Secrets of the Job Hunt

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What Do Job Seekers Fear About Rejoining the Workforce?

I have worked with many adults who wanted to rejoin the workforce or start new careers.

Two of the biggest fears reentry job seekers have expressed to me are:
- Feeling out of touch with new workplace rules and etiquette
- Fear they can't bring their skills current soon enough

If you are a career professional - what have you heard? If you are a reentry worker, what do you fear?

Marcie
BullsEyeResumes-Career Reentry

Tags: career reentry, going back to work, older workers, reenter the workforce

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Permalink Reply by Earl Gately on January 12, 2009 at 1:01am
My primary fear is that as I worked for one company for 20 years, my skillset may be lacking. I don't have a college degree, an item I am currently working on changing, and though I was the "go to" guy at this company for technology, admin, hr issues, etc, I fear I may be "a jack of all trades, a master of none" and this may work against me.

To get over this fear, I keep thinking of the positives. I am Microsoft proficient and have A+ and MCP certifications. I am an excellent communicator and have the patience of a saint in dealing with customers. How could anyone not want me?
Permalink Reply by Earl Gately on January 18, 2009 at 11:34am
Another fear is that my skillset and experience are too much for the job I am applying to. The HR recruiter will say to themselves (as I did when hiring others) "This person is overqualified for this position." What I want is for them to say "This person looks overqualified, but I am willing to bring them in as a candidate. Perhaps if we hire him he wil be able to learn more rapidly than the average new hire".
Permalink Reply by Marcia Robinson on January 18, 2009 at 1:43pm
Hi Earl,

I think you are hitting the nail on the head and I am very glad to hear you say you are keeping a positive outlook. That is really important.

One of the keys to keep in mind is that even though you have broad experiences, "jack of all trades" so to speak, you resume needs to really focus on the "relevant" information for the specific opportunity you are seeking.

Please add your email on my career reentry blog to get the latest information on resources specifically available for career reentry professionals. Also take a look at Resume/Interview FAQs and Career FAQs for career reentry professionals on my website.

Take care. Keep participating and keep sharing.

Marcie

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