How can I find the job I don't know?
June 29, 2011 4:03 AM Subscribe
I'm formulating a resume for an unknown position, and with a slight lack of resume padding (and sorry, it's another long and specific series of questions)...
I've come to the decision that I should at least look for a better-paying position somewhere; I'm fairly certain that I'm doing as well as I can in my industry the market I live in (without having the large capital investment needed to start a new business; I tried before without enough and I'm still in a hole from that). There are larger companies in bigger markets that have benefits and higher pay. I don't really want to move, but I just don't think I can reasonably make it here; it's a constant struggle with finances.
My problem is that I don't know just what jobs I'm qualified for. Without getting too specific, I am in a service industry, with a great deal of experience (25 years) and certifications that are very hard to come by. Not to sound conceited, I think I'm a little more intellectual and articulate than many people in my industry, and I'm very knowledgeable about the nuts and bolts of operations. However, I don't have a degree, after dropping out of college years ago. I have not managed large numbers of people, done profit/loss statements, or many other requirements of some positions I see available. I've been working either by myself or for smaller companies on small-scale operations. I've not had the money to attend more than the minimum required events for continuing education. I haven't had the time or money to be involved in my industry's boards or events. I have some very good and unique field experience in many realms relevant to the industry.
I don't know if I've got a shot at upper management, middle management, operations management, or just something like a sales position. I just don't really know, because I've not been around larger companies like that enough to know. My resume is kind of thin, other than having a lot of experience working on a variety of jobs, having advanced certifications, and attending a few good educational events. I thought about some small portion of narrative to elucidate my experience and situation but I don't know how to frame it without it being awkward. And, not knowing just what to apply for makes it more difficult. There are a couple of headhunter agencies that I thought about submitting my resume to to see what might come of it, because the response I got from them might let me know what is possible? I'm a little worried about some higher positions because I think that while I could learn how to do most of them, I couldn't just jump in and take over. I don't know. That's why I'm asking. I'll try to check in later to see if anyone has responded and needs clarification of this long-winded nonsense.
I've come to the decision that I should at least look for a better-paying position somewhere; I'm fairly certain that I'm doing as well as I can in my industry the market I live in (without having the large capital investment needed to start a new business; I tried before without enough and I'm still in a hole from that). There are larger companies in bigger markets that have benefits and higher pay. I don't really want to move, but I just don't think I can reasonably make it here; it's a constant struggle with finances.
My problem is that I don't know just what jobs I'm qualified for. Without getting too specific, I am in a service industry, with a great deal of experience (25 years) and certifications that are very hard to come by. Not to sound conceited, I think I'm a little more intellectual and articulate than many people in my industry, and I'm very knowledgeable about the nuts and bolts of operations. However, I don't have a degree, after dropping out of college years ago. I have not managed large numbers of people, done profit/loss statements, or many other requirements of some positions I see available. I've been working either by myself or for smaller companies on small-scale operations. I've not had the money to attend more than the minimum required events for continuing education. I haven't had the time or money to be involved in my industry's boards or events. I have some very good and unique field experience in many realms relevant to the industry.
I don't know if I've got a shot at upper management, middle management, operations management, or just something like a sales position. I just don't really know, because I've not been around larger companies like that enough to know. My resume is kind of thin, other than having a lot of experience working on a variety of jobs, having advanced certifications, and attending a few good educational events. I thought about some small portion of narrative to elucidate my experience and situation but I don't know how to frame it without it being awkward. And, not knowing just what to apply for makes it more difficult. There are a couple of headhunter agencies that I thought about submitting my resume to to see what might come of it, because the response I got from them might let me know what is possible? I'm a little worried about some higher positions because I think that while I could learn how to do most of them, I couldn't just jump in and take over. I don't know. That's why I'm asking. I'll try to check in later to see if anyone has responded and needs clarification of this long-winded nonsense.
Wait a sec, from your last paragraph it sounds like you want to apply for management positions "because you're smart and know you could figure it out, " even though you have no experience in this area. You're not going to be able to pad your resume into selling that - you'll have more success by going the traditional route of taking management-related classes and working your way up. (Definitely don't say that you didn't pursue training because you didn't have the time or money for it!) For that, you'll need to be a lot more focused; a resume is not a way of vaguely throwing your hat into a ring to see what bites you get.
posted by ella wren at 6:41 AM on June 29, 2011
posted by ella wren at 6:41 AM on June 29, 2011
Response by poster: Yes, I understand what you both are saying. I do have management experience, it's what I'm doing now, but it's much smaller and chintzy scale compared to most of what I'm looking at. I have done some research on positions that are around, but like I said I just don't know how qualified I am to do management on a (potentially much) larger scale. The qualifications required for most positions I've seen are relatively similar to mine but I seem to lack one or two from a list of 10, something like that. I'm not saying "I'm smart and I can fake it" or anything. I'm no genius, and I don't want to oversell myself. I only meant that within my industry I do comparatively well.
But thanks for the responses, they both make sense. I think I'm freaked because I've not had to apply for a job in a long, long time.
posted by Red Loop at 7:14 AM on June 29, 2011
But thanks for the responses, they both make sense. I think I'm freaked because I've not had to apply for a job in a long, long time.
posted by Red Loop at 7:14 AM on June 29, 2011
In your post, I see details about you (your experience), and details about what you can't do/won't do/haven't done (have enough $ to start a business, get a degree, attend additional continuing education). Conspicuously absent is what you want to do, and what you think you can do. As girlpublisher said, what you need to do first is figure out what you want to do next and what is in demand. (Aside: I think your instinct against starting a business is very good. That's a big risk to take on if you just want more cash and aren't really passionate about the work).
So your next step is to do a little self-education. Read industry blogs to see what the hot topics are. Join LinkedIn and see what the discussions are about, and what positions the recruiters are recruiting for - you'll have a much easier time getting a job that is in demand than hand-picking your own ideal job and hoping there are open positions. Have coffee with someone in your industry (preferably someone who is a little more successful than you, because they probably have knowledge you don't) and talk shop a bit. My best sources of information have always been "friends/drinking buddies who are a little more successful than me" for exactly that reason - they have their fingers on the industry's pulse. People love getting coffee and talking - caffeine + "someone is listening to me" is a powerful combo. So feel free to ask and come ready to ask questions and listen.
Once you have an idea of what the industry needs, you need to look at which of those roles fit your skills and talents. Even if it's not a job you considered before, that's the job you should be looking at. Find out what would make you qualified for those jobs (as you said, if you're missing 1 or 2 things from a list of 10, then you need to get those 1 or two things) and go for them.
Finally, it's an unfortunate fact that you can plateau very quickly without a college degree. Yes, a piece of paper should not matter over experience, but people's perceptions matter - and having that BA or BS influence people's perceptions. I would investigate how easily and cheaply you could finish a college degree with evening classes. I don't mean committing right now to getting the degree, just find out how much time it would take and how much it would cost to get the cheapest, simplest degree that you find interesting. Once you know what it entails, if you ever find yourself held back without the credential you will be able to make an informed decision.
posted by Tehhund at 7:20 AM on June 29, 2011
So your next step is to do a little self-education. Read industry blogs to see what the hot topics are. Join LinkedIn and see what the discussions are about, and what positions the recruiters are recruiting for - you'll have a much easier time getting a job that is in demand than hand-picking your own ideal job and hoping there are open positions. Have coffee with someone in your industry (preferably someone who is a little more successful than you, because they probably have knowledge you don't) and talk shop a bit. My best sources of information have always been "friends/drinking buddies who are a little more successful than me" for exactly that reason - they have their fingers on the industry's pulse. People love getting coffee and talking - caffeine + "someone is listening to me" is a powerful combo. So feel free to ask and come ready to ask questions and listen.
Once you have an idea of what the industry needs, you need to look at which of those roles fit your skills and talents. Even if it's not a job you considered before, that's the job you should be looking at. Find out what would make you qualified for those jobs (as you said, if you're missing 1 or 2 things from a list of 10, then you need to get those 1 or two things) and go for them.
Finally, it's an unfortunate fact that you can plateau very quickly without a college degree. Yes, a piece of paper should not matter over experience, but people's perceptions matter - and having that BA or BS influence people's perceptions. I would investigate how easily and cheaply you could finish a college degree with evening classes. I don't mean committing right now to getting the degree, just find out how much time it would take and how much it would cost to get the cheapest, simplest degree that you find interesting. Once you know what it entails, if you ever find yourself held back without the credential you will be able to make an informed decision.
posted by Tehhund at 7:20 AM on June 29, 2011
You can get help with all of your issues (or should be able to) at Worksource/Workforce Solutions in most states. Your profile doesn't list where you are, but if you search on one of those two things with your state included, a link should turn up.
Here's a sample of offerings from the Austin WFS so you can see how they can help with their group classes, which can also put you in touch with an Employment Specialist there.
Oh - and it's all free.
posted by batmonkey at 8:15 AM on June 29, 2011
Here's a sample of offerings from the Austin WFS so you can see how they can help with their group classes, which can also put you in touch with an Employment Specialist there.
Oh - and it's all free.
posted by batmonkey at 8:15 AM on June 29, 2011
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FWIW, a narrative portion in a resume explaining gaps in education and experience may back fire by drawing attention to inadequacies. IMHO it is better to sell the education and experience you do have in your cover letter by showing how it demonstrates your capacity to do the job you are applying for specifically...which is why knowing what you are applying for is important.
posted by girlpublisher at 5:04 AM on June 29, 2011 [1 favorite]