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Include unrelated qualification on job application?

8 replies

PregnantAndEngaged · 08/10/2016 16:50

Bit of background: I studied A levels Sociology, Psychology and Health & Social Care. I applied for nursing at university but backed out as did not feel mature enough to deal with some of the things I would see and wasn't sure I'd cope with blood etc. In the end I decided to do law as I always had an interest in it and felt I'd be better suited to that type of job. Anyway I completed my law degree and I even went on and did the Legal Practice Course (completed in early 2015, although I fell pregnant during the course so haven't gone on to do any law work), did very well indeed on both. However I've since had a baby and I feel I've changed as a person and matured and now really regret not pursuing going into a caring profession. I work in a bank dealing with vulnerable customers at the moment and I'm considering applying for a job as an emergency call handler. I think I'd be suited to it and feel I could handle the pressure of it as well as the emotional impact some of those calls may have.

I want to do a job that I feel is going to help people and make a real difference to their lives rather than dealing with intangible or impersonal things such as money or property. However I worry how it may look if I include my law qualifications on the application.

On the other hand, it could be a good thing to show I can work under pressure and I could discuss on my application that I have grown as a person and my personal ambitions have changed (not sure if that's a good idea or not).

OP posts:
starfishmummy · 08/10/2016 16:53

You should include it or there will be a gap which will either rule you out at the first sift or that you will need to explain.

PregnantAndEngaged · 08/10/2016 16:58

I will probably put the law degree down for that reason, but I was wondering if I leave the Legal practice course off.. I was working at the time so there's no gap. However it could work to my strengths as it takes a lot work and study at the same time and it was a stressful course.

OP posts:
WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es · 08/10/2016 17:02

I'd still list it, showing you can study and work at the same time is good. Just list it though, not in a prominent position and no supplementary information. I've just looked at a CV which was full of totally irrelevant stuff in great detail but with the relevant qualification as a one-liner on page 2, not good.

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lougle · 08/10/2016 17:03

Include it all.

EssentialHummus · 08/10/2016 17:03

I moonlight as a CV writer. I'd leave it off if you were my client - there's no gap as you were working, and including it detracts from more relevant content.

PregnantAndEngaged · 08/10/2016 17:05

Just to note it is an application form rather than CV so I don't really have control over position; it may therefore show at the top due to being the last thing I did educationally. I take it I'm still better off listing it though ?

OP posts:
SpuriouserAndSpuriouser · 08/10/2016 17:14

I would definitely include it. It's not irrelevant, it shows transferable skills. I'm sure that a lot of people make the decision to apply to be an emergency call handler later in life, I would imagine that they go through applications from people from all different walks of life.

eurochick · 08/10/2016 17:27

The lpc teaches things like interviewing skills and negotiation, as well as how to communicate clearly - all good transferable skills.

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