First post... looking for some career advice - HR Qualifications and studying - Careers Clinic

11 First post... looking for some career advice

30 Oct, 2021 21:08

Hey everyone,

I am a new member of the CIPD, and I hope that I am posting in the correct place!

I currently work as a retail manager for a $40bn+ globally recognised brand, I manage a team of 110~ people and I have been a manager for the past 10 years across various companies and industries (always retail).

This may sound like i'm tooting my own horn! But the intent is simply to give some background to my next question.

I have been studying my CIPD level 7 since June, and it has breathed purpose into my life that I didn't know I needed. I am totally in love with the qualification and everything I have been studying. Indeed, it feels like more of a hobby than studying most of the time.

I am studying my CIPD, as I wish to move away from retail and into HR. This is for two reasons;

- Retail is not as safe a career as it was pre-covid, even for a well established manager.
- I have a 3 year old son, and daughter due in February. Retail is not very family friendly with weekend working and working over holidays.

So my question, what level of HR role do you believe I should be considering when applying for companies, given my experience and level 7 qualification?

I have accepted that I will likely be taking a pay reduction to move industry, and made peace with that.

Any feedback would be deeply appreciated.

Thanks

1044 views

Steve Bridger | 0 Posts

Community Manager

1 Nov, 2021 10:26

Welcome, Charles.

I am sure someone will be along v soon to offer some support and advice.
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Sharon | 0 Posts

3 Nov, 2021 09:03

Hi Charles, navigating a career change into HR can be tricky as, despite a professional mantra about looking at skills and experience rather than job titles, the conversation about breaking in to HR is a consistent one and I'm sure Steve B, our community manager, can dig out threads on this from before.

I moved from a line and project manager role with a heavy focus on development into an L and D / OD role and I found:
*getting some focussed career coaching on my CV, purpose, values and presenting my experience at interview helped
*the CV or application is critical as you want people to look beyond the job titles to see transferable experience and critical assets. Your CIPD qualification is an asset although probably not a golden ticket.
* work your network. Post on Linked In on relevant themes to the job you seek. Liaise with agencies and speak to your network who work in companies that might be destinations for you.
* look beyond job titles and levels. You'll need a salary, I took a drop but more because I moved from a public sector role into a new sector, so be clear what you need. I personally find job titles a bit like the wild west at the moment so look at job content and focus your application on their needs to get an interview.

Good luck.
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Charles | 0 Posts

3 Nov, 2021 18:38

In reply to Sharon:
Sharon,

This is very helpful, thank you so much for taking the time to write a detailed response. Your point on roles and the "wild west" particularly resonates with me.
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Sharon | 0 Posts

3 Nov, 2021 19:06

In reply to Charles:
My pleasure Charles. I hope I haven't put off others adding to the detailed reply....it was not my intention. I pop things here as much to work out loud and learn from the responses as well as help people like you in the community.

I'm glad my 'wild west' analogy struck a chord. :-) All the best.
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Charles | 0 Posts

7 Jan, 2022 09:33

In reply to Sharon:
Hi Sharon,

I just wanted to say thank you again, I am starting a new role as HR Manager in February.
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Johanna | 0 Posts

CIPD Staff

7 Jan, 2022 10:57

In reply to Charles:
Congratulations Charles that's brilliant news! Please pop back to the Community here and feel free to update us on how the job is going and anything you need a second opinion on!
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Sharon | 0 Posts

7 Jan, 2022 13:10

In reply to Charles:
Congratulations Charles. So pleased for you. Well done and I hope to see you here in the future talking and contributing. :-)
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Peter | 0 Posts

7 Jan, 2022 14:25

In reply to Charles:
Congratulations Charles. Although I didn't spot this thread earlier and you now have a role, I would just add that as someone whose (main) career choices started with Electronics in the RAF, then moved into the NHS as an Ambulanceman and later specialist projects manager roles, and finally segued into "full time" HR several years ago (with a lot of associated and un-associated roles both in between and concurrent), I can offer some assurance that even the most radical career changes into our profession can work, and can add my "welcome" to the most potentially rewarding (and addictive) role in business.

Enjoy.

P
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Charles | 0 Posts

7 Jan, 2022 14:29

In reply to Peter:
Hi Peter,

Thank you for your kind and assuring words. I've been in retail since I was 16 years old and look forward to having my first weekend off and Christmas off this year with my family!
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Peter | 0 Posts

7 Jan, 2022 14:54

In reply to Charles:
If you don't get the time off, you realise this time you'll have only yourself to blame, don't you? :-)
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Jackie Allen | 0 Posts

17 Feb, 2022 12:15

In reply to Charles:
That's great to hear Charles - well done and I'm glad you are enjoying your course :)
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