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HR Generalist or Learning and Development

Dee

Dear Forum fellows

I am in my mid-40s (I did not think that mattered until now) and part-way through a L5 HR Management qualification. I have a degree and masters (social sciences) and a wealth of experience in leadership and management roles within education, especially in the area of safeguarding. At the end of August I was made redundant and used some of the money to embark on the L5 course, enjoying so much the processes, procedures and compliance element of my previous roles as well as some experience I had working alongside an HR team on projects. I naively thought that I'd be able to jump into a HR admin type role as I am also a skilled administrator, having worked for 7 years as an administrator at a university. Alas, how I was wrong. I cannot get an interview for any kind of HR admin role. I secured an interview and second stage for a L&D role, but it was part time and I withdrew. I am now a freelance course content writer (safeguarding) and work in an admin role in a huge company (and will use this position to network  as much as I professionally can). I am desperate to move into an HR or L&D career. Your advice:

How do I do this?

How do I get past the CV stage with recruitment agencies? (I feel that they are all looking for 20-somethings, who they can shape and mold, and look past my wealth of experience, people skills, CPD commitment, etc

Is it too late for me?

I look forward to your advice.

Thanks

Dee

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  • Hi Dee.
    So sorry to hear that your age is perceived to be a problem. In our organisation, we view experience above professional qualifications (for any role, not just in HR).

    Given your experience in safeguarding, if you've not already considered this then I would suggest expanding your search beyond agencies and looking at the charity/not for profit and international development sector which is working hard on improving it's position on safeguarding. You may find that you have an opportunity to look at Compliance jobs rather than just HR. In smaller organisations, the compliance/safeguarding may fall between HR and operations and so is an opportunity to utilise your leadership and management skills.

    If this is something that is of interest to you, check out the Guardian charity jobs section and also Bond.org.uk for jobs in the sector - you might be pleasantly surprised.
  • in reply to Janet
    Hi Janet
    Thank you for your response.
    I have already begun to look at the third sector and education (of course) and I have recently had a positive conversation with a hiring manager about a role which combines my experience in education with HR (mainly compliance). So, I think this is where I will direct my energies. I am going to quit going for 'entry level' positions and work hard to prove that I have the skills necessary for a position which better suits where I am at now. I have held senior positions in education for over 10 years and know that I have a lot to offer.
    Thanks again.
    Dee
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  • in reply to Janet
    Hi Janet
    Thank you for your response.
    I have already begun to look at the third sector and education (of course) and I have recently had a positive conversation with a hiring manager about a role which combines my experience in education with HR (mainly compliance). So, I think this is where I will direct my energies. I am going to quit going for 'entry level' positions and work hard to prove that I have the skills necessary for a position which better suits where I am at now. I have held senior positions in education for over 10 years and know that I have a lot to offer.
    Thanks again.
    Dee
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