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Good morning, I'm an experienced Marketing Leader who's been actively seeking a new opportunity since June of 2020. I've worked for some very large brands and have managed innovative programs and campaigns to drive online traffic through tactics like email, in app messaging, paid search and paid social.
My last role was a contract position that was cut due to Covid-19 which was a blessing in disguise since my previous role was in a toxic environment and the leader of my team was an abusive person to me and the team.
I'm thankful to share I've had anywhere from 5-10 calls per week including phone and video interviews pretty consistently. I've had multiple rounds of interviews with the team 2-7 conversations, I ask for feedback and have not received anything negative but zero offers.
I'm trying so hard to remain positive but am struggling. I think about this professional journey and I feel like a failure with so many gaps on my resume. Would love to words of wisdom, encouragement and even to network with anyone reading this.
Thank you,
Andrea
OH, I feel for you. It's hard to get interviews but no offers.
Consistently the reason this happens is that you're not positioned as a top candidate before the interview.
https://arcvida.com/Blog/Post/never-introduce-yourself-with-a-resume
Are you able to land some short-term or flexible work to take the financial pressure off while you look for the right role?
Covid has greatly affected most of us. The labor department in our country discouraged termination and ending of contracts. In my case, however, it was not a case of ending of contract but non-renewal. I was renewed after the end of my actual contract term that was why I was expecting to be renewed. Sadly, that was not the case and here I am now, at an age where opportunity is hard to find. I had this interview in my early 50's for a managerial position and the HR asked me outright when am I planning to retire? I was out of words for a moment, I was asking to myself if it was even legal, it was downright discriminating. So now that I am in my 60's still actively looking for a job, how would I answer if asked the same question? My poor English speaking skill is something that I can improve (growth mindset) but age is a fixed thing, no matter if one looks younger than the actual age.
This pandemic has exacerbated EVERYTHING - including agism.
Focus on how you create value and who needs you to do so.
A mentor of mine was a top mortgage broker in San Francisco until she died, near 80, last year. She loved being measured ONLY by what she sold. That's an extreme case, but when an organization needs the value you create, you will land work.
https://arcvida.com/Blog/Post/before-you-get-your-heart-set-on-a-job-research-the-market-need
Andrea,
The job search was already a struggle pre-COVID, and now it is times two! Continue to manage your time doing the day networking and applying for jobs. Schedule other things like your hobbies, and connect with friends & family. Think how you can set yourself apart from everyone else, and focus on communicating that! I’m currently looking for a new job or project. Taking my own advice! Keep going! Your yes is coming! Research the companies you want to work for. Ask employees what their experiences are working there.
Thank you ❤️
I have similar background in other discipline. I got some great advice about 3 yrs ago. Instead of listing each contract, describe your self as the owner of a consulting company. Reframe your resume to be more functional and less chrono. It’s also a great opportunity to review the language used on your resume to match sure it contains the current buzz words and is concise. Warning- this stinks for ATS as functional won’t parse well. keep your old version handy to copy and paste into ATS portals and of course make sure the language matches. The right job is out there for you!
Hi Andrea! Oof that’s rough. I'm sorry you're dealing with that. It is certainly a jungle out there! I was also cut due to COVID one year ago. My advice would be to keep focus on your mental health while you continue to be awesome and persistent in your job search. I believe you are doing all the things: networking, LinkedIn, resume reviews, Indeed.com, etc.
Don't forget to invest in yourself too. Read books by inspiring authors, learn a new hobby, keep your fitness routine, etc. Invest in yourself in ways that remind you of your vibrant, talented, amazing self. Let us know when you accomplish that breakthrough. You're getting there, sister!
Thank you
Another way to keep your skills and resume current is to apply for contractor jobs in the interim. I'm in the Denver area and I've had really good experiences with Robert Half and Professional Employment Group. They both recruit nation-wide. ?
I totally understand, I have been in exactly the same boat as you since June 2020. Have had many interviews and positive feedback but absolutely no offers. I decided to apply to an executive program which I start at the end of the month and I hired a career coach late last year, but I am not sure where to go from here. Just have to keep going until we find that "YES".