Surprised to find out the truth and wanted to share with others.

46 Comments

1. Georgene HuangJanuary 11,2022 at 1:10PM UTC

   Thank you for sharing and please let us know how it goes in terms of this new positioning of your experience.

2. AnonymousJanuary 11,2022 at 8:40PM UTC

   Will do, Georgene. I started weaving in the new positioning and have received positive feedback. I'll keep everyone updated and appreciate your support!

3. Amy GeffenJanuary 11,2022 at 4:10PM UTC

   Your cover letter and resume should highlight specific skills and accomplishments, no matter the industry. Comanies want to know you can do the job. You can learn about a new industry more easily than learning a new skills. with 10 years of experience you should absolutely be going for managerial/director roles. Contact me for my free weekly blog on job search. geffena108@gmail.com

4. AnonymousJanuary 11,2022 at 8:38PM UTC

   Thank you, Amy. I appreciated your advice. I've managed teams throughout my career in different industries. Therefore, I'm going after director roles. I've only been highlight the industries I wanted to discuss. I've realized that was a missed opportunity. I've garnered significant experience from my other roles that if tailor to the cover letter or resume that affords additional skills.

5. AnonymousJanuary 11,2022 at 4:12PM UTC

   Would a senior management role mean success for you? If so, then you definitely received the right advice!

   Something that came as surprise for myself was realizing senior management was not something that I aspired to, is that there are many other ways to be successful in your career!

   Do you, and do it BIG!

6. AnonymousJanuary 11,2022 at 8:03PM UTC

   Anonymous, thank you for your feedback.
   That's a question I'm contemplating. For me, that depends on the company's senior team and structure.

   If I would have the power to impact the organization's future, yes, that would mean success. From the other standpoint, if it's simply a title, that's not the type of role, I'm seeking.

   The more I consider my options, I would like to return to a larger organization or corporation. Instead of having one person at each level, there would be a team to collaborate with, brainstorm ideas and find innovative ways to drive the business. I've had the good fortune to be in that type of company early in my career and would welcome that creative environment.

   Smaller companies have limited staff and there's only so much time and money available to allocate for big-idea projects. That's not to say they don't happen but everyone is spread thin and there's so much that needs to be handle each day that wish list items often fall to the wayside.

   In terms of the organizations I've worked for, the larger the company, the more targeted the role. Focusing on a specific demographics or products affords a better understanding of that type of promotion.

   Bringing department leaders together to discuss from their reference point affords understanding the big picture and collectively you can brainstorm ideas. Does that always work, no but I've been in involved in energetic strategy sessions that resulted in everyone contributing their expertise to create large-scale campaigns.

   Sorry for the long tangent but this year, I want to determine what I want and go after it. I appreciate your and Gabrielle's best wishes and support!

7. AnonymousJanuary 11,2022 at 5:52PM UTC

   What a great and powerful lesson for everyone in the community, thank you for sharing! What is your first step in implementing these lessons into your job search process?

8. AnonymousJanuary 11,2022 at 7:38PM UTC

   Gabrielle. For me, the most significant change is my approach I feel energized to give job searching another shot! New year, new job search process.

   Instead of applying for every role where I have the required experience, I'm selecting key positions and spending extra time tailoring my resume, including a cover letter and drawing from my overall background to target that role.

   I've added to my portfolio over the years but only included what I perceived as relevant material from the industries I wanted to work. That doesn't bring attention to awards, certificates and experience I've gained from other industries. While still focusing on my desired markets, it's time reexamine what I feel is important to share from my collective experience.

9. Krista Haugner Sieg, MBAJanuary 11,2022 at 7:31PM UTC

   Thank you for taking the time to share. There is a lot of wisdom out there and when we share it, we can all benefit. I look forward to hearing how your hunt goes. Wishing you the best!

10. AnonymousJanuary 11,2022 at 9:18PM UTC

    Thank you, Krista! I've appreciated everyone's advice and support on here and wanted to share a mistake that I didn't even know I was making.

    I hope the wisdom I received, helps someone else searching for a new job! I'll keep everyone posted but for the first time in long while, I'm excited to commence a new job search.

11. Barbara WhiteJanuary 12,2022 at 1:15PM UTC

    I think I may have done that in the past myself---explains so much! Thanks for sharing this because I'm sure you helped many people!

12. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 1:14AM UTC

    Thank you, Barbara. This group has helped me through a lot of difficult decisions and I'm glad if my post made a difference. Since there isn't an exact rule to job searching and everyone's background is different, I keep an open mind to others' advice.

13. Bevin MarieJanuary 12,2022 at 1:39PM UTC

    Yes, I think so many women do that! We all shortchange ourselves and don't put enough credence in the many types of experience that we've built up

14. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 1:22AM UTC

    Bevin Marie, without overgeneralizing or I should probably say in this case 'overgenderlizing' I think we do. It's only now that I'm more established in my career and know what I want, that I'm feeling comfortable vocalizing what I bring to the table. Men do it all the time and are rewarded for it. It's a learning curve but I'm a work in progress!

15. Elizabeth FarielloJanuary 12,2022 at 1:49PM UTC

    So interesting to read this as I was just preparing for an interview and thinking of “weaknesses” & recognized that self-promotion is definitely an area of opportunity for me. I never want to over-inflate myself, but need to do a better job of promoting the great things I’ve done.

16. AnonymousJanuary 12,2022 at 2:13PM UTC

    I would love to hear how you will word this, if you don’t mind?

    After reading your comment, I realize that is a big weakness for me. My go to response has always been that I have to write things down so that I can remember it. And that to improve, I carry a notebook with me at all times. This also helps me see clearly what is a priority, while also allowing me to block out my day. However, that gets a mixed response. Some people are similar, so they understand. While others see me as a ditz. My former boss would give me one task at a time. Then I would have to chase him down to get the next. Using self promotion would cut down on those type of situations hopefully.

17. Torriel HarrisJanuary 12,2022 at 2:57PM UTC

    That's not really a weakness though...What I realized about that question is the employer is simply asking how do you overcome difficulties. So saying you have to write things down isn't a weakness; we all have to write things down.

18. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 1:29AM UTC

    As Torriel mentioned, I don't see writing things down as a weakness, Anonymous. I start each day by compiling a list of what I want to accomplish while checking email and drinking my coffee. It helps me focus and I review upcoming meeting and deadlines.

    During meetings, I take notes regarding follow ups and action accordingly. If you like posted notes, I love Trello, a free online program. You can set that up as checklist for yourself complete with deadlines, graphics and attachments and even share between your team to keep everyone on the same page and accountable.

19. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 1:36AM UTC

    Good luck on your interview and don't be afraid to self promote. You need to be your strongest advocate and provide examples of what you accomplished. If you have difficulty doing this, jot down a few key items of what you task or topic you want to discuss by the end of the interview. After compiling, add what you've done throughout your career that ties into each one. That way, you're promoting your accomplishment in terms of the position. I've applied this approach even before the STAR method and it helps me have clear examples of what I've done and can bring to the table.

20. AnonymousJanuary 12,2022 at 1:55PM UTC

    Would you mind sharing your resume template? I'm not sure exactly what you mean by dividing your career into different industries....

21. Sandra LangstonJanuary 12,2022 at 3:48PM UTC

    Please do share. My resume' is lengthy and complicated and I am sure has been my downfall in the past.

22. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 2:18AM UTC

    Anonymous, Leigh and Sandra, I don't have an exact template, it's more fluid per application. Since I have eclectic background, I add in sections that are applicable to me and highlight my background.

    After my header, I have a 3-6 sentence professional summary. I use this section to highlight my diverse background using key words from the job description.

    Next section, I pull out 3-5 key terms either from the job description or required section and create a 5-line bulleted section as a skill section without labeling it as such.

    As an example:

    Campaigns and Event Management: and underneath list bulleted including: created award-winning campaigns, sold-out events, directed campaign winning x, company of the year, increased brand awareness from x to x....etc from throughout my career that relates to those skills.

    Example:

    • Directed marketing and sales strategy for brands, companies, customers, partners and vendors.

    • Forecasted marketing opportunities utilizing analytics, lead generation, KPIs and market research.

    • Managed budgets, cross-functional teams, events, paid social and traditional advertising. 

    On to work experience per company organized from recent and going back 15 years. I tend to avoid anything before that as it dates my resume.

    Organized by date, title, name of company, location and years. Bullet point list showcasing what I accomplished, created, managed, or exceeded goals, with figures if I have them.

    Finally I have an education section and include certificates, degrees and any boards or volunteer work that rounds out my experience.

    I hope that helps and when devising yours, keep in mind that a lot of recruiters are only spending a short time reading resumes. You want that time to count by making it easy to read and highlighting how your experience would benefit their company.

23. Jill LopezJanuary 13,2022 at 3:20AM UTC

    This is great. Thanks so much for sharing. I am definitely struggling in getting my resume together and having the confidence to apply to jobs. I know I can do them but my resume doesn't necessarily show that.

24. AnonymousJanuary 14,2022 at 7:09AM UTC

    You're welcome, Jill. What I've learned over the years is that you need to create or use a format that works best for you. Yes, there are requirements that need to be included but a combination resume might work better for you. That type of resume utilizes both chronological and skills. It allows you to showcase what you want rather than fitting your experience in a template. Good luck!

25. Jill LopezJanuary 14,2022 at 10:11PM UTC

    I appreciate the support! ??

26. Leigh Hammond-CarrilloJanuary 12,2022 at 6:02PM UTC

    I'd like to see it too.

27. Alexis GladstoneJanuary 12,2022 at 1:55PM UTC

    This is great advice. All of us who have been working for a some time have a combination of industry-related skills and knowledge, job-specific skills and knowledge, and transferable skills knowledge. The last ones are those things we have in our arsenal that can be used in most any industry or situation. Identifying and highlighting them is so important in a job search.

    As for what of job level you focus on, as women we sometimes look at a job description and if we don't feel we have experience in 90-100% of the responsibilities, we don't apply. I think that is what the recruiter has gotten you to realize. If you are focusing on management roles, it won't be as much of a growth opportunity.

    Good luck and keep us posted!

28. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 2:28AM UTC

    Great advice, Alexis! I'm going to keep that in mind for future applications. I've made the mistake of dismissing a job if I didn't have everything and thought if I only had that qualification. Throughout my career, I've found that a lot is learned on the job. Every company uses different programs and software and as long as you have the overall skills, learning a specific program is manageable. In terms of level, I want to move into a role where I can influence change and move the organization forward. Now that I know what I want, it's not necessarily the title but what I want to accomplish.

29. Alexis GladstoneJanuary 13,2022 at 6:06PM UTC

    The ability to learn and pick things up quickly is a great example of transferable skills.

    I love that you're not focusing on title and more on the job responsibilities. I never was concerned about my title in a company unless the organization itself was title conscious and it would make doing my job difficult.

30. Ellen Weaver PaquetteJanuary 12,2022 at 2:34PM UTC

    Good to get professional advice both from career professionals and from recruiters

31. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 2:36AM UTC

    Ellen, I agree, both are important and bring different experiences to the table.

    Kenna, I would suggest tailoring your resume to showcase how your 10 years of experience relates to your current search. What are commonalities and what were you able to accomplish, project manage and showcase relevant examples of your work. From start to completion, budgets, managing staff, business development, etc. Find what makes you more experienced and be proud of those skills. Good luck!

32. Kenna CateJanuary 12,2022 at 3:12PM UTC

    I just graduated with a business degree in Supply Chain management, with over 10 years of manufacturing experience. I’m having a hard time convincing employers that I’m experienced and not entry level when applying for supply chain positions. I’ve been declined for multiple positions well below my experience level due to lack of hard skills, of all things. It’s demoralizing.

33. Karen TrémelJanuary 13,2022 at 1:23PM UTC

    Hi Kenna - Someone in the thread below had some great advice re tailoring your resume to highlight your experience. I would advise having a contact in your field as well as a professional resume writer take a look at it and provide some feedback. I’m not in your field, but as a hiring manager, I look at experience and career progression first and then consider it a bonus if they have industry specific education. Best wishes — you’ll get there!

34. carolyn foxJanuary 12,2022 at 5:24PM UTC

    Yes. That's good advice. Do a stocktake/ inventory of what skills you have, but also what body of knowledge, or preferably specialized knowledge, you have gained over the years. There is something that makes you uniquely qualified for jobs and it's good to think of it in that way.

    I just had a Zoom interview for a very specialized job and didn't think in terms of knowledge until after the interview. But that's it. There is zero to little chance of the employer finding someone with the body of specialized knowledge and skill set that I have for the position. I mentioned things in the interview that even the employer didn't realize or know -- which I did deliberately, but subtly because I wanted to make myself indispensable and get the job.

    I do not have a traditional work history. I've got gaps. I also divided my career into various industries too. However, I realized that some employers/ jobs require employees who have a vision, can lead, make sound decisions, and make the company/ employer look good and head into management positions in x years.

    A temp agency person told me that it takes time (and years) to gain soft skills. That's also the case for a body of specialized knowledge or a unique perspective that you can offer.

35. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 2:30AM UTC

    Great advice, Carolyn! Thank you for sharing and I'll keep your suggestions in mind during the job search.

36. Heather LewisJanuary 12,2022 at 5:38PM UTC

    Great advise! When I was a recruiter I would also encourage ones to apply even if they didn't fit every single item on the job description. Maybe you have 4 years' experience and they are asking for 5. Don't hesitate to apply because at the end of the day some of the specifications are tentative.

37. Stephanie Malcom, MBAJanuary 12,2022 at 9:07PM UTC

    My mother actually told me the same thing. Sometimes job descriptions are formula documents, and it might not be what the job is about. Sometimes the skills they see make employers think of added benefits for the organization that the job description doesn't focus on.

38. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 2:45AM UTC

    Heather and Stephanie, That's a lesson I wish I learned a long time ago. Job searching continues to evolve and so does the desired formats, resumes and application process. That's why I'm so grateful to sites like this one to share ideas and disappointments and success stories. Thank you for your advice!

39. ChrishoggJanuary 13,2022 at 3:13PM UTC

    Appreciate this post and the follow-on comments.

    However ...

    The emphasis appears to be on, and only on, applying to advertised jobs and related to that, how to tailor one's resume to match the job requirements.

    There is a much better way (even in this time where it is supposedly becoming a "candidate's market").

    And that way is networking plus informational interviewing (N+II).

    On my LinkedIn profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishogg--ohio), in the Featured section, there are 3 documents that explain the N+II process, what it is, and how it works (free, not selling anything).

    It might be worth the under-30 minutes to take a look.

    Wish you the best with your job search.

40. AnonymousJanuary 14,2022 at 7:00AM UTC

    Thank you, Chrishogg. Appreciate the heads up regarding the new approach. Things are always changing and knowing another strategy is helpful.

41. ChrishoggJanuary 14,2022 at 11:00PM UTC

    Hi Anonymous ---

    I learned networking and informational interviewing in 1978, and it was as old as the hills back then, dating at least back to the World War 2 era.

    In fact, I believe the process, one person talking to another to get information, advice, and guidance, with the ultimate goal of finding employment, is undoubtedly as old as mankind, just with different flavors throughout the ages.

42. PatriciaJanuary 14,2022 at 7:34AM UTC

    This profile is not available

43. Leigh Hammond-CarrilloJanuary 14,2022 at 9:43PM UTC

    Here you go:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishogg--ohio/

44. PatriciaJanuary 17,2022 at 11:45PM UTC

    Thanks, this worked!

45. ChrishoggJanuary 14,2022 at 9:44PM UTC

    Hi Patricia --- I checked it, and it's a valid address / URL, and my profile pops up when it is entered. You might want to check your spelling (and sometimes a word processing app will automatically translate the double hyphen (--) into a single dash (–) if you're (we're) not careful).

46. PatriciaJanuary 17,2022 at 11:44PM UTC

    Thanks, but when I click your link I get "This profile is not available"