Moving from freelance trainer into L&D/HR - Working in HR - Careers Clinic

2 Moving from freelance trainer into L&D/HR

12 Jun, 2017 14:49

I'm a freelance trainer and learning consultant looking to move inhouse into L&D or HR as I miss working as part of a team.

I have been freelancing for a few years now, following an initial career as a chartered accountant at Deloitte and IMG. I have delivered training and coaching to some major clients (eg BT, Accenture, Imperial) but don't have any inhouse L&D/HR experience.

My questions around this are:

- Would I be best to pre-emptively take CIPD qualifications in order to get into HR, or should I wait until I can find a way in and then take them?

- Would L&D/HR departments even consider my CV? I have started applying to roles but often you don't get any feedback if it's a 'no' so hard to know if they will consider me;

- Does anyone know any independent trainers/coaches who've made this move and would be willing to share their experiences with me?

Many thanks,

Duncan

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Laura Fazackarley | 0 Posts

16 Jun, 2017 16:52

Hi Duncan,

My background is L&D specialist (sitting within HR teams) so from my perspective I'd say:

- Your L&D experience is robust enough for an L&D coordinator/consultant role without CIPD however you don't explain if you have any other qualifications.
- Many corporates do prefer to have qualified senior consultants, or they promote from within because of the level of immediate respect required with stakeholders (generated either by 'proving;' knowledge via qualification or by having seen it over the years). I'm not sure what level role you're applying for?
- My HR side is a bit more speculative; I believe many organisations need specific experience for HR roles and if that experience isn't there, they would look to qualifications. Even as an HR generalist.
- The L&D experience gained from consulting with multiple companies would make me look at your CV, as I've said, for coordinator/consultant as a minimum.
- The more senior you go, the more likely the qualification being on your CV will get you in for an interview. It is a differentiator. A well written, impactful CV may make someone consider you without a CIPD qualification for a senior role however if its between you and someone else with it - I can imagine a company will choose to interview the 'qualified' candidate.

I, myself, have moved between corporate roles and freelance for the past 10 years. I've only just completed my Diploma in CIPD. HOWEVER, I completed a coaching and facilitation qualification with the Training Foundation right back in the beginning as a way of proving I knew what I was doing.

To get interviews, I'd spend a long time reviewing, re-reviewing and asking for feedback on your CV.

In interviews, your freelance examples should give you a great pool of answers when it comes to your competence.

Hope that gives you some things to think about

Kind regards,
Laura
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duncan | 0 Posts

19 Jun, 2017 12:32

Hi Laura - thanks for taking the time to reply, much appreciated!

I am applying for roles like L&D consultant, Talent Development Manager, Talent Specialist. I find my skills don't match an exact role (eg 'HR Director') but I'm certainly an experienced hire so hopefully looking for a role in line with that.

Good to get your reflections on CIPD. There is an option for me to start this this summer so I appreciate the feedback and will keep canvassing people on what value it could add to my offering as an L&D practitioner.

Many thanks,
Duncan
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