[BizCareers] Endless interviews and changing careers

Interview woes... When does it end?

"I read your article this morning on recruitment and career queries and thought I'd pop you a mail with queries of my own. I have been searching for work since my retrenchment in February this year. I have been to countless interviews and obviously still do not have work. Unfortunately, no-one ever really gives informed feedback as to why my interviews are unsuccessful.

In this last week I have been for three interviews, which I thought went quite well. Needless to say the feedback is not what I was hoping for.

I've got to the point where I am wondering if there is something wrong with me! During these interviews I really try to structure my answers, I have a friendly disposition naturally, I'm well spoken, I try to keep eye contact, and even have my own little system when explaining experience, highlights or such - I mention the situation, the approach and the result. That being said, I try to remain as true to myself as possible without sounding like I'm scripted.

I don't know what it is. Do you have any advice here?" - Jessica

Dear Jessica,

Thank you for your email, and taking the time to write to me.

I'm sure you must be very demotivated at this stage of the job hunt, but trust me, your dream job will come to you. February, March and April were in fact very slow months in the recruitment industry, so you'll probably find there were a lot more candidates scrambling for the same position, and if someone had slightly more experience than you, they would have got the job. Things seem to have evened out a little more now and there are good jobs available. So hang in there, it will come.

Read this very useful article on making your interview count; I urge you to have a look at it. Perhaps these tips will help to open up the discussion a bit as well as making you more confident in the interview. Have a read-through these and let me know if there are any points that you're unsure about or have any questions.

It's never too late for a change

"I am 43 years old and have been in the same job for 22 years and now want to try something completely different. How can I get someone to give me a chance to learn a new career?" - Nicole

Hi Nicole,

Thank you for your great question. Good for you that you want to try something new and get out of your comfort zone. By merely making this decision, you are taking the first steps in the right direction.

You haven't mentioned whether you've been studying in a new area, but if you haven't, then up-skilling yourself is where you need to start. Whether it's a diploma, certificate or short course, this gives you something to put on your CV and use as back-up in potential interviews. Without this employers may not believe you're serious about changing careers and therefore may not be willing to take the risk.

If it's a hobby that you now want to pursue as a career, put together a portfolio of your work that you can show off and use as proof. Start off by asking friends or family whether you can do tasks for them in this line of work as a sideline, so that you can add it to your portfolio. Once you have this you can start applying for jobs either online or in person. It may take a while, and you may need to apply for hundreds of jobs before someone gives you an interview, but there will be someone that will be looking for your skills and expertise, so you just need to be persistent.

Most importantly however, you need to do as much research and gather as much information as you can on the area that you're looking to go into. Don't resign or make any quick decisions about your career until you have all the facts. Speak to people in the industry, join industry groups on Facebook and LinkedIn, connect with industry leaders on LinkedIn and assess the information you get. This should give you a good understanding.

Remember to always love what you do!
Juliette

Email your questions for publication on Bizcommunity to moc.ytinummoczib@snoitseuqreerac.