Hello everyone,
I have just taken voluntary redundancy from working in lower management in HE for the last 23-years. I have experience of some recruitment, interviewing, JDs, performance management etc and I am also a school Governor where I have chaired complaints hearings etc. I have really enjoyed the HR aspects and have been thinking of doing my L3. However I’m 52 and wondering whether you all think I’m too old to re-train and start a entry level HR role. I’m not interested in climbing the ladder and would be happy with a HR Administration role or Assistant role. What are your thoughts? Too old? Honest opinions please, I’m happy with honest, construct opinions.
Thank you!
Sarah
No such thing as too old!! There's definitely no harm in studying for a qualification, I did a career change in my late thirties and got my L3 but in a whole year of applying for HR roles I got barely any responses and only 3 interviews. All entry level, all said no as I had been too senior in my previous career. My advice would be to go for the L5 as with the experience you already have with the HR aspects you will likely find the L3 easy. I would also suggest applying for public sector HR roles as they are more likely to look at your demonstrable experience rather than previous job titles.
I ended up taking an interim role in my previous industry as I had to pay the bills and after another 6 months of applications I finally secured an entry level role in L&D in the public sphere. The job was easy but it meant I could volunteer for different projects and get to know a lot of people. I know you have said you are not interested in climbing the career ladder but don't hold yourself back. If you want to change your career then go for it! I love my new career and am so glad I spent that time and money studying and applying.
No such thing as too old!! There's definitely no harm in studying for a qualification, I did a career change in my late thirties and got my L3 but in a whole year of applying for HR roles I got barely any responses and only 3 interviews. All entry level, all said no as I had been too senior in my previous career. My advice would be to go for the L5 as with the experience you already have with the HR aspects you will likely find the L3 easy. I would also suggest applying for public sector HR roles as they are more likely to look at your demonstrable experience rather than previous job titles.
I ended up taking an interim role in my previous industry as I had to pay the bills and after another 6 months of applications I finally secured an entry level role in L&D in the public sphere. The job was easy but it meant I could volunteer for different projects and get to know a lot of people. I know you have said you are not interested in climbing the career ladder but don't hold yourself back. If you want to change your career then go for it! I love my new career and am so glad I spent that time and money studying and applying.
