role. 

    Whichever way you go, best of luck!

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