Adele H. on July 3, 2024
Career Management,
Interviewing,
Resume Building and Writing
I was diagnosed with incurable cancer in January 2024, have just completed chemotherapy and will continue a 2 yr programme of immunotherapy. I have sent my CV to many companies and had a few initial interviews, but am not making progress. The amount of time I invest in applying, researching and preparing for interviews is insane - I am losing faith and need a fresh perspective. Most interviews are based on STAR methods, which don't enable rapport or 2 way conversations. I am a Change Manager, 56yrs old, with a wide skill set, wanting to be employed, working collaboratively with others. I require support to make my CV relevant in today's market, prepare for interviews, and be coached towards finding a purposeful role. I would appreciate talking to someone who can champion my career pathway.
Thank you, Adele
5 Comment
Nicole Jarvis, LMSW
Jul 3, 2024
Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:
Hello Adele,
Thank you for reaching out to Cancer and Careers! I'm sorry to hear you haven't been able to progress in your job search. It can be a frustratingly long process but taking another look at how you're presenting yourself and your resume is a good choice at this juncture. I will pass along your messge to one of our career coaches who will respond soon.
In the meantime, I'd recommend you utilize our Resume Review Service to get some assistance with reformatting or being able to really highlight your skills and experience in a way that doesn't require as much explanation, given the lack of conversation you're seeing in the interviews you've been having. Additionally, perhaps it would be helpful to take a look at our section on Interviewing - with articles and guidance on how to best approach the interview stage of the job search. I don't know what decisions you've made around disclosure of your cancer as you job hunt, but we have a helpful article on Managing Disclosure When Looking For A Job that provides some things to think through and approaches to take.
I hope you're able to find something soon!
Sincerely,
Nicole Jarvis, LMSW
Assistant Director of Programs
Cancer and Careers
Adele H.
Jul 4, 2024
Thank you Nicole
I appreciate your advice and the linked articles are very helpful. I look forward to speaking with someone soon.
Regards
Adele
Julie Jansen
Jul 5, 2024
Career Coach Comment:
Hi Adele,
I am a volunteer career coach with Cancer and Careers and agree with Nicole that it would be helpful for you to submit your resume to the Resume Review service. I happen to be the coach who does all the reviews and I will give you very detailed feedback about ways to improve your resume and also optimize it for ATS (Applicant Tracking System) software which most medium and large size companies use to scan and store job applications.
I sympathize with you about how long it takes to submit applications and prepare for interviews. I don't know whether you are trying to network into the companies you are applying to as well? I highly recommend this because companies receive so many applications and having a person to help you get introduced into a company is almost necessary. LinkedIn is the best source to find people.
Speaking of LinkedIn, be sure that you load up your profile with as many keywords as possible that are relevant to Change Management. You would do this in the Skills section, your headline, your About section and throughout your work experience section. Also, make sure to add five titles in the Open to Work section so recruiters will find you.
I would find a few people who can do mock interviews with you or if you can fund hiring a career coach to do this a few times with you, this could prove very beneficial.
Finally, I am not sure if you live in the US, but wherever you went to college or university, they have an alumni network so this is another place to find people to network with.
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to write back and I am happy to respond.
Take care,
Julie
Adele H.
Jul 8, 2024
Hi Julie
Thanks for your advice. I will submit my cv for review and welcome feedback.
I am trying to connect with people via LinkedIn and also arrange chats with people from past work experiences, to let them know I am actively looking for work.
Regards
Adele
Julie Jansen
Jul 8, 2024
Career Coach Comment:
Adele,
That's great. The more people that you connect with, the closer you will get to finding your next opportunity.
Best,
Julie
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