Displaced, Over 50 and applying for a new career path
I was working near Corpus Christi, Texas and voluntarily left the job market a couple of months before Hurricane Harvey hit to focus on tackling family, property management and elder care issues. In the process, I relocated to Florida and have been busy assisting the retired military communities which I am a part of, volunteering my services as a property manager and business consultant and tutoring. Enough, I am ready to bring my energy and enthusiasm to the Florida Job Market and get back to punching a time clock. I am up for anything and eager to share my background and experience. Unfortunately, I have to overcome the hurdle of being out of the job market for two years, leaving my previous well-established networks and convincing employers that I am flexible and adaptable and ready to take on the task of a new career path or career paths if available. How can you be overqualified when you are underemployed to unemployed?
What you're facing is very common in the Jobcase community and I'm sure lots of people will have some wonderful advice for you. In the meantime, here's my two cents.
To minimize the gaps in your resume.
Use dates When listing dates on your resume you don't need to list the month/year if you were in a position for over a year or if your position spans multiple years. For example, you could say 2014 - 2016 (rather than May, 2014 - February, 2016) which would give you some room to cover the gaps:
• Customer service rep, DFH Company 2014 – 2016
• Sales Associate, ABC Store 2012 – 2014
Notice that the resume doesn't specifically say when the candidate started and ended employment, which can cover an employment gap.
Remove what doesn’t matter Omit any jobs that aren’t relevant to your job search and the companies you are applying to. There is no rule saying you have to include all the jobs you ever had on your resume. You decide what goes in there!
Include Other Experience Gained During the Gap What did you do while you weren't employed? Did you freelance or consult at all? How about volunteering? All those experiences count as work and can be included on your resume. List them as you would list your other jobs - with job title, company name, job description, and dates of employment.
Tell the Truth It goes without saying, but make sure, to be honest! Employers verify work history and if you put incorrect information on your resume and they happen to verify it, that will be the end of that potential job.
Wow them with your cover letter Write a great cover letter that will stand out to outweigh your resume. The cover letter must indicate your knowledge of the company you are applying for as well as how you are going to add value to your prospective new company. Tailor it to the job you want and avoid using a generic template. Show them you are invested in the company and that you want the position! Check out some tips on how to do so [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/c4ba7a86-a1d9-5484-ae09-b9e408617965)
Wishing you the best of luck!
It's crazy right? You'd think even if you left for say a year and go back you are either overqualified or under qualified.