Hey all.

Taylor Hutchinson

July 15,2021 at 11:37PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Hey all. Hoping to pick the collective hive mind here for strategy, etc. Here's my predicament: I've been on a sabbatical since the pandemic and am looking to put feelers out to go back into the workforce. I live in a large city, our state's capital -- a target rich environment for job hunters, if you look hard enough and smart enough. The thing is, I thought I've been doing everything right... but I keep on getting lots of "thanks but no thanks", a lot of auto-rejects.

Where might I be going wrong? Sometimes I wonder if it's that I have something a lot of people have...

I'm looking to shift careers from mainly volunteering in non-profits to actually working for some kind of salary/paycheck.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

11 comments

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.

11 Comments

Join the conversation

I am no oneJuly 16,2021 at 12:13AM UTC
How's your resume? These days it needs to be targeted to the jobs you apply for. If you haven't had someone review it, you might want to try that first.
Like
AnonymousJuly 16,2021 at 3:19PM UTC
Have you asked these people for specific feedback on why it's "no thanks"?
Like
AnonymousJuly 17,2021 at 2:28PM UTC
I would suggest attending meetings and events also. Sometimes the speakers or people being mentioned are a good way to start making contact and then sending out resumes directly to them. Also article readings about different companies. For example, I pulled up the top 50 companies Diversity Inc considered the best in diversity and applied to each of the firms that had positions in my field. I joined their recruting websites and looked for positions. I have only been looking since May and I actually found a position and am starting Monday. Build up your network. There is a site where you can also do volunteer work in different fields and that is also work you can add to your resume. When you were on sabbatical did you do anything such a write a book or articles, blogs, create artwork, etc? These are things you can add also. I wish you all the best. I also had 3 resumes that targeted different areas of expertise for me and I kept a worksheet so I knew when and where I sent each one. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best.
Like
Cecily CauldwellJuly 17,2021 at 8:18PM UTC
LinkedIn LinkedIn LinkedIn
I can’t say this enough. Connect with people and be frank … “hello, I’ve seen a role at your org and I’d love to connect with you and have a chat “. Find the role , look up people in that company, connect with the recruiter or people in your department. Maybe you even have connections.
Like
AnonymousJuly 19,2021 at 12:32PM UTC
All I can say is "I feel your pain and I am so sorry you are in the same boat I am in".
Like
AnonymousJuly 23,2021 at 6:13PM UTC
Hi I work for a start-up that helps refine your resume and help you network! Take this quick survey to see if our services would be a good fit!
https://arcvida.typeform.com/to/wjWN56NF
Like
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 20,2021 at 8:50AM UTC
Where do you have your resume posted? How often are you updating those profiles?
Like
Taylor HutchinsonJuly 20,2021 at 10:22PM UTC
Hello...
So far I've been the most active on Indeed.
I know people here have been saying LinkedIn... *Le sigh* -- definitely need to give that some love. It's been *waaaay* too long...
Like
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 21,2021 at 5:36PM UTC
If you're really looking, you need to cast a wide net. Get your resume posted on Monster, Careerbuilder, Zip Recruiter, Simply Hired and Glassdoor. For positions above a certain level, LinkedIn is the premier job site now. You also need to have your LI profile up to snuff. I have had hiring managers say to me - while the candidate's resume was right in front of them - let me take a look at their LI profile.
You will also need to update those every week or two.
Like
AnonymousJuly 20,2021 at 5:43PM UTC
Complete this survey to see if our programming might help you! https://arcvida.typeform.com/to/wjWN56NF
Like
Erin Thomas, Career + Leadership CoachJuly 21,2021 at 4:57PM UTC
Hi, I know this is challenging, but it's all part of the process. In fact, you should expect the 3:1 ration when "cold" networking, which means for every messages you send out you should expect one response.
1- Start with your message. Be specific with what you are looking for, what your request of the person is, and why you chose to reach out to them.
2- Be sure your resume and LinkedIn conveys the brand that aligns with whatever you're looking for. To do this, you need to get clear on your brand and make it aspirational so it aligns with this new career field. Use branding key words and highlight the things you've done that translate to the new career field.
3- Keep taking actions and letting people in your network know you are looking and again, be specific.
Most of the people I work with are enduring a career change or transition of some sort, and I help them 1- get clear on their unique strengths, motivations, values, and skills/interests to align with a new career path that leverages these unique qualities; 2- action plan to land the job.
I have an online group program starting end of next month for people changing careers specifically, and I support ppl 1:1 with career change coaching. I'm happy to chat with you further should you be interested in the online course or 1:1 support.
Feel free to schedule a free strategy session to learn more: https://www.careerandleadershipcoaching.com/
Like