Dear Natalie
“I have a first class degree in Economics, an MSc in the Psychology of Work and clocked up four years of recruitment experience before having my kids. Six years on I’m desperate to get back to work but on a part-time/job-share basis. I’m really struggling to get an HR admin job because I’m over-qualified and can’t find an in-house recruitment role that isn’t full-time. What can I do to improve my chances?”
Jo Causon:
There is no reason why someone with your qualifications and experience should not be able to gain a suitable position. In the current skills shortage, employers are crying out for candidates with high levels of expertise so, even though organisations are advertising full-time roles, they may consider allowing you to work part-time or job-share if you are the right person to fill the position.
Ultimately, when recruiting, employers need to know that the skills and experience you have are transferable to their own workplace environment, and how these align to overall strategic goals. Look at the qualifications you have achieved and jobs you have done in the past to demonstrate how the skills derived from these could benefit the organisation you are applying too. Highlight past examples where you have made impact at work that had a tangible benefit to the organisation so that potential employers can clearly see the business value for having you on board.
You say that you are over-qualified for an administrative role, so consider freelance opportunities as a more rewarding alternative. In today’s environment, working part-time does not mean that you have to compromise in terms of job role. Many organisations realise that individuals have to balance other elements of the life with work and are willing to be more flexible.
Comments (2)
Posted by Steve Miller | October 7, 2007 10:44 AM
You have great academic qualifications but pieces of paper these days are no guarantee to influence the minds of top business people that you are going to be a great performer in the real world. It is therefore important to stress your skill set and experience in a practical light.
Also I think you have to realise that businesses can often be put off to taking someone on that walks in demanding flexibility, part time working and job share. To a large degree I have an empathy with them. Afterall, frequent calls that you are going to be late for work because of child care problems can damage the business and frustrate the hell out of other team members.
My advice is to go into an interview explaining how you are going to add commercial value and how you have all your child care arrangements sorted. Be really open about it. Employers will respect that.
Posted on October 7, 2007 10:44
Posted by Thomas | April 13, 2008 11:17 PM
Hi,
I have got a full-time job in a good company, however would like to take on a part-time job additionally.
Do I have the obligation to let my full-time employer know about the part time job? I fear unfavourable treatment when it comes to possible promotion etc.
Thank you. Best regards, Thomas
Posted on April 13, 2008 23:17