Hello all,

Anonymous

November 6,2021 at 2:32PM UTC

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Hello all,

I am looking for advice to help my sister out. She has been looking for a job for months- she has been out of work since COVID started. She has a Masters in education but most recently has had a career as a police officer.

She has applied to dozens of jobs, including admin, lifeguard, gym... and has only had a couple of callbacks.

I think that she is likely not tailoring her application to each job with target keywords for the screening software, but I would love some advice from anyone out there for her on how to navigate this. I know it is worse for job seekers the longer you go without work.

I am also curious about looking for someone to hire to help her with her applications- a job coach, a resume coach... what kind of options are out there for that?

My job field is totally different so I really have no idea how "real life" works and I appreciate any advice that anyone has.

Thank you!

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AnonymousNovember 6,2021 at 2:59PM UTC
It can't possibly hurt to tailor a resume to the keywords in an application. It also sounds like in her, justifiably, intense need for a job, she's not really applying for things that may fit but just looking for anything that will take her. While that's very understandable, every employer wants to understand why a prospective applicant wants to work for them specifically. So in addition to keywords matching the job description, she needs to actually follow-up and try to write a letter or human being and explain this via an email or phone call. This means more effort per job application but I think job search is a numbers game and a "no pain, no gain" situation.
AnonymousNovember 6,2021 at 3:46PM UTC
Thank you for that advice- so sensible.
Kathy WentzNovember 6,2021 at 3:09PM UTC
As a former educator and police officer she should look into the possibility of becoming a truant officer! She really needs to narrow her focus. She will be seen as over qualified for most of the positions you mentioned.
AnonymousNovember 6,2021 at 3:46PM UTC
Thank you for that idea!
AnonymousNovember 6,2021 at 5:28PM UTC
Yes, tailor the cover letter and resume BUT to be fair it sounds like she's going to be overqualified for some/lots of these roles and that makes her a real longshot. There's someone else who has been a lifeguard who is going to get that lifeguard job, not someone with a police and education background. I would like to break into a field other than my own and I do have some of those skills, but I'm also the atypical candidate like your sister and so it's a longshot. She might consider leaving some things off her resume (hate that but my mentor had a PhD that she chose to leave off for many years and may applications so that she'd get the job--do men ever have to do this?) and highlight the atypical functions she filled for the jobs she retains on her documents. Many people don't do cover letters; she could use that real estate to explain her situation. If there's no blank for cover letter on the application, just make a single file with letter and resume and upload it that way. That's what I do. I do a CV letter for every app unless it specifically says: don't do a CV! Finally it seems to me that your sister would benefit from networking even more than a resume re-do. Is her resume on every single job site for recruiters to see? Does everyone she knows know she wants a job and is open to many more offers than she might seem open to? Is she cold calling/cold sending her resume to places allover town? I wish her the best and you're kind to support her. Good luck.
AnonymousNovember 7,2021 at 5:06PM UTC
thank you so much for such a thoughtful response! Great idea for CV always and the networking is key.
Ari MiceliNovember 7,2021 at 3:47AM UTC
It could very well be the resume. Some other tips as well, some automated systems look for measured results, an adequate amount of bold styling, and even font to help it read the info better. You’re absolutely correct to consider these systems. Additionally, it’s as a few other commenters have said, she could be seen as overqualified for a good portion of positions so focusing more a specific web of careers could also help! Good luck ?
AnonymousNovember 7,2021 at 5:08PM UTC
Thanks for the tips about bold/font/etc! Add to list of things to check on.
AnonymousNovember 7,2021 at 1:55PM UTC
One thing that helped me in the past was taking temporary employment. I took a position from a temp agency that turned into a permanent position with that company. I also got my foot in the door at my current workplace through their temporary employment office. Since she has an education background maybe she might enjoy working for a university or a school system. Perhaps seeking temporary employment ith a university could lead to something long term. It worked for me.
AnonymousNovember 7,2021 at 5:08PM UTC
Great idea!!
Sarah RNovember 7,2021 at 1:59PM UTC
Some compliance positions in banks look for those with a police background. For a free resume review, she can see if there is a Dress for Success in the area. If she is a veteran or spouse, there are many organizations that will help her for free.
AnonymousNovember 7,2021 at 5:08PM UTC
Love this idea- thank you!!
AnonymousNovember 7,2021 at 3:11PM UTC
Depending on where she lives, the school district may have jobs developing curriculum or assessments. Or she could try an independent tutoring company or afterschool program or camp director? Or she can try looking at textbook companies (like Pearson/McGraw Hill, etc)? Or maybe an educational advisor/homeschool consultant/college consultant if she works with high school students? Child protection services case worker? Or a museum educator?
AnonymousNovember 7,2021 at 5:09PM UTC
These are fantastic ideas. Thank you so much for helping brainstorm.
AnonymousNovember 7,2021 at 3:17PM UTC
Your sister will most likely find the path of least resistance in the education system. She should scan the websites of local K-12 school districts, colleges, and universities to see what job openings are available right now and what jobs she aspires to as she climbs the ladder. (There are also educators in the prison system and that might be a perfect match for her background.) Then she can target specific roles based on her advanced degree and her job history while simultaneously working toward any certifications or licenses she may need for her future "dream job." She will need to tailor her resume to each job description. She may also have to get her foot in the door by targeting entry level jobs.
Sending out resumes blindly can be pretty useless these days. You have to network. The most effective way to get an interview is to find an internal connection with the employer who can help your sister get her resume to the top of the pile. You (and she) should ask everyone you know if they know of any job openings and if so, if they would be willing to connect you with the employer. Good luck!
AnonymousNovember 7,2021 at 5:09PM UTC
Thank you for this thoughtful response. I am a little worried she is caught up on "nothing out there is perfect for me" which is clearly going to delay progress. I appreciate your thoughts!
AnonymousNovember 8,2021 at 3:33PM UTC
Who wouldn't want an educator who is also a police officer? She may be the future model. ; ) I hope she finds something she loves soon.
SJ McBryantNovember 7,2021 at 4:35PM UTC
If your sister has any inclination to work with adults, she may find a fit in a reentry program. This could be pre-release or post-release. There are plenty of agencies that could use her education expertise and her background in criminal justice. Non- profits will generally look at her overall experience more objectively than a school or corporate world will for a fit.
AnonymousNovember 7,2021 at 5:10PM UTC
This is a fantastic idea- thank you for this!
SJ McBryantNovember 7,2021 at 10:14PM UTC
You are welcome. I mentioned it because I've just given my notice to my agency so I can take care of my mom out of state. I resigned from being the project director on a federal grant. I would have definitely looked forward to interviewing someone with your sister's background to work with our agency. There are so many positions to be filled in a np re-entry program. I would look on Ineed and be specific as to "re-entry" ",grant" and "programs". If she would like to chat you can give her my email : sjmcbryant@gmail.com
AnonymousNovember 7,2021 at 5:07PM UTC
Thank you- I will message you!
Vanda LeeNovember 7,2021 at 8:22PM UTC
I agree with re-entry programs would be perfect & there's a big need! Those would be through your state & federal job boards. If she knows anyone in the prison admin group to network with would also be helpful
AnonymousNovember 8,2021 at 4:11AM UTC
I saw a post about putting a string of suitable key words at the bottom of the resume, and then making the print white, so it doesn’t appear on the resume. If your sister does not like to tailor her resume to each posting, that might be helpful.
Amber MabreyNovember 8,2021 at 1:40PM UTC
Focus on you your soft skills and what makes you a good employee. Not exclusively education and work history.
I have received great resumes from overqualified individuals. My initial reaction is to not insult them by offering an entry level job when they have worked so hard to qualify for more.
I realize they chose to submit that resume, and meeting them to find out why is the proper response.
I have been surprised, and have hired fast learners with good work ethic and dedication.
A lot of people are completely rethinking their career choices. Having an education and history in one field doesn't lock you in to that forever.
AnonymousNovember 8,2021 at 5:12PM UTC
Try the local social service agency. Her background would be great for a child services worker or eligibility technician. I work for the local social services agency and we are desperate for people to fill these roles.
Joan OttleyNovember 9,2021 at 1:21AM UTC
Look up "Workitdaily" on Google and subscribe to their coaching/mentoring job hunting program. The best package only costs $150 a month. Since she has the time, she could really maximize that and turn everything around in one month. Good luck!
AnonymousNovember 9,2021 at 3:30PM UTC
She could check out opportunities to conduct training. Her skills would work for that. Also she MUST tailor her resume for each advertisement.
Tracey MorrisNovember 9,2021 at 9:04PM UTC
Has she considered a career in law enforcement on a college campus? It is a different kind of policing -- much more community oriented. I know the university where I work is always hiring campus police officers and provides some great incentives and benefits to those officers. If she has an interest, I would be happy to send her resume to the team. Her education background would be invaluable for engaging with the student population.