I sat down with our subject matter expert on occupational transition (and my dear co-worker), Meriel Sweet, Business Consultant and we ran a labor market report on your position. Reviewing the data, there are related occupations that might be appealing and also would maximize your skill sets while adding some diversity to your resume. One of the more intriguing options is Sales for Meeting, Events, or Hotels. While many hospitality organizations look for previous industry experience, a proven sales or account management record in another industry is also appealing to employers. Hotel Sales Manager jobs are HOT right now. Go to Work in Texas and browse jobs in “hotel sales” or “event planning”. While the pay may not be commensurate with your prior salary, the experience is challenging, enjoyable, and an asset to your job portfolio.

Another set of suggested transitional occupations led us to Market Research positions. The rationale being that market researchers are often expected to “know” the market. Experience in dealing with local, regional, or national accounts in sales would provide insight into market trends that might be valuable for this type of occupation.

Finally, retail sales management was also suggested. While potentially different from your prior experience, retail organizations often like to promote internally. Taking the reigns of a new position closer to entry-level and proving your strengths may not be appealing to all, but in the right organization could provide a wealth of opportunity.

I truly thank you for your response and encourage you to try new options and approaches to your job search. Think globally about what you could do rather than what you have done. Looking at other occupations and industries might just be what you need. I’ll send my good job search thoughts your way.

Excellent question! We are experiencing a trend of many transitional job seekers – people that are either looking for new work because of downsizing and layoffs or simply because their industry is static or shrinking and they want to explore other options. The job seeker that has been loyal to a company for many years and is part of the aging workforce is part of this group and has it’s own special challenges. However, I do not believe these challenges are completely insurmountable.

First, I would encourage you to do some research on rebranding your skills to new employment. Many people that have been with one company for many years have let dust collect on their resume. I would first recommend making sure you have your resume content updated and saved electronically in a common format such as a .doc or Word file. Keep this handy on a flash drive (available at most electronics or department stores) and carry it with you on your job search, especially if you are at a Workforce Solutions office. I would recommend nothing larger than a 1 Gig drive if you only plan to use it store documents for your job search.

Next, I would attend as many classes as possible on job searching in the current age. Workforce Solutions offers free classes on rebranding skills, resume creation, networking, interviewing, and other useful topics that ultimately help get you ready to enter the workforce again and be truly job ready. Rebranding your skills and being open to new and different opportunities are key. Age can be a challenge as the reality is that some employers might see you as “too experienced”, “stuck in your ways”, et cetera. However, by updating your resume and job search skill sets effectively I have seen people develop stellar self-marketing resumes, cover letters, and interview skills that help leap over that barrier.

Thank you so much, Joe Ann for participating on our blogs!

Thanks,
Joe A nn