Since I retired I have been looking for my next career. I do honestly believe that my resume was getting in my way at first. I sought help in getting that fixed and I believe that issue is fixed now. I am located near Cape Canaveral, Florida. I have been applying to jobs in Quality Assurance, Process Improvement, Facility Management and Project Management. I feel like I am going in too many different directions instead of picking one or two potential career tracks to focus on. Any insight on this would be very helpful. I have also been told that many of the companies I have been applying to will not hire unless I know people that work there, Examples are Northrup Grumman, Blue Origin, Space X, L3 Harris and so on. I am looking for any potential ideas to get through that potential screening method as well. I am extremely motivated to find work and get back to being a productive member of a team again. Thank You in advance for any constructive criticism or ideas you might have to smooth my job search journey.
Answers
Joining industry specific professional organizations is a great way to get to know people and the current issues facing that industry. People involved with these organizations may be willing to offer advice or let you know of potential job opportunities. Joining an organization also offers talking points during an interview and having it on your resume may set you apart from other candidates who are applying for the same position.
While it is better to focus on one industry position, I have a proven process that allows you to target your resume to different positions.
Companies love to hire people who are recommended by current employees. The employee is putting their reputation on the line by recommending you. Consequently, they are going to be very careful who they recommend. Becoming part of a LinkedIn group, or a local Networking group, will provide you with the exposure whereby an individual will have confidence in recommending you.
I have a proven free step-by-step process that can help you translate your military experience into terms appreciated by a civilian firm. Studies have shown that commercial companies like to employ former military members because they are disciplined and demonstrate a sense of urgency uncommon in many civilian employees. Historically, individuals who have diligently employed the principles contained in the process have a job within 2-4 weeks, even when the economy was in the toilet a few years ago. The process contains the BEFORE resume of a Navy 0-3 who had no responses after weeks of sending out applications. His AFTER resume resulted in three interviews within 24 hours of submitting new applications. One interview resulted in a job offer immediately at the end of the interview. One week after submitting his AFTER resume with an application, he was sitting at a Corporate-level position at a Fortune 500 Company. Same skills and capabilities, same accomplishments, a better marketing approach. Contact me if you are willing to work hard to help yourself with my free coaching. slmathews99@gmail.com
Shane,
Thank you for your service.
Your resume is a living marketing tool, you don't just do it once, tailoring it to the particular positions you are applying to is key.
Hopefully you have searched this site as well for advisors/contacts in companies you are pursuing.
Definitely follow-up with the Linkedin suggestion Rex suggested; you can search for how to find people as well as using the Groups to identify people and request informational interviews.
Good luck
One other avenue that you may want to consider is to become an active part of online-based or local professional groups in your desired field. One source would be LinkedIn groups. Unfortunately, many people stop at just joining the group. However, if you do a little research into their members, you can find people who work in the associated industries and strike-up a conversation. People generally like to help others, and you may get your foot in the door by being a present and active member.
I'll be glad to help you.
First - I would not suggest you NOT limit your potential work opportunities - also never "self eliminate" (not apply because you think you "might not" have the skills or experience a organization "might" be looking for.
Next - make sure that your resume and cover letter directly demonstrate the skills and experience that are required for each position you are applying for. (Do a revised resume/cover letter for each position you are interested in.)
Depending on organization you can also consider volunteering (thru Human resources) to do a non-paid internship. That way they get to know you and you get to know the organization.
Best wishes - if I can be of further help - just let me know.
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