Entering my last week of work due to layoffs and struggling to fit my 20 years of experience in different industries into a plan for the future.

Anonymous

January 7,2024 at 4:23AM UTC

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Entering my last week of work due to layoffs and struggling to fit my 20 years of experience in different industries into a plan for the future. The common field is marketing but in a blend of industries from entertainment, education, media etc. due to circumstances. I've worked in management including six years as a director in entertainment marketing and media. Where most are fortunate to look for a specific type of position, my background spans from communication, marketing and PR and I'm finding it hard to translate that experience into a plan for my future. My non-linear trajectory I feel is detriment unless I'm in front of hiring managers where I can explain my diverse resume. I'm trying to put a positive spin on this downsizing to figure out a career path but I'm confused what's the best fit for my future. I'd appreciate your advice!

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AnonymousJanuary 7,2024 at 6:07AM UTC
Can I ask what you were making?
Have you looked into a social media management type role? Depending on your exact roles played, you could actually find yourself with a very attractive resume. Those types of jobs are incredibly versatile with attractive responsibilities, as you know better than anyone. You might need to consider adding extra things to beef it up, like learning SQL & helpdesk-friendly programming languages and angling it closer to something like IT to help foster a more modern resume. Do you have a marketing portfolio? What kind of stuff do you have on your resume? I would try to pick your most attractive previous responsibilities (like if it was upkeeping a database) and your favorite responsibilities and Google what job roles include them. I would then seriously consider learning a relevant programming language to those roles (you might need to narrow your biggest hopeful job roles/titles to make it less confusing where to aim.
There are solid moves you can make
AnonymousJanuary 7,2024 at 6:27AM UTC
I would stop focusing on industry specifics.
Focus and drive attention to your common skills, task, program and project management. No one will care so much about the specific industry nuances if you connect the dots on what programs and projects you managed. Include your results and size of your diverse projects. Talk about reach. Increased engagement etc. Non-linear is just fine when the skills and results can be highlighted.
Lisa McCartneyJanuary 7,2024 at 2:43PM UTC
I am in the same boat and I will be taking my own advice after reading your question. I also have a degree in Business Management/Marketing and an MBA. Unlike you I have had many pivots, so not just in one field of study.
My suggestion would be a SWOT Analysis on yourself, as an employee and maybe you can find a direction to go.
Good luck!
AnonymousJanuary 8,2024 at 2:01PM UTC
My profile in communications is similar to yours (roles in internal and external comms/PR, including corporate, not-for-profit and nonprofit settings) in a career nearly as long, so I can infer from the description of your background that you are a storyteller. That's your great gift in this situation!
Hone the Summary at the top of your resume. What's your specialty/where do you really shine? Can you showcase one or two impressive metrics, achievements or accomplishments relevant to each prospective role to grab the hiring manager's or recruiter's attention?
Tailor said resume to every prospective job. (I sense this is especially necessary for us broadly-experienced MarComm folks.) Speak directly to as many of the unique position requirements as possible using the bullets for each role you held.
Finally, to combat ageism, only supply bullets for roles you held in the last 10-15 years. Only if they relate to the role, you can list additional roles by title, org, city and state only, not dates. Do not include graduation dates, only college/university and degree(s) attained.
Craft that compelling tale and you'll get noticed.
Best wishes!