robert castillo ⋅ Huntsville, AL Northrop Grumman ⋅ 6 years experience

Send me your resume at robert.castillo@ngc.com; I can give you tips about how a big business handles the screening process

Maria Erchul ⋅ Spokane, WA Incyte Diagnostics ⋅ 15 years experience

Douglas - you may want to consider on 'customizing' resume for each role...yes it is time consuming but like working ...finding work should also be a f/t job. The biggest disappointment - is when I do not see or can not find the 'skills' match b/w job description and the resume. There are some great books out there to learn how to do this and to address the cover letter. On top of resume... add what or how you are staying current within the industry which you are considering/applying.
The best- Maria

Weeks Ringle ⋅ Oak Park, IL Modern Quilt Studio ⋅ 16 years experience

Douglas - The best way to gain experience when you're trying to break into a new field can be through community service. Can you use your communication skills to help a not-for-profit in your community, which would add to your resume and help you network? It's not a matter of being over-qualified if the experience you have is not in the field in which you're looking. You need to show experience and competency in the work you're pursuing. I agree that you may need to reformat your resume to focus less on positions held as opposed to skills used and developed. Mostly you want to show that you're not waiting for a paycheck to do this work. The more experience you can build up, even if it's on a volunteer basis, while you're applying for positions, the stronger your chances will be. Good luck.

chris yontez ⋅ Los Angeles, CA Brandable ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi, keep pressing as you will find it takes some time to get in the door but once you are there I am sure you will be able to wow the employer with your work ethic and skills. You might find it helpful to develop a list of the Top 50 companies you want to work for and then research the company and leadership you would like to get in front of for a meeting. Traditionally HR is a route but if you have tenacity, you might find it better to write a personal note or email requesting coffeee for 5-10 minutes with a leader at the target company. Prep some good quick questions and something of a very quick 2 minute outline of yourself. You may find a good response of directional feedback. This process keeps you in the game and develops strong interpersonal skills. I also think the advise above is very useful and having a sharp resume and Linked In profile is key. Another way to research those leaders at your target companies. Good luck.

Nicole Wahlen ⋅ Milwaukee, WI DRS Technologies ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi Douglas,

Have you tapped into the placement office at your school? Often they know of local companies that are looking for great people to hire, or even that will conduct informational interviews. Although I am sure you are looking for your career level role, consider an internship for 3-6 months to gain experience in your field.

Make sure you are networking and have your LinkedIn profile up to date and filled out as completely as possible. That will make it easier for recruiters to find you. Are there local associations or industry groups that you can join? Where can you offer your services as a way to network?

Best of luck,

Nicole

Krystal Yates ⋅ Lewisville, TX EBR Consulting, LLC ⋅ 19 years experience

If you aren't getting interviews you may need to look at your resume. There are lots of people on here willing to help at no cost - myself included, send it on if you'd like me to take a look. I'd have as many people as you can take a look - then take the advice that makes the most sense for you.

More importantly, network network network. 80% of jobs are obtained through networking so make sure you are utilizing LinkedIn fully as well as your physical network. If you can have someone you know put your resume on the hiring managers desk, they are very likely to call you.

Jacqueline Contreras, CPRW ⋅ San Antonio, TX www.ThatResumeGirl.com ⋅ 12 years experience

If you aren't getting interviews, your résumé or LinkedIn profile could be the problem. I hear so many of my clients say they don't have any experience in their newly chosen career field, but I typically find that to be untrue. Most people, no matter what their title, find ways to do what they enjoy in any job they're in. I know people who constantly look for ways to plan events, design marketing, or train their fellow employees because it's what they love. They don't care that it's not part of their job description. They enjoy it.
I'm guessing that in your previous jobs or even in your personal/volunteer life, you found ways to use the skills that are relevant to the positions you are applying for now. Reformat your résumé bullets to only concentrate on those skills. One of my clients is a truck driver who is making the switch to medical assistant, so we focused on the administrative side of her job and left off the part about driving the big rigs. Employers only care about the things you've done in the past that they want to see you do in the future. If you need help with tailoring your résumé, send it to me with a job description you are interested in and I'll give you some ideas on how to discover and highlight your relevant experience.