To apply for paid internships ten years into my career?

[Hangingover]

Anyone done this? The job market in my sector is absolutely non-existant (in fact 1000s being laid off) due to Covid and I'm getting nowhere with jobs my skills would conceivably transfer to since they all seem to want someone that already does the exact job they're advertising. I've been looking for months, no interviews.

I've just applied for an internship which is less than half my old salary but in industry I'd absolutely adore to work in. I figure I'm probably going to have to take a much lower paid job at some stage realistically so it might as well be something I'm passionate about rather than doing sales call or something.

Have I got a shot or will they only want younglings do you think? Would you hire an intern in early 30s if they were good? I probably would have when I was hiring people. It's all a bit depressing.

Age wouldn't be a factor for me, but if you'd already had a career in another profession, I would be asking you lots of questions around your motivation. When we offer internships, we're hoping for someone to join us in a permanent role afterwards. I'd be trying to work out if you saw it as a stopgap or career change.

I am actually sick of my old industry as it happens but it feels churlish to say so given how many people are out of work

In my cover letter I sort of framed it that I was now in the position to go after something I've always been really passionate about and done on the side through my career 🤞🏻

You never know. It's rare anyone has only one career these days, and early 30s isn't actually that old. Have a bit more confidence in yourself. :)

I personally have hired and worked with people who are apparently 'too old' for the role before, and it's always worked out well. I know age discrimination is covered by law, but morally, I'd look past it anyway. As long as an older person applying for an entry level role has no chip on their shoulder and is prepared to be treated like a grad/school leaver and to potentially be managed by someone younger than them, I wouldn't hold age against them.

I've always been really passionate about and done on the side through my career

Maybe it’s just me, but I think that sounds like you don’t take it seriously enough to consider it a career; just something you’ve done on the side 🤷‍♀️

You could say that about anything, emily! I disagree.

@emilyfrost

I've always been really passionate about and done on the side through my career

Maybe it’s just me, but I think that sounds like you don’t take it seriously enough to consider it a career; just something you’ve done on the side 🤷‍♀️

Or, something the OP couldn't afford to do previously.

My day job is something that pays good money. My things on the sides are things that I enjoy. Maybe one day when I've paid off my mortgage and can afford the pay cut, I'll consider doing one of them full-time.

Or, something the OP couldn't afford to do previously

Exactly this. I couldn't afford to move to London at the time.

I think you’ve got a shot if your cover letter clearly framed it as really wanting to enter the industry, showed good knowledge of it and demonstrated your transferable skills, and is convincing. Unfortunately, there will be many other people previously in more senior jobs / different industries / earning more money only applying because they’re desperate for a job and you have to hope your application isn’t seen as just another of those.

Okay thanks, these answers are helping. They say they don't look at your CV or cover letter until after they've looked at your answer to the task they set and liked it so hopefully mine wasn't totally rubbish and they at least get to the cover letter!