“Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.” Bernice Johnson Reagon
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Video Viernes: Gaining Experience in a New Field
Recently we answered a question about how to change your resume when you’re changing fields. Check out this clip provided by Jobing.com, for some tips on acquiring experience in a new field.
Now What? Q &A: Laid off, where to go from here?
Today’s question comes from a member of our community in New Jersey who participated in a recent Community Call, and is answered by:Laura Berman Fortgang.
Question:
Hi, Laura. Like you, I’m an alumna of Montclair State University. I was the first one in my family to go to college and after I graduated, I realized I had no professional models to look to. Rather than work with children, which was my interest at the time, I became a secretary because I was able to make more money. But now, I got laid off and I’m wondering where to go from here. At this point in my career, I enjoy working with adults. I have a 21-year old daughter and I’m not sure whether to go back to school or look for work elsewhere. What do you think?
Answer:
I want to acknowledge you for the paths you pioneered in your family and for modeling to your daughter what’s important in the world. Of course security is important to you, but being laid off is an opportunity to change. Just like the stock market corrects itself if it goes too far one way or the other, a lot of people now are getting to correct course as well. If doors are not opening in secretarial jobs, for instance, maybe it’s now time to get to do what you want to do, after having done what you had to do. I can hear in your voice that you’re a poised person and that you have a good personality and an honest work ethic, so remember to build on these things. This may mean meeting people in person, networking, and talking to people you already know vs. just sending out resumes.
See what other opportunities might be available and launch a multi-faceted work campaign. Sending our resumes is not enough. Paper doesn’t work as well as meeting people does. When you get out there and meet people, you’ll be able to make your own opportunities. For example, you mentioned that you work as a volunteer to teach English as a second language. Do they need a program coordinator or other person on their staff? Think creatively. Every industry has people they need in support roles. See what you might find just by being more aggressive. Allow yourself to dabble, to try some things. You’re going to have to get outside your comfort zone and when you do, just remember that discomfort = growth. Go out and shake some hands.
A Lifetime Passion Lights Up a New Career
Michael Leigh started looking through telescopes as an 8 year old and his interest in astronomy stayed with him in the form of a lifelong hobby. After losing his job as vice president in a manufacturing plant, Leigh took temporary employment with a telescope manufacturer, while making plans to run a bed-and-breakfast with his wife. The Observer’s Inn, located in Julian, California is designed for star gazing, with a private observatory that Leigh built by hand with a friend. In reading Leigh’s story, we’re struck by how one’s interests and passions, when nourished over the years, can germinate and come forth in unexpected ways. Kudos to Leigh for creating a new career he loves and for sharing his sense of wonder with others.
Today’s Quote-Dreaming
“Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” Gloria Steinem
Now What? Q &A: Resume when changing fields
Intro:
Today’s question came from a caller from Alabama during a recent Community Call and is answered by: Laura Berman Fortgang.
Question:
For a person who is totally changing fields and going to school for the new field, how do you recommend changing your resume so you can begin working in your new career even though you don’t have experience yet? For example, I’m going to school for computer networking but have done different work up to now.
Answer:
Resumes are indeed an art and while you certainly do not want to lie, it is perfectly fine to play up different areas even though it may be a bit of a stretch. So, in your case, you might look back over your work history and note where you did anything with computers at various jobs you’ve held. You can emphasize your past experience in a different way. For example, say you worked in retail but used the computer for inventory days and were in charge of maintaining weekly reports on-line. Since it wasn’t the primary responsibility of your job, you might not immediately think to mention it, however now that you want to highlight your computer expertise, you could also mention that you were in charge of electronic data collection. It’s important to remain truthful and the point is to direct the person reading your resume to what you want to do now. We know of one individual who obtained a job that was triple his former pay after sprucing up his resume and re-finessing his job title from Librarian to Information Management Specialist.
As you update your resume, make sure it demonstrates the level of professionalism that has followed you throughout your career. Also, anything you can do in your new field right now while you’re studying —even if it’s non-paid— will show experience.