I
have two years of recruitment consultancy experience, and am a trained primary
teacher. I have delivered training before – though not formally. I run a simple
sales training course in a group situation to new graduates about twice a month
and have also trained new colleagues. Sales training is probably my ideal
career path. As I am starting a CIPD course in November, I would really like to
know about realistic job opportunities or suggestions for another "way
in".
Jo Selby,
associate director, EJ Human Resources, writes:
The more relevant
experience you gain with your current organisation, the better your chances of
securing a training job within another company, so it is important that you
continue to be involved with training colleagues and graduates.
It may also be worthwhile
reviewing your CV to ensure that any relevant training experience you are
currently gaining and have gained previously is highlighted.
I would also urge you to keep
an open mind with regards to training opportunities as you may have to make a
sideways move, or potentially a slightly backwards step in order to go forward
in the longer term.
Allison Sheard, consultant, Chiumento, writes:
The
experience that you have to date, combined with a CIPD course is a good
foundation to begin a career in training.
However,
it is going to be important to market your experience to date well, in order to
convince others. So, If you are applying for a training role ensure that your
CV focuses on the delivery that you have given so far.
Induction
and sales training is important so don’t do yourself down at interview with
statements like "it’s only simple sales training" – job searching is
not a good time to overdo the modesty.
Use
every opportunity that you can, to get some more training design and delivery
experience with your current employer – even if this means working in your own
time to design a course.
If
you can see a need for a course, design it and present it to your boss together
with your plan for its introduction to the business. Create your own
opportunity; don’t wait to be asked. Showing this level of interest and drive
speaks volumes about you to your current and prospective employers.
In
order to get a specialist training job, apply to job advertisements and contact
HR agencies. Networking with students on the CIPD course will also help you to
get yourself known in the marketplace.
Clive
Sussams, recruitment consultant, Malpas Flexible Learning
This
is a common problem for many people who try to develop a training career.
You have certainly made a positive start by enrolling to commence your studies
for CIPD membership. Whilst you have experience of "stand up"
speaking and basic sales training, this does not immediately attract
prospective employers who are seeking broader experience with a wider
"internal client" group.
Your
idea about obtaining a sales training job may be worth pursuing but it is not
always easy to move into a broader role with just this experience. It may
be that you would be better off applying for Training or HR administration
roles from which you could progress internally, particularly in a large
organisation. Finally, do not forget that in your CIPD studies, it is
possible to follow a specific trainer route through the Electives field and this
would also be a good idea for you.
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