I have almost a 2 year gap in my resume and desperately need to get back in my career.

Anonymous

November 8,2023 at 7:00PM UTC

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I have almost a 2 year gap in my resume and desperately need to get back in my career.

Lost my job almost 2 years ago and I am currently working a labor position in the medical field at an hourly rate. I lost my job for lack of performance while getting my ADHD diagnosis. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until I lost my job that I was provided with medication to help. Now, I am looking to get a job to be able to even get the proper medication I need through insurance.

I don’t have a college degree but that never stopped me from working up. My last position was 6 figures but I started at $11.50 at 19 after losing my college loan. I have always thrived at interviews and was always loved in my positions.

Now, if I can even get an interview, I am over qualified. I get no responses. I’ve applied to thousands of jobs past 2 years. I’ve only gotten probably 15 interviews from all. I fear it’s my skin color, my name, and things like not knowing someone who works in the company. My qualifications are solid and I’ve even gotten certifications to help (PMI & Digital Marketing).

I am recently married (2 years in Dec) and my inability to get a job is hurting us. We want to start a family but can’t because we aren’t stable.

I need advice on what to do. I am contemplating hiring a career coach, someone who can help with my resume and job search, but I’m obviously scared because I don’t really have the money to do so. I need direction.

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AnonymousNovember 8,2023 at 7:06PM UTC
Have you revamped your resume? Leverage your LinkedIn network? Considered applying to jobs that aren't typical to what you have done? Are you customizing your resume for each application? Writing a cover letter for each application? The market is tough. Keep trying!
AnonymousNovember 8,2023 at 7:24PM UTC
I have tried everything except cover letters. Done for major companies but I’ll add it to my list for all! Thank you!
AnonymousNovember 8,2023 at 8:34PM UTC
You don't need someone to redo your resume or draft customized cover letters.
Learn CHATGPT. It's free, easy and helped me score multiple interviews. I use it whenever i can. It took me 10 minutes to revamp my resume.
Further, it sounds like what you are experiencing is what everyone is struggling with right now. A poor economy and the holiday season.
Timing of filling many jobs is on hold for new budget approvals and many hiring managers are planning to be on vacation and holiday travel so they delay many interviews until after the holidays.
Further the economy has business scratching their heads as to what their hiring plans need to be.
So much of what you're experiencing is not at all your fault.
So I would spend energy networking and applying to what you find. I would hold off on spending money until you are very certain what you need from a coach.
AnonymousNovember 8,2023 at 10:32PM UTC
Many others in the same boat with you unfortunately! This market is the worst in over 20 years, per thought leaders and recruiters on LinkedIn.
AnonymousNovember 9,2023 at 2:05PM UTC
It’s true that
- the job market is atrocious
- you have redo your resume
- you should likely update your LinkedIn profile
Also consider the following:
- Ask those of us who are like you to review your resume and or LinkedIn profile after editing to give it a once over. It can’t hurt your wallet as it would be a favor
- Consider networking 80% of the time and applying 20%
- Consider targeting your dream companies and not the job
- Consider putting in your resume that for the two years break was dedicated to learning and it’s true because you needed to learn about you
- Consider attending virtual job fairs and in person pending your line of work
- Consider looking into WIOA - a program to help upskill unemployed people no matter there level in business as they seek employment
I hope some of what is above helps
AnonymousNovember 9,2023 at 2:57PM UTC
Are you meeting the qualifications of the jobs you’re applying to? A lot of jobs, especially 6 figure jobs want a college degree which would make you under qualified. Your perspective may be different from those doing the hiring. Check with your local city/town, they may provide employment counseling at no cost to you. Look into placement agencies for your chosen profession. Network on LinkedIn.
SueNovember 9,2023 at 3:05PM UTC
yes Rework the resume ..I was faithfully sending out my indeed resume I had spent $$ on .. no nuthin’ so indeed offered to re work it for free to make it parse better … it was like turning on a light .. 6 interviews within a couple of days , 3 job offers . .. forget the fancy stuff just let them make your resume fit what the employers want .. parseble.. is that even a real word ? Worked for me
AnonymousNovember 10,2023 at 1:39PM UTC
Try Chameleon Resumes, Lisa Rangel is the owner.
https://www.chameleonresumes.com for more details. Great coaching and resume services.