Can I re-enter HR after a gap of three years?

Reply

RichM Posted: 27 Jun 2011 8:51 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi all

Just had a scan through the topics here and it seems that variations on my question comes up quite a lot.  So apologies in advance for what follows...

I don't currently work in HR although I did get about 18mnths experience in an Assistant and Officer level positions in a couple of short term contract and temp positions back in 2007/08.  I felt very lucky at that time but unfortunately i was unable to capitalise on my new experience as my family and I had to move which, combined with the recession, meant there was precious little HR work available and I now work in a different permanent.  I really enjoyed my time in HR and would love to get back into it.  I can't afford to do the CIPD training but I feel I have some good skills and experience under my belt.  The downer has been that my wife spoke with one of her friends who works in HR for an investment bank who said, in a nutshell, that the prior experience is essentially worthless and recruiters will only take into account what you're doing now.  Now I am not a dreamer and if that is way it is in the City, so be it.  I am not overly fussed about working in the City anyway but I would appreciate hearing some voices as to whether it is possible to re-enter HR?

Thanks for reading this!

Rich

Reply

Kimsec replied on 4 Jul 2011 1:35 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi Rich,

Nothing is impossible but it is not an easy profession to enter whether as a "newbie" or as someone with some experience in their past.

Having said that I did it. I worked as an HR Administrator for 2 years and then left and worked in Exports for the following 3 years. Having realised that I made a mistake I started looking around for another HR role and was successful in securing one fairly quickly. My best advice would be to be prepared to start at the bottom again. Your experience probably won't be sufficent to get you back into an Officer role but you may well be successful in securing an Admin position.

What are you currently doing? Is there anything in your current role that is HR related? If there is then tailor your CV to maximise on those aspects of the job.

And best of luck!

Kim