Continuous Temping and Masters in HRM - HR Qualifications and studying - Careers Clinic

2 Continuous Temping and Masters in HRM

21 Feb, 2017 12:32

Hi All,

I think this question bridges two sections of the forum, so apologies in advance.

I'm stuck in a perpetual cycle of short-term temporary contracts, this has now been on-going for 18 months. Each temporary contract has been very involved so I often end up doing a mix of Admin and Officer duties.

I have had a number of interviews for permanent roles, and the feedback is always as follows:

For HR Admin roles - "we loved having you in, but the role is a bit basic compared to what you are used to and we think you would be bored/looking for career progression too quickly"

For HR Officer roles - "We loved having you in, but another candidate has more experience and a CIPD qualification"

As an answer to this, I let people know that I am enrolled to start my Masters in HRM (CIPD Level 7) this autumn, but I will be completing it part-time, therefore it will take 3 years. With no financial backing from an employer/family, I have taken a Saturday job where all of the earnings are being saved to pay for the course.

I own a number of the course books already which, I read through at home, and I hold Student Membership in anticipation of starting my course.

Employers/recruiters feedback is always: "we admire your drive and passion for you career, it says a lot about you as a person"

So why am I not getting offers for permanent roles? Is my lack of CIPD qualification really holding me back that much?

Every advert I see asks for a CIPD qualification, but it doesn't seem to count that I am trying to get the qualification.

I feel like I am being discounted for many roles because I can't tick a metaphysical box yet.

All thoughts and opinions are welcome,

thank you in advance

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Keith | 0 Posts

21 Feb, 2017 13:21

Jayde

First welcome to the communities. I think you have found the right forum broadly to put on so no problems there.

Starting with the bad news - unfortunately there are lots of people trying to get into HR. It is a popular profession and each vacancy is likely to have multiple applicants for it, making it hard to get a foot on the ladder. If you use the search facility you will find a number of threads similar to yours and these have some useful help and advice on them. Here's a link to one but there are many more...

www2.cipd.co.uk/.../267866

In terms of what you can do - personally I would look hard at if the L7 Masters is the ay to go here. You are in effect confirming the prejudices of those people who are looking at you for entry level roles. Are they any more likely to give you a chance if you have a Masters?

But at the same time you may well struggle on the qualification if you are not in a HR role already to gain the full benefit of the course. Having a Masters certainly won't automatically get you a job (unfortunately). A Level 3 or 5 course may be cheaper, quicker and more appropriate.

But the best advice is to keep at it - you may need to apply to 50 jobs to get the one chance you need - but it will be worth it when you get that chance.

Keith

(Not sure I have ever ticked a metaphysical box at anything :-) )
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Jayde Howard | 0 Posts

21 Feb, 2017 14:00

In reply to Keith:
Thank you for your reply and advice Keith. I will certainly use the search function and read through the other threads, including the one you have listed.

I understand that the Masters won't automatically help me gain a role. A yes, a Level 5 would be more appropriate for the level of work I have been undertaking. My main driver for the Masters is financial; I want a long term career in HR and I want to become a HR Manager (at least) in the future. So why not go for the Level 7 straight away and save money/time?

I also already have an Bachelors degree (not HR related) so to me I find the Masters the next logical step in my academic career.

However, in light of your comments, perhaps I need to readdress the situation and change my way of thinking . I had not considered that gaining Level 7 accreditation may increase any prejudice that I am experiencing during recruitment processes.
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