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Hi All!
I am finally pivoting from project management to copywriting as I have wanted to do for many years. I have a BA in Journalism (cue Avenue Q) and 1 year of *professional* writing experience.
Right now as I apply for jobs, I am battling major imposter syndrome.
1.) I can't figure out if I'm considered early in my career now that I'm pivoting?
2.) I get so frustrated and discouraged when I look at job requirements and I don't have a lot of them. I know I should apply if I meet 60%, but I'm still in such a learning phase that my skill set feels minimal.
How do I navigate this? What kind of budget friendly courses should I look into? What skills are necessary/not necessary as I explore?
Alexis I put out workplace fires.
600
05/27/22 at 1:39PM UTC
Hi, Melissa! Imposter syndrome is soooo real!
I worked for Walgreens for 20 years and then went to nursing school, decided that I liked psychology better, so went back to school and totally changed my major from clinical psychology to I/O psych and motivational theory. So even though I have one solid career in retail, it was too long ago to put on my resume.' Add that to the fact that I have been married multiple times and legally changed my first name (side note: don't change your first name ever, it breaks the internet), I look like a hot mess on an application, especially when there is a background check and I have to ask for additional space.
I have discovered a certain degree of respect in changing jobs and fields- I haven't been lacking at all in interviews or offers because today's job market supports pivoting and change!
If you don't think that you have all of the experience needed, apply anyway and write a good cover letter. Make sure you use words that are in the job description in your resume' and/or cover letter so it will make it through the ATS.
If you want to go above and beyond, find the HR person on Linked In if possible and send them a note, letting them know you applied and list the skills you DO have and that you are capable of learning. Remember, you can be taught HARD skills (like entering information into a database, procedural stuff or operational stuff), but what hiring managers really love is someone who has strong SOFT skills (like listening or empathy).
Binge watch Madeline Mann on YouTube. She is free and has the best advice and tips on applying for jobs and interviewing.
Finally, regarding school- You have a BA in journalism! I'll tell you my old lady regret - taking out student loans at this stage in my life to the point I am considering going back to school until I die to defer my student loans. I'll never pay them off in this lifetime. Since you want to write and have a great supporting degree, look up courses on LinkedIn, Coursera and Udemy. They offer very affordable certificate programs which are respected in the workforce. Currently, I am taking a Google Certification 6 month course in UX design that will cost me $50 per month until I finish.
For more sage advice (haha) or if you want me to look over your resume (for free - I've interviewed and hired so many people over my lifetime), you can DM me and I will send you my email address. You can leave off any personal information if that makes you more comfortable.
I hope this helps!
Melissa MonsonCopywriter in Minneapolis
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05/27/22 at 6:29PM UTC
Wow, what sage wisdom Alexis! Yeah, I agree about the hard skills. I do have great soft skills and have done an extensive amount of career coaching and professional development in the job searches I've had in a lifetime. Surprisingly a lot of job searching in my lifetime...
You're right - those are great platforms. Go both of us for making career pivots!
I think my resume is good for now as I worked with a career coach, but I'll lyk if need an extra pair of eyes. Thanks for your kindness.
Alexis I put out workplace fires.
600
05/27/22 at 1:44PM UTC
PS - University of the People is an accredited university that is trying to make college education more affordable. My daughter went there and says it is a lot of communicating with other students who don't have English as a first language and sometimes is hard to actually get the admissions people and instructors to respond. Check them out here: https://www.uopeople.edu/
Joanne RosenResume Writer Extraordinaire!
1.66k
05/26/22 at 9:42PM UTC
Hi,
It's only imposter syndrome until you actually SEE how amazing you are. Our resume process makes you look inside and find those achievements that you always thought were just "doing your job".
Moving into a new filed is daunting but I know we can help. If you'd like, upload your resume for a FREE analysis at: https://www.analyticadvantagecc.com
We know how to translate previous experience into future jobs.
Cheers
Joanne
Jennifer TaylorCommunications Professional
1.28k
05/26/22 at 2:04PM UTC
Hi Melissa - Within the past 2 years I pivoted from creative project management to true communication and am now a communication manager at a large packaging company. I took contract roles for over a year to hone my skills and it was the best thing ever. I learned so much about the industry, and made me well-prepared to take on a permanent role.
The advice below about your resume and cover letter is great. Make sure you are upselling your transferrable skills in your resume, and write your cover letter in a way that shows you have the experience and skills needed for the job.
You are not "early" in your career, but you are starting over, so you shouldn't be looking at manager or director level positions just yet. Like I said before, the contract roles I worked gave me the experience and missing skills I needed to interview for, and be offered a manager position.
Imposter syndrome is real, so go ahead and feel all the feels, but put it back into the closet when you interview.
Melissa MonsonCopywriter in Minneapolis
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05/26/22 at 9:15PM UTC
Thank you SO much Jennifer! I worked at a small company in my last position and that built my skill set so much, but I still feel like I am on an uphill climb. There is still so much to learn. Any softwares/skills you think would be really beneficial to learn?
Jennifer TaylorCommunications Professional
1.28k
05/28/22 at 6:08PM UTC
Definitely get familiar with AP Style, and check out the different publishing platforms. I worked with Maesteo and Bananatag, but now I’m working in FirstUp which is similar. Look at the different programs that you’re seeing in job descriptions and see if there are free classes through Google and LinkedIn. Lastly, seriously consider contract work that will give you experience across different platforms.
Anonymous
05/26/22 at 12:30AM UTC
I recently took a resume masterclass. You need to look at what skills you have from your previous employment and volunteer work, as well as personal life (i.e. mom stuff, if you got it) and write all of those down. Then, look at the job description and if your skills meet that, apply and sell the shit out of yourself in the cover letter (write one anyway, even if only 250 words) and interview. I like to pretend I am playing a role in a movie when I interview. LOL
Melissa MonsonCopywriter in Minneapolis
224
05/26/22 at 9:16PM UTC
Lol - play a role in a movie! Thanks for your feedback!
GENEVIEVE LA ROCCAAdministrative Specialist/Technical Editor
175
05/25/22 at 10:30PM UTC
I would be really interested to hear the responses to this question, too.
