What if you are seeking a career change, therefore, your resume may not necessarily fit the job description. Let's say you are working toward a Pharmacy Technician certification but your education and background is all in the accounting field. How would you go about applying for jobs at a pharmacy.
I am guessing this is where your cover letter comes into play explaining what you are attempting to do. Are employers willing to hire people that are just starting out in a new career or will it be the same response: must have so many years experience.
This is a terrible time for me. I am currently unemployed and am a displaced homemaker and a single parent. Are there companies out there giving us a break or is it like the article said: employers are beginning to hire the candidate that most matches the job.
Very frustrating!
Rita Maraj
of TX
@
Aug 25, 2009 16:45:23 PM
Still a whish List
I have been in the Tech Engineering field for over 15 years and there is no way one person can have all skills across all lines of engineering. There are many different areas of engineering that one person can not master all. In one area it takes about 5 to 7 years to master. Even to be at the level of efficient there maybe 1 or two exceptions which is rare.
chase
of NC
@
Jul 31, 2009 13:56:35 PM
I couldn't agree more with this blog
As a former recruiter and now an active job-seeker, I can relate to nearly all of your points: Even after graduating with a master's in my field (HR & Org Consulting), I'm finding that there's so much competition that I'm targeting industries I never planned on targeting. For example, there are many jobs in Higher Ed right now, but they pay much less than the consulting jobs I've been looking for, so I am willing to accept less money. I am also applying for more part-time, contract, entry-level, and internship opportunities with the hope that I'm not over-qualified or stretching the truth in order to appear to be a good fit. What I've learned is that you have to choose your battles wisely- spend your time and energy on applying to jobs that are DIRECTLY related to your current skill set and experience. Now's the time to be realistic rather than constantly shooting for the stars.
John Fowler
of IL
@
Jun 19, 2009 01:26:00 AM
Communication during hiring process
My husband was laid off about 4 months ago. Here's what I've been noticing from watching his search. First, there is almost no communication from employers after he sends his resume. With the resume overload that the employers have, they seem to not be able to keep up with even communicating that a resume was received. Some make it difficult to find a phone number for the appropriate person to call to confirm the receipt. He's left wondering exactly where in the process he is: screening, potential, trash can? Without communication, he's left to wonder if the position is even still open.
Angela
of TX
@
Jun 17, 2009 17:58:26 PM
Another Advice: Brand Yourself Online
Creating a personal brand really is crucial. Using the internet and social networking websites is a great way for anyone, especially entry level professionals to get a head start on their careers.
OneCubicle.com allows students like myself to brand myself online, network with like-minded professionals and recruiters, while also searching for jobs. It seems to be a hybrid between LinkedIn and FaceBook. I really recommend this social networking tool for students and professionals to have an edge over their competition.
Christina
of CA
@
Jun 17, 2009 14:07:39 PM
Advice?
I was laid off about 6 weeks ago and have been searching for jobs ever since. I have worked in finance since I graduated college five years ago, but my degree is in Management. Although my skill set often matches almost perfectly, many positions "require" a degree in Finance or Accounting. Is there any way to avoid the trash pile if my skills are a match but my degree isn't? I've been told that my lack of a specific degree is preventing me from being considered, but what can I do? In this competitive market, how do I make myself stand out from other degreed candidates with similar experience?
Rita Maraj of TX @ Aug 25, 2009 16:45:23 PM
chase of NC @ Jul 31, 2009 13:56:35 PM
John Fowler of IL @ Jun 19, 2009 01:26:00 AM
Angela of TX @ Jun 17, 2009 17:58:26 PM
Christina of CA @ Jun 17, 2009 14:07:39 PM
Erica of NY @ Jun 15, 2009 22:35:40 PM
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