Your frustration is shared by thousands of job seekers out there. In this current competitive market many many recruiters and HR managers are only looking at candidates that tick every box. I agree that this wrong and many talented candidates are missing out.
So one suggestion is to make sure your cv stands out and matches the job description you are targeting. Here is an article I wrote that might give you a tip or two - http://wwwcareerscoacheu.blog.com/2010/01/05/new-year-new-cv/. Read your cv as an employer and ask yourself - "Would I interview this person?"
Another option - Offering to work for free for a limited period of time. This will give you relevant experience and a chance to demonstrate your ability to do the job.
Lastly use contacts and network. If you come recommended to a company or HR person they are likely to give you an opportunity to interview.
Good luck with your search.
Greg
rory o'connor - 15 years ago
the most frustrating component of a mid-career job search/change for me is that I find HR/recruiters struggle to understand my CV and where I should target. They often scan a couple of keywords but then I end up emailing prospective employers to explain that I don't have the qualifications they specify, yet I firmly believe I could do the job advertised. Having 10-20 years experience is hard to distill/convey but it really is the core of what we have to offer. Q? How do we get this conveyed to a recruiter/HR rep?
I was on jobseekers benefit for quite a while last year, and I think the number one thing that changed my direction was more active networking and proactive jobsearaching. In the end I worked for an IT startup for a few months and then set up my own business.
Better CVs arent going to help you much at the moment, people hire people and if you can show a hirer who you are in person you have a much better shot at getting the job I reckon
Thanks for your comment Rory.
Your frustration is shared by thousands of job seekers out there. In this current competitive market many many recruiters and HR managers are only looking at candidates that tick every box. I agree that this wrong and many talented candidates are missing out.
So one suggestion is to make sure your cv stands out and matches the job description you are targeting. Here is an article I wrote that might give you a tip or two - http://wwwcareerscoacheu.blog.com/2010/01/05/new-year-new-cv/. Read your cv as an employer and ask yourself - "Would I interview this person?"
Another option - Offering to work for free for a limited period of time. This will give you relevant experience and a chance to demonstrate your ability to do the job.
Lastly use contacts and network. If you come recommended to a company or HR person they are likely to give you an opportunity to interview.
Good luck with your search.
Greg
the most frustrating component of a mid-career job search/change for me is that I find HR/recruiters struggle to understand my CV and where I should target. They often scan a couple of keywords but then I end up emailing prospective employers to explain that I don't have the qualifications they specify, yet I firmly believe I could do the job advertised. Having 10-20 years experience is hard to distill/convey but it really is the core of what we have to offer. Q? How do we get this conveyed to a recruiter/HR rep?
Ed,
Many thanks for sharing your experience with us.
I wish you and your business a very happy and successful 2010.
I was on jobseekers benefit for quite a while last year, and I think the number one thing that changed my direction was more active networking and proactive jobsearaching. In the end I worked for an IT startup for a few months and then set up my own business.
Better CVs arent going to help you much at the moment, people hire people and if you can show a hirer who you are in person you have a much better shot at getting the job I reckon