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| *Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Other - Careers & Employment |
How do I "down sell" so that I can get into a new career? |
My credentials and experience go along with an ambitious career to date, but now I just want to shut down my solo consulting business, get out of corporate America, and get into a field or a function that is simply more fun and interesting. It might be food or wine or tea, or it might be museum work or some sort of community development - still deciding. Thing is, I don't know HOW to sell myself into an entry-level situation and convince someone that I really do want to learn a new business, learn new skills, challenge myself in a different way. Money is not an object to me - I expect to make only half or even a third of my prior career income... I just know I want a new direction. What do I say when applying for new, lower level jobs? Anyone done this before? Yes, I have done that but for different reasons. I used to be an IT recruiter and lost my job when everything was outsourced overseas. I was faced with applying for jobs that paid 1/3 of what I was making. Here is what I did. Design your resume around the job you are going after. Delete anything from your current resume that doesn't apply. You still have to keep a consistent time line, but there is no need to elaborate. Don't list salaries. In your cover letter explain why you want the job and what you will bring to it. Leave salary open. In the interview answer salary questions saying you are looking for a position based on all the criteria important to you, not just salary. Play up what skills you have that match what the company needs and don't mention what isn't relevant to them. It sounds like you have a good attitude towards learning new things so put the front and center. Attitude will often get you a job over skill. Good luck. Source(s): Former IT recruiter. Future stand-up comic. Your post is articulate, clear, pleasant. I don't see you having any problems whatsoever "selling" yourself in an entry-level position. Just make yourself up a new resume, saying pretty much what you've just posted. And I admire you IMMENSELY for jettisoning the corporate monster. Best of luck. "Down sell" your language. You're explanation here makes you sound like Bi$$ Gates. You know how to do this, or someone was paying you "big bucks" for the wrong reasons. Or, you worked for a "family business". Step down off the high-horse to the common worker. Oddly, you are on one of the cutting edges of a trend going on, where people have made enough money to meet their goals, and are stepping back to make a difference! GOOD FOR YOU!!! So - first thing I'd suggest is that you go do some assessment testing (Meyers-Briggs is the big name in this field) Local colleges probably offer this - that way, you can see what you want to do. Second - volunteer in a field that interests you ... museums are set up for this, and community development is too! (I'm a member of the US Jaycees, btw.) Food / Hospitality isn't ... but you can try taking some classes to see if you like it. And, like someone else said - rewrite your resume to focus on what you want to be doing. Take all the rest off. Explain in your cover letter that you are following your passion - that you are looking for fulfillment, not focused on financial reward. Yes, some companies are still going to shy away from a six-figure person applying for a low end gig - but some will be willing to take a chance on you. Best of luck! Years in HR |
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