In my newsletter I offered my subscribers the option to ask a question on my FaceBook page and I’d provide an answer. I appreciate that not everyone can afford for one to one careers guidance/coaching so this is my way of helping others, both the person who asks the question and you the reader.
If you have a question, post it on my Facebook page, and please like it! and I’ll respond within a few days.
John wrote that he is out of work due to redundancy. He has had senior level positions before at the functional head type level. I think the odds are against me at the moment because
1) I’m not sure my senior level track record is strong enough to be an attractive option and as time pass…
2) If I go for “lower level” jobs, despite my willingness, people are naturally suspicious that it’s just something to keep me going till something better turns up
3) Ageism. Absolutely convinced I have experienced it but absolutely convinced I could never prove it
4) Competition (!)
For reference, my areas of maximum experience / enjoyment are IT, management and Leadership
Let me address your 4 points, 1 by 1
1) I’m not sure my senior level track record is strong enough to be an attractive option and as time pass…
>> Decide if you want to get a comparable job to the one you had before. If so what will enhance your application? You could volunteer to do a more strategic voluntary role with a charity, take a short course if finances commit, attend a conference as a helper so you get in for free. You must be very clear on what makes you stand out from other people. You could opt for a similar job but with a smaller company.
2) If I go for “lower level” jobs, despite my willingness, people are naturally suspicious that it’s just something to keep me going till something better turns up
>> with this option you have to be really clear on why you want the job and how you are a great choice. Think really hard about WHY a particular job and company. So if you opt to apply to work at a garden centre, for example, be ready to explain how this fits in with your life now – perhaps your mortgage is paid off and you can say that now you want to do the sort of work you have always been attracted to and link it to your personal life. For this option to work you must be very clear on the benefits to the company of employing you.
3) Ageism. Absolutely convinced I have experienced it but absolutely convinced I could never prove it
>> Yes, you are probably right, I’m not sure what we can do to address this.
4) Competition (!)
>> It’s hard at all levels to get a job. I’m encouraging my clients to look beyond a permanent full time to a portfolio career, so if you could get short term, part time work, and perhaps some consultancy that may be a good option for you.
I’m sure you will find useful further advice in my book – How To Get A Job In A Recession.
All the best, Denise
