For the last 4.5 years, I've been the executive director of a successful non-profit in Honolulu.
My husband recently accepted a transfer for a new position in Washington, DC and I started looking for a job there in September. I knew it would be challenging since I work in a bit of a niche area, but I also knew I bring over a decade with a breadth of experience that could be applied to a lot of positions. In six months, I've applied to approximately 100 positions and I can count on one hand the number of rejections I've received. No interview requests at all. One job I applied for I found out I didn't get it when a facebook friend posted about the person who did get it. I'm actually jealous of posters on here who have tons of rejections piling up. I'd take that right now! I am frustrated and honestly devastated. In January I paid $300 for a professional to re-write my resume and cover letter and still nothing. Now, my husband moves in three weeks and I'm not able to go with him. I'm very grateful that my board and staff are flexible and due to COVID I'll be able to spend a month or so over the summer with him and my step-son. But this also means our finances are tight living in two different places, AND any plans I had on having a child are on hold until I can establish myself in a new position somewhere or give up and just drive Uber. I feel like the career I've worked my butt off to achieve for the last 15 years is now turning into a dead-end. How do you all come to terms with transitions like this?
Katie
27
03/18/21 at 4:39PM UTC
Hi, I'm sorry you are going through this difficult time. I lost my job during COVID last year, the only thing that really helped me land my current role was networking. I used my professional groups to help me find the right place. I also had an alert on LinkedIn for job that posted in 24hrs in the areas I was looking for. It's important to apply for roles within the first 24 hours of it posting because hundreds of people are applying for the same role. You want your resume to be at the top of that list when the recruiter is reviewing the resumes. What type of jobs are you looking for?
I wish you the best of luck in this journey. I know it's difficult at times. Keep your chin up, it will all work out.
Graciously,
Katie
Mindy ClaggettMarketing | Communications | Program Management
238
03/06/21 at 1:46PM UTC
I will second the recommendation to network, network, network. Despite my being a "networking skeptic," that's exactly how I found my current role a year ago, after 6 months of unemployment. I had a networking meeting with my now-boss the same week my predecessor had submitted her resignation, and the rest is history.
All of that aside, have you thought about targeting director of development roles at nonprofits in DC? So many nonprofits are desperate for funding right now, and I am sure that was part of your current role, as it is for most directors at nonprofits. I have lost count of how many nonprofits here in Dayton, Ohio, are looking for development directors, so I am certain the need is even greater in DC.
I hope all goes well for you. Good luck!
Pat RoqueSpeaker, Career Transformation Coach, Mastermind
445
03/06/21 at 1:45PM UTC
Hi there. As a career coach with contacts in DC I’d love to know more about you and your niche, as there are plenty of ways to network abs leverage real people to get your hoot in the door. What’s your ideal industry? Target companies?
Most industries gage trade associations with free or low cost entry for people in transition and focus makes it easier to cover global territories with zero travel!
Best tip is to stop burning through companies by submitting to the computer ATS. Thee as RA the ruddy way to find a job!
I’ll be live on clubhouse Monday at 1-am -noon Eastern and again 7-9 pm fir international women’s day.
Are you there? I have invites if you are on Apple and need one.
Follow me at @Rockonsuccess and I’ll coach you or answer questions live !
Happy to help you!
Anonymous
03/04/21 at 7:32PM UTC
I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's a really tough situation to be in! I'm going to second the advice I saw from Lesa about networking - have you tapped into your network in the DC area/tried making some connections there? That will be the best way to get your foot in the door and make sure your resume is getting to the right people so start there.
Second, are you still looking to work in a nonprofit in DC or are you interested in other industries? I know there's a decent nonprofit network in DC, but with all of your experience I'm sure you have tons of transferable skills that could work in other roles in different industries that may be hiring for more open positions right now. Hope this helps!
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterTHE career expert for high achievers
4.13k
03/04/21 at 4:26PM UTC
I would be glad to review your resume for you - I am one of 25 Master Resume Writers (MRW) in the world and a job search coach, as well. I offer free webinars at 4:00 p.m. Eastern on Thursdays for job seekers (mastercoachwebinars.carrd.co to register) ; I also have a weekly podcast covering a range of job search and career management topics (The Exclusive Career Coach). All of this is free.
I didn't see any mention of the networking you are doing towards your new job - what active strategies are you engaged in? With my clients, the ones who have gotten jobs in the past year have done so through networking - job boards are always incredibly ineffective, but never more so than in the past year with hundreds of applicants for each position.
Stephanie Bostick
11
03/05/21 at 4:18PM UTC
I wish I had seen this yesterday and had been able to attend your session on achievement bullets for the resume! Will there be another in the future?
AbsResults driven marketing leader.
49
03/04/21 at 3:10PM UTC
This is a lot to handle for anyone and I am sorry for all of the frustration and stress this is causing you. It sounds like your resume is great already. To advance the career search additionally, have you considered working with a recruiter or career coach? These people may have some insight, information, and experience that you don't. You can use LinkedIn or do a Google search for ways to find and hire these people. You may also be able to find message boards on Facebook and LinkedIn that you can use for free to help support your path forward. And of course, using FGB is always a good idea to get the convo going. I hope the situation changes soon for you and wish you luck!
