Career Change - Thinking of joining RM

Lilydwi · Post by **Lilydwi** » 04 Oct 2018, 14:14

Hello :)

Been lurking for a while but have only felt compelled to post now that a role has come up which I am interested in applying for...

I currently work within the media industry, and long story short after 10 years have become very jaded about my future here. Since joining the industry, my home life and family has changed dramatically and I am now looking for a more local, reasonable, and active job which can help me achieve a greater work/life balance.

I feel that a role within RM will suit me fantastically, not to mention that despite a part time 24hr contract, I can be financially better off than I am now commuting and working full time.

My main question is: Does anyone know how/whether those who are seeking a career change or break are considered within the application process? Is it a disadvantage at all, for example?
Naturally my experience in my current industry is completely different to that of RM, but I've no doubt I have a wealth of valuable, transferable, customer focused skills to offer.

Has anyone here joined RM on a career break, or career change, who may be able to offer some advice?

For info: I'm looking at applying for a p/t 24 hour contract as a post person at a small delivery office in South East Wales

Any help much appreciated,
L

Wilkoooo · Post by **Wilkoooo** » 04 Oct 2018, 15:00

I am currently waiting for my start date now that I have passed security checks.

I previously worked in the childrens social care sector and wanted a career change for similar reasons to you. Go for it and good luck!

Lilydwi · Post by **Lilydwi** » 04 Oct 2018, 15:06

Thank you Wilkoooo - congrats also!

Was anything specific asked in your interview regarding your reasons for a career change at all?
Or did you mention anything in your CV/covering letter beforehand? Not entirely sure how to approach it all in all honesty.

Wilkoooo wrote:I am currently waiting for my start date now that I have passed security checks.

I previously worked in the childrens social care sector and wanted a career change for similar reasons to you. Go for it and good luck!

Chris413 · Post by **Chris413** » 04 Oct 2018, 15:09

I was working in a retail store when I applied for RM, I had no problems just switching from one job to the other. So can't see why a career change is going to make any difference in your application.

Wilkoooo · Post by **Wilkoooo** » 04 Oct 2018, 15:31

Lilydwi wrote:Thank you Wilkoooo - congrats also!

Was anything specific asked in your interview regarding your reasons for a career change at all?
Or did you mention anything in your CV/covering letter beforehand? Not entirely sure how to approach it all in all honesty.

Wilkoooo wrote:I am currently waiting for my start date now that I have passed security checks.

I previously worked in the childrens social care sector and wanted a career change for similar reasons to you. Go for it and good luck!

No, nothing at all was asked during the interview and I mentioned no reason for the career change in my application process.

EDIT: Thank you btw!

WiltsVilla · Post by **WiltsVilla** » 04 Oct 2018, 17:03

Lilydwi wrote:Hello :)

My main question is: Does anyone know how/whether those who are seeking a career change or break are considered within the application process? Is it a disadvantage at all, for example?
Naturally my experience in my current industry is completely different to that of RM, but I've no doubt I have a wealth of valuable, transferable, customer focused skills to offer.

Has anyone here joined RM on a career break, or career change, who may be able to offer some advice?

For info: I'm looking at applying for a p/t 24 hour contract as a post person at a small delivery office in South East Wales

Any help much appreciated,
L

I was/am in a similar position and have fairly recently passed an interview.

Beginning to hate my job and feeling it affecting my mental and physical health. My second attempt at applying, the ball is now very much rolling. I'm a little concerned financially as if the overtime is not there I will probably need something on the side. It will still be a better balance than currently though.

I don't think I mentioned much in applying and wasn't asked anything directly about the change but I did bring it up a little in my interview myself, I just wanted to make sure they knew I was serious.
Lots of the interview questions required examples, which allow you to talk about the transferable skills.
When talking about my ambition it was pointed out for future reference I could have made my CV to be more aimed at the specific role.

itinerant · Post by **itinerant** » 04 Oct 2018, 18:27

I worked in I.T for 25 years and made the switch last year.

The manager who interviewed me said a lot of people from different working backgrounds join and it is quite common.

Richteasw · Post by **Richteasw** » 07 Oct 2018, 19:27

Welder for 17 years, postman for the last 8 months and loving it

Post by **HTPostman** » 08 Oct 2018, 10:35

Maybe someone involved in the recruitment side can confirm but I don't think they even read the CV when you apply.

I think it's purely how you do in the online tests, followed by your answers to the set questions at interview which seem to revolve around giving examples of working in teams and solo, working to deadlines etc.

I say this because when I went to interview, the interviewer said they'd not yet had chance to look at my CV, so I pointed out that I'd already worked as a postie for nearly 3 years which surprised him and he suddenly started looking through the CV with renewed interest.

So in short, I wouldn't worry about it being a career change. Do the online tests well, respond to any communication quickly (even though they are slow at communicating back) and if/when you get to interview try and give answers that can be applied to Royal Mail.

Best of luck!

Sunny123 · Post by **Sunny123** » 09 Oct 2018, 15:01

I joined RM a week ago. I had a desk job for 30 years and also wanted a better work/life balance. It has only been a week, however, already I am enjoying being outdoors and an active job compared to being in a hot stuffy office, stuck at a desk. My feet are sore with blisters but they will get better. I think RM employ people from all sorts of backgrounds and it wasn't mentioned at my interview. I first applied 14 years ago when my home life changed, but didn't get an interview. Life took me off in another direction and now 14 years later I am working for RM. This site has been very helpful in letting me know exactly what to expect in the job and so far it has been what I expected. I know I have made the right move for my overall quality of life. Good Luck, you should go for it