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Advice on what to do next?

Becci Lloyd

Hi all,

I'm looking for some career advice. I currently work as a part time HR assistant. I passed my Level 3 certificate in Human Resources last year and am currently studying the Level 5 Certificate in HR Management. I'm very keen to move on to become a HR Advisor/Officer but am struggling to get any further. I have a young child so for the time being I am only prepared to work part time (school hours, if possible) which already puts me at a disadvantage when applying as local part time advisor roles seem to be hard to come by. My current organisation has already made it clear right from the get go that my role isn't one I will be able to progress with while there.

I look on recruitment sites often and I send my CV out when I do find appropriate jobs but I don't seem to be able to get to interview stage. I wonder if there's anything I'm doing wrong or is anyone able to offer me any advice? I work hard and I'm really keen to progress and learn a lot more as I no longer feel I'm learning much or being challenged in my current role.

Many thanks for any advice you can offer. 

  • Hi Laura,

    I'm not in your area but in my last role I looked after volunteering for a charity including recruiting my own HR volunteers and once a week during school hours wouldn't have put anyone off where I was, anything is better than nothing! We had to adjust what we were doing but gave as much variety and exposure as we could and talked them through as much as possible so even if they were only doing a small part of a project, it gave them a overall picture.
  • Try these websites https://www.workingmums.co.uk/ and http://www.timewisejobs.co.uk/ which specialise in advertising jobs part time and flexibly.
  • in reply to Becci Lloyd
    Hi Becci,

    Waving from Hitchin! Have you tried directly contacting companies based around the area to see if they might welcome a volunteer for a few hours a week? Willmott Dixon and Autoglym are based in Letchworth?
  • in reply to Alys Martin
    I have applied to Autoglym several times since I started my first level 3 course and always have the response "lack of experience", although have never offered myself to volunteer there. I shall contact them though as well as Willmott Dixon!
  • in reply to Sanchia
    Thank you, I often look on workingmums but hadn't heard of the other site, I shall register my details.
  • in reply to Becci Lloyd
    Many smaller companies need a hr person, but outsource due to their size. What's the harm in approaching companies of 40-75 staff and outlining what you can do on a part-time basis. Good luck
  • in reply to Colin Coole
    Hi. This is actually the kind of role I would love to take on next. A standalone position in a small company. I don't like the idea of joining a larger HR team, I think I want more of a challenge than that. This is a great idea though, I actually live on the edge of a large industrial area with many businesses. I'm wondering what would be the best way to go about approaching them to put this to them?
  • Hi Becci
    I understand your difficulties. I was looking for part-time work too but due to elder care responsibilities. You are probably better looking at Public Sector roles as these more often available on a part-time basis. If you see a job advertised ring up and discuss with the recruiter your situation. Its better to understand what is required from the start so it prevents both you and the employer wasting time on an application that cannot be fulfilled.
    Good luck - Ive just started a 3 day a week post in manufacturing so there are jobs out there

    Karen
  • Hi Becci

    I suppose there are really two things to address - the desire to advance your career, and the need to find an employer who can accommodate some form of flexibility. I think a previous response detailed that it is always easier to work your way into a part time role with a current employer, but if that avenue is not available then the main priority could be to maximise your potential attractiveness to a new employer. Given that roles are 'hard to come by' - but exist - then you could really focus on your own development and what you can offer to a new employer, so that when opportunities arise you are at the head of the pile. I am not one to give career advice, but the most attractive CVs I see are based on projects delivered and business improvements - I appreciate that it may be difficult to find suitable projects or get the authority to do them, but I am sure others here can suggest things you could do within the scope of your current role. I also agree that the public sector is a great avenue for flexibility of employment. Its always worth developing a relationship with the recruiters rather than just sending a CV - they can and do offer CV advice, and if they know your skills and competence will consider you for roles that may not even make the advert stage. Its tough to make all of this work, and I am sure you are not doing anything wrong.
  • in reply to Becci Lloyd
    Don't give up Becci. I am at the other end of my career and found it just as frustrating to find part time hours to accommodate a degree. I think that the charity sector tend to be more flexible. I found my role on charity jobs so maybe look there. Equally charities look for interns too.