Potential employers can't see beyond my past role in sales!

ShiftDoctor answer

By Jessica McGrego... on 28 September 2007 at 14:25

I totally got your frustration of being pigeon holed into sales; it is a common complaint that hiring depts can only see our past roles. You say you've tailored your CV to every job you've applied for and I don't know how you have done this, but one way (and excuse me if you've already been down this road) is to write a skill based CV.

In a nutshell this is a CV that doesn't mention roles or titles so much as skills that you have and have employed in different situations. Normally the CV has three or four sections relevant to the role you are applying for, e.g. Planning and Organising or Communication. You then take your experience and highlight how the skills you have can be applied to the role you are going for. You do need to think outside the box and the starting point is for you to identify what you think the hiring company is looking for. Take a look at the role and create some headings of the skills they want. Then scroll back through your history (and remember you can use non work related skills, teams you might have lead, events you may have help plan for with a local club you are a member of etc.) and see how you can illustrate that you have the skill. It is also useful to head your CV with a vision statement for this particular role. How you envision yourself in this role and what unique aspects you'd see yourself bring to it.

Another thing you can do is get some experience. Volunteering with a charity is the first stop for this. There are many organisations that will welcome your help. This can either be a local small charity or something bigger. Try an internet search with ‘volunteer UK' and start from there. When potential employers see this on your CV they get that you are serious about the move in your career.

When you send in your CV to apply for a new post check your covering letter for passion. They get hundreds of CVs so ensure that the passion you feel for this new role comes through. Illustrate your knowledge of what the role will entail and not only why you feel you'd be a perfect fit but also how you envisage yourself in the role. They have to be able to see beyond your past roles and only you can project them into the future. Do it with excitement and passion, something they can tangibly feel.

And lastly, don't give up, be inventive as to how you present yourself and focus on how you'd be in the new role. Stand out and someone will get the excitement and passion you feel for it.

Jessica offers a free introductory session to discuss how she can help you make the move you want; if you would like to arrange a time for her to call you please email her at jessica@jessicamcgregorjohnson.com or call +34 958 639 593. For more information visit http://www.jessicamcgregorjohnson.com/

She lives in southern Spain and works internationally as a Life Coach enabling people to follow their dream and gain fulfilment in every area of life. She has worked with many career shifters and particularly enjoys using her own life experience, including her time in the corporate world, to support those making whatever move they choose.