In reply to Carl Walsh:

Wow, Carl, that is an impressive CV and a lot of jobs applied for to get 9 interviews. Scary times ahead.

In reply to Gareth:

Good stuff Gareth, get as active as you can with your networking - even coming up to some of the Central London events and I think there is a branch around Guildford too because it will be a great way of meeting people who could help you out. (I'm a Hampshire girl so know the area you're talking about :))

Maybe worth contacting employers such as Babcock, Carillion, Serco etc who have contracts with the armed forces. I used to work for both Babcock and Carillion and know that they are more forward thinking looking at skill set and transferable skills.

In reply to Johanna:

Thank you Johanna, I will definitely look to attend once I am in my resettlement phase. Where in Hampshire are you?

In reply to Melanie:

Thank you for that top advice Melanie, It's definitely a good shout, and there is fair bit of military around Hampshire, albeit Army, that will have contracted support from these employers. I will look into it for sure.

I am considering whether I am best placed applying for HRM generalist roles or to seek employee relations / engagement roles in a bigger company as that is where I would most certainly specialise and have transferable skills with 10 years experience. Any thoughts from those in the know on here? Sadly I have to be salary driven to meet mortgage needs, so I don't feel it would be sustainable to start at the bottom in HR, but I am confident that I have a lot to offer either role. And I am passionate in HR practising what it preaches regarding putting people first, and not just being the ones that sort payroll and staff issues.

Hi Gareth,
I too am in a simlar situation to yourself. I have been in the Army for 31 years, 16 of which have been within the HR/Administrator role. I have moved to Hereford where my husband and I have no family or friends and work here is not as easy to come by as Hampshire where I an originally from.
I completed my Level 5 last year distance learning using my ELC's, which was not the best option. If I had the chance again I would have completed my training via CIPD direct or considered full time education. I have applied for a number of posts but was unsure where I should be entering the market a similar situation to you. I have been unsuccessful in all my applications but will be having an appointment with Hays Recruitment shortly to see if they can perhaps look at my CV with more of an open mind towards what I have to give in transferable skills. It is hard out here and even though I have only been trying since March it is still a huge knock back to not be given replies or interviews. I had one lady who was kind enough to give me feedback and she said that I have many really good skills to offer and just need to tailor the CV a little better otherwise I would have been considered for interview. That at least was something positive.
I have read what the other members have offered in advice and will be taking some of that on board myself as it was very useful. Just one piece of advice I can offer is do you need the big bucks or are you happy to take a pay cut? That is the biggest question you should ask yourself because I have my pride but will take a pay cut to enable me to use my skills, prove myself and move on up the chain to get to my HR Manager role.
All the very best of luck with where you end up.

In reply to Gareth:

NE Hants :)