to be able to get a job in a uk university aged 50

[Ceci03]

I'm applying for jobs in universities in the uk. I've worked in 3rd level for over 20 years, in admin. I didn't get the first job. Be honest, be brutal, do I have a chance of getting a job. I'm nearly 50. I'm a bit fat, well quite fat. I don't look the best. But, I am very good at my job. I'm desperate to get out where I am to a new place. Just writing applications for 2 more jobs. I got my hair done, put on make up, bought a new jacket and shoes and tried to smarten up for the last interview. Not sure what went against me, though I've asked for feedback there hasn't been any reply yet.

I got a job in a university in admin when I was mid fifties and it was great. The professors were quite old too but the rest of the team varied in age from mid twenties up. I loved it. I loved working with all those clever educated people and found it was a very inclusive environment. Go for it and good luck! (That reminds me, I have an application form to complete for a local uni job!)

Oh and I'm fat too. However I found out later that I looked very much like the main professor's wife...

I’m 56 and just got a job at a Uni. Entry level stuff - grade 4 - for which I am massively over qualified. But got the job! Good luck.

that's what I'm going for - mostly grade 4, but a couple of grade 5's which I'd love to get. Grade 4 will be a bit of a salary drop for me. I'm wondering, would you possibly mind sharing approx. how much I would come out with per month as a grade 4. trying to work out how much rent I will be able to afford. I'm single, 2 kids. thx so much for the encouragement.

A grade 5 might be a better bet. We gets of recent graduates for grade 4 jobs - and they're cheap frankly. For Grade 5s we'd want more experience than a recent grad so there often isn't as much competition.

We're London though, and there are billions of young graduates so might be different elsewhere.

There's a lot of competition for university admin jobs. We regularly get 50-100 applications per vacancy.

If you have another string to your bow like finance or project management that would really help

I’m a grade 5 admin in a university and it’s just so bloody competitive for jobs. I’ve worked in HE for seven years and have loads of experience but I’ve had nine interviews for grade 6 and 7 jobs in the last year (actually, number 10 was earlier today 🤞🏻) and someone else has had ‘more direct experience’ every single time. The panel is always seeing between 6 and 10 people and I feel so disheartened

Also, if one more person says, ‘it’s great that you’re getting interviews though!’ I’ll kill them with my bare hands

I'm a Russell group univ dept manager and from your post have No idea whether I would employ you. Age is irrelevant. How you look is irrelevant too providing you are clean and oresentable, which i'm sure you are. What jobs are you applying for and what is your background? Are they general admin or research admin, hr, finance etc.

What was the interview format? How did you feel in interview? Any questions you felt you stumbled on?

Happy to coach but need more detail! A piece of advice someone gave me when I was desperate to get out of a job either it's obvious and it is. A recruiter wants candidates to be interested in the organisation not just after any old job. This can be demonstrated at any job level.

It's quite hard to get into HE, I had quite a few rejections before I succeeded. I had lots of experience at a pretty high level in governance and policy work but I took a temporary position in HE to get the experience in the sector. I was 44 at the time. I took a pay cut to do it because it was what I wanted to do.

I moved into quality and standards and 7 years on I am moving to a senior post in HE regulation.

I suppose my point is that it can be hard to get into but once you are in you can demonstrate your transferable skills and there are lots of opportunities for interesting and decently paid work. I've never regretted it, I bloody LOVE working in higher education.

Don't give up.

thanks a mil angelik, just sent you a pm. yeah I suppose I should be happy I got an interview. have another interview in 2 weeks. Am going to apply for a grade 5 now. it would be more at my level - not boasting -just that I have qualifications and experience and know I can do it