Ready for a change

12 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 5,2022 at 9:08PM UTC

   If you got 4 interviews out of sending 50 resumes, your rate of return is 8%, not bad for this job market. Keep going.

2. AnonymousSeptember 5,2022 at 9:54PM UTC

   I agree, I’d be happy with this rate of return, too.

3. AnonymousSeptember 5,2022 at 9:25PM UTC

   What would you like to do? Administrative work? Community organizing? Something else?

4. AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 1:56AM UTC

   Submitting 50 resumes is just scratching the surface bc times have changed and it’s become easier for hundreds of applications with qualified and unqualified applicants to make it to hr to sift through.
   Here are some tips,
   1 read the qualifications carefully and make sure you are qualified before applying
   2 pay attention to critical key words and duties and use them in your cover letter and resume and also link them to your specific skillset and the duties you are applying for. Reason is now companies use software to search for related keywords in your resume and cover letter. So not having them could lead to a rejection
   3 part of this is a numbers game apply to many but pace yourself. If is not uncommon for folks to aggressively apply to 20 jobs per week depending on industry

   4 Make sure you tailor your package to the company being applied for. If it is too vague and does not hit on the duties and responsibilities you are applying for could result in rejection

   5 expand wherein you apply, don’t just limit it to indeed or monster, get on google or linked in to see what other companies you can apply to so you don’t limit yourself

   6 network using linked in. Do join groups in the industry of interest, find professionals that work at the company or profession of interest, building that rapport could lead to them giving u a heads up when a job is about to come out they can give tips on tailoring your resume and put in a good word for you

5. AnonymousSeptember 7,2022 at 12:25PM UTC

   I would add to look beyond your current geographic location if you’re not already doing so. Many jobs are remote only now. It’s a brave new world and taking a job based out of Florida when you live in Ohio is not outside the realm of possibility even if you don’t want to relocate. Also, many employers like to hire contractors for some work. It makes you a free agent and saves them money on benefits. Depending on your skill set, you may want to add in your cover letter that you are willing to consider a temporary contract. Since you are looking to change industries, contract work can provide you with needed experience to take to your next full time position.

6. Maggie StoneSeptember 7,2022 at 1:22PM UTC

   Do you have a clear idea of what you want? If not, I would take a pause and carefully consider what you want. Monster has a great list of assessments: https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/best-free-career-assessment-tools

   Also, the book What Color is Your Parachute has great advice for career changers. You will have greater success if you can target your search to what you want. Good luck!

7. Shelby CSeptember 7,2022 at 1:24PM UTC

   Have you thought about teaching? It is another helping profession and will likely pay better due to the shortage. Most states have emergency certification programs as well. You still get to help people, but in a different way.

8. Jennifer TaylorSeptember 7,2022 at 2:03PM UTC

   I hope you're on LinkedIn and networking. I'm 53 and transitioned careers about 3 years ago. I did a lot of research on my own about optimizing my LinkedIn profile, and resume, and how to connect with hiring managers and recruiters. People will tell you that you need to pay for "coaching" - don't fall for it. You can do all the research online yourself.

   Consider contract work in the field in which you want to pivot. I worked for two different companies over the course of a year and a half in contract roles. Those jobs were critical in helping me secure skills and experience. Contract roles sometimes turn into full-time positions, and usually pay pretty well.

   Fifty applications are just the start. I applied to over 300 jobs over two years before landing a full-time position.

9. GirlBossanova934974September 7,2022 at 3:41PM UTC

   Steps: Figure out what careers are in demand and which ones are suitable for you. If you are not on LinkedIn, you need to be ASAP! Sign up for 3-4 LinkedIn daily job emails for various occupations which may suit. Read those emails as they come in. In a few weeks, you will have a firm idea what is being sought, the CORRECT language to use when applying for those jobs, and see what people are willing to pay. These days, your resume is NOT going to make it into the queue to be reviewed unless the automated software sees the right keywords on your resume. I don't buy the thesis that you have to apply to several hundred places. You have to apply to a few dozen places with the right resume and cover letter. MAKE sure your resume is free of buzzwords from your current occupation. As you are 50, do NOT leave any trace of your age on your resume. Graduation dates are OUT! Go back 10 years on your resume in regards to job experience and that is it.

10. surfnwriteSeptember 7,2022 at 10:58PM UTC

    I was in the running for a job I'd temped at for a year and was specifically recommended by management to hire permanently. I look about 10 years younger than I am and graduated 10 years after most in my field, so I easily passed for mid-40s. But when as part of the application process they asked for a copy of my drivers license (with DOB), I knew my goose was cooked and it was. Never heard from them again.

11. (redacted)September 8,2022 at 1:40PM UTC

    Talk to me about the opportunities at Edward Jones! We are hiring like crazy and someone with your background would be a tremendous asset. (Pun slightly intended.)

12. Judy SchoenbergSeptember 17,2022 at 12:37PM UTC

    I lead evolveme.work for women in midlife career transition. We see women getting ghosted all the time- it’s hard to make your way through the algorithm. You’re not alone! You’ll need to network your way into a next move. That’s how 80% of roles are secured - through personal and professional connections. If you want to learn more, check out our resources on the site. We have a free Masterclass coming up on 9/21!