Applying for a job that showcases skills I've not used in a while.
I'm 57 in the middle of my second career. I am in a VERY career stunting job as of the past 9 months, and I am actively seeking a new job. There is a job I was recommended by a former coworker to apply for. The job definitely excites me and I believe I am up for the role; but it focuses on skills I have not directly meaningfully used much in about a decade. They are analytical skills - not something that goes out of date - but I feel really 'rusty' and I'm not sure how (or if) to explain why I have not been using these skills. (In truth, going through a divorce greatly derailed my career trajectory, but that sounds like an excuse...). My question is this: in a cover letter and hopeful eventual interview, how to I deal with this? Do I just ignore the long gap of being in the type of role they need, and discuss my past experiences, (and recent related experience) or do I try to briefly explain the gap? What would you do?
Kristine Gates
Strategic leader in health care solutions
108
07/08/24 at 5:11PM UTC
Good advice on how ot connect the experience and cover letter. If you are looking to brush up on skills check out LinkedIn premium for learning, Coursea and Udemy also have affordable courses. YouTube has great videos, etc. Analyzing data skills never really goes away. Think about taking a CRM course if needed to pull data. You've got this!!
Anonymous
04/02/24 at 6:41AM UTC
Love the suggestions. Also - on your resume (the marketing document), have a summary section at the top that aggregates and pulls your relevant achievements (benefits to the bottom line) and skills from your background. Do this in addition to using those same achievements and skills in their usual locations in the resume. As far as the gap was concerned, I did have a sentence referencing the years involved and explaining it at the end of the summary.
This resulted in my landing a contract role at age 73 where some of the relevant experiences were many years back; however, the skills and achievements were still relevant and I had current volunteer experience in analogous roles, showing ability to learn and adapt to new technologies. The role worked out well for me, and I gained more experience working with about ten or so additional new-to-me legacy technologies.
Wishing you well!
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachHelping you know your value to get your next job
1.8k
04/02/24 at 2:03AM UTC
I would always connect your experiences/skills with what's relevant to what they are looking for. Explain the gap if they ask.
Anonymous
04/01/24 at 3:04PM UTC
I would address all the relevant and current skills you have first then mentioned how excited you are that this position combines the analytical skills you miss in your last job.
Anonymous
03/31/24 at 5:59PM UTC
Focus on what fits the role and not what doesn't fit. Never mind the gap. Everyone should be in a job where you are stretched a bit and if it means brushing the rust off, find a way to refresh those skills during your job search. Good luck.
Anonymous
03/31/24 at 5:34PM UTC (Edited)
I'd explain what you have done and a plan of how to become current.
Start with "Maven Analytics" - have some starting courses on YouTube. Also Leila Gharani- she's on YouTube.
List any opportunities you have had and potential projects with the new role.
Also, there's a trillion lists online with data. Create a current portfolio- ie- download state population by state and county and illustrate a dashboard by minimum, maximum, deltas, by year, etc.
Its not the topic (pick anything you want), its demonstration of the tools, becoming familiar, learning and the ability to bring something to the table.
My current role- in addition to my resume, i created a PowerPoint presentation with the same information, but geared it towards the requirements complete with animation and a cool opening.
Gotta get your foot in the door!!!
Be confident!! You got this
