You’re a smart person. You have a ton to offer any company that would take a chance on you, but you’ve been absent from the workplace and/or haven’t had time to build your resume to a place that makes you proud to hold it up and say, “Look at me!” Finding the right job when your resume is light can be somewhat intimidating, but don’t let it stop you from pursuing the best job for you.
Maybe you spent the last few years traveling the world, or perhaps you decided to be a stay-at-home parent. It doesn’t matter why you were out of everyday work life, but the period of time you weren’t part of the rat race will probably matter to those who are hiring.
First off, everything you’ve done in your life brings experience. Any hiring manager that can’t understand you have to be a terrific communicator to live in 5 countries in three years or who doesn’t understand how being a stay-at-home parent is one of the hardest jobs in the world is not somebody you want to work for. Hiring managers who know how to spot talent won’t see the gaps but rather they’ll see solid life experience that is transferable to any job.
I was talking to a friend the other day who is hiring an entry-level assistant. She can’t pay very much and was asking who she should hire. I suggested the idea of hiring a college student, and my friend thought the person would not have professional references. I pointed out that they’d have recommendations from teachers, neighbors, parents, etc. In my experience, those are some of the best sources for referrals and looking back, many of my best hires have been young kids that are talented, motivated and ready to learn.
Maybe you’re beyond that stage, but there are still things you can do to best position and present yourself to a potential employer if you’re coming at things from a non-traditional direction.
Put yourself in the shoes of the person doing the hiring. Why are you the best candidate for the job, and if you look at yourself and honestly think you’re not, what might you do to get into that position for the next time the job comes around?
If you are considering a job change or are in the midst of transitioning, you don’t want to go it alone. Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation at http://maricarmenpizarro.com/contact-mari-carmen/
