Unclear About What's Not Working
Three years ago I was laid off from a company where I'd worked for nine years and earned promotions. I've had three short-term jobs since then but I'm not getting any traction on the roles I really want: customer success, customer support supervision, customer experience...
I've done lots of things "right" - networking, hired a great job coach, revised my resumé several times, wrote carefully considered cover letters, customized my resumé for each position, reached out to people in the companies where I want to work. I have not even gotten an interview. I am a well-qualified candidate, particularly in terms of soft skills for the client-facing roles I'm after. The people I'm networking with are very encouraging, but have not pointed me to a specific company or person. What is going on here?
1. Something's wrong with me and I don't know it yet (let's rule this out for the moment, based on feedback I'm getting and what I know about myself)
2. I'm too old. I'm 60. I don't look it and don't point it out, but employees can find out if they really want to, and age bias is alive and well.
3. I'm looking for work in a software company - I've done software support for years, but I don't have the tech skills that younger people offer or that employers want, even if they're not on the job description.
4. The 2 1/2 year gap in my resumé
5. Something I don't know about, which is why I'm writing to the community today. I know this isn't much to go on, but if anything comes to mind, I'd be grateful for any thoughts.
Browse recent posts
Feeling stuck on your next move in tech?
You’re not alone.
The industry shifts fast, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job on top of your actual one.
But staying relevant doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Here’s a simple, doable rhythm to follow (even with a full calendar):
✅ Quarterly: Scan open job listings—not just titles, but the skills and tools required. Use AI to spot patterns.
✅ Monthly: Talk to someone in a role you admire. Ask what they’re learning, noticing, and questioning.
✅ Ongoing: Skim global reports (like the WEF’s Future of Jobs) and follow a few sharp thinkers right here on LinkedIn.
✅ Repeat: Make this a habit, not a one-off. You’ll start to see the signals.
Then, check in on your fit using the IKIGAI model:
? What you love
? What you’re good at
? What the world needs
? What you can be paid for
From there? Close the gap with real upskilling.
The best programs offer:
✔️ Hands-on practice
✔️ Critical thinking challenges
✔️ Confidence in what you can do (not just what you know)
That’s why I often point folks to flexible, job-aligned platforms like Udacity—especially when time is tight and skill depth matters.
You don’t need perfect predictions.
Just a smart way to listen for what’s next.
? What’s one signal you’re seeing in your space right now?
#CareerDevelopment
#TechCareers
#Leadership
#Udacity
1 Like • 0 Comments
Hi everyone,
I’m Mitali, a former Cognizant employee and a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas. I have experience in Salesforce, business analytics, and cloud technologies.
I’m currently seeking new opportunities in business analysis, CRM, or related roles. I’d be so grateful for any leads, advice, or referrals to help me get my foot in the door. If anyone has recommendations or knows of companies hiring, please feel free to connect or message me. Thank you in advance for your support!
1 Like • 0 Comments
Job Search Myth: "If I apply to more jobs, I’ll get hired faster."
Quantity doesn’t beat quality. Sending out 100 generic resumes won’t open as many doors as 10 targeted, tailored applications.
Focus on roles that match your skills, customize your resume, and write a thoughtful cover letter. It’s not a numbers game; it’s a strategy game.
2 Likes • 2 Comments
Benefits for hourly employees?
I work as a recruiter for a relatively small employer (about 50 employees) The CEO asked me my opinion about not giving health, PTO, and holiday benefits to our hourly full-time employees in an effort to cut costs. She wants only salaried employees to have benefits.
I gave her my take on this and am curious about yours (pros and cons) especially those in HR.
Thanks.
2 Likes • 6 Comments
A friend asked me about strategies to level up her career....
A career isn’t something you just build; it’s something you grow into. If you, like my friend, are looking to level up your career, here are a few ideas that might help you move forward, feel more aligned, or simply reconnect with what drives you.
3 Likes • 1 Comment
Join us for a dynamic conversation exploring how forward-thinking employers can better support employees experiencing menopause and even perimenopause.
We’re sitting down with leaders at CVS Health® the first company in the country to receive the Menopause Friendly Accreditation from MiDOViA, an organization dedicated to supporting workplace menopause services, education, and advocacy.
FGB Live is happening on July 16 at 3 PM ET. Register today!
https://fairygodboss.com/events/gqPx49Yqf/creating-menopause-friendly-workplaces-through
4 Likes • 1 Comment
Share your insight
Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.