How can you help clients change careers after long unemployment?

If a client has been unemployed for a long time they will likely feel intimidated about re-entering the workforce. I would encourage them to include what they have done during their unemployment on their resume. For example, continuing education courses, certificates, volunteer work, and other professional development activities. I would also recommend to the client to own their experience, even if they weren’t getting paid in a more conventional type of job. Own your journey. Don’t apologize. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished and showcase transferable skills and achievements on your resume and cover letter. If you believe in yourself and your narrative, an employer (the right employer) will see recognize your value as well.

I completely agree with the importance of this initial step in the career change process. Understanding clients' motivations and clarifying their goals and values is crucial for guiding them effectively. Employing tools like SWOT analysis and personality tests can provide valuable insights, empowering clients with the self-awareness needed to make informed career decisions.

- Assess client's requirements and experience - Understand the pain points - Gauge their perspective and experiences that lead them to the current situation - Devise and empower them with an actionable plan and process

It does not matter how long the gap in the Career, it matters whether there is gap in Learning, Skilling up Education is not the formal education, but it is after your formal education So invest in yourself- Trainings, Courses, Certification, Higher Education, Skill Development enroll in Membership, participate in Webinars, Seminars, Hackathons, Workshops Fill the gap in the Career The transformation in your evolution has to be reflected in the Resume, LinkedIn profile also by your near and dear Overcoming the self doubt- will they reject because of career gap? to Self confidence- Immediate Joiner with skills of today and future The whole journey is to bridge the gap between the two ears- fixed mindset to growth mindset Cheers

Generally changing careers after a long duration of unemployment is not advisable. Added to the pressure of finding a job, you have the onus of positioning yourself favourably for a new position which you have not experienced before. A safer bet would be to take up something relevant to your previous work experience, and then make a shift to the career of your choice, to make sure that you have a successful career transition.

Here is the actionable path I recommend to the guys to restart: 1) Deep dive - see what relevant expertise you have 2) What skills you have to leverage? 3) Which areas you need improve - latest trends, software 4) Pick out nuggets, see your achievements 5) Find employers having synergy & match, talk why you are you inspired 6) Build network strategically & leverage This roadmap works like charm! Happy searching!

Here's how I guide my career coaching clients through a career change: 1) Build confidence by updating skills (LinkedIn Learning is a great resource) 2) Create a compelling narrative for their employment gap (i.e., what did they do, learn, experience during their time off). Think personal development, educational pursuits, or volunteering 3) Tailor their resume and cover letter to highlight transferable skills and experience 4) Connect and begin networking with professionals on LinkedIn already in their target role or industry Last but not least, considering working with a career coach who can support your on the job search journey. Many universities offer "free" career advising and job search support to current students and alumni.

A prolonged phase of unemployment means lot of water has already flown under the bridge. In today's times, business models change, job roles and job description change and the skills required also change. So after understanding which career role the client can target, I can help to analyse the skills gap and highlight ways and means to bridge the gap with certificate courses, internships, upskilling, etc. Further I can help the client to customise the resume (ATS compliant) and also have the right linkedIn profile. Networking with key industry people and understanding current realities through then can be an important step too. Reaching out to job consulttants with details can help to apply to right companies & prepare

Aqui o mais importante é resgatar a autoestima, trabalhar o autoconhecimento enxergando o que ele tem melhor, e utilizar de ferramentas para identificar o que essa pessoa sabe fazer muito bem, quais são seus sonhos, suas aspirações, orientar formas de se atualizar, fazer um plano de ação direcionando para esses sonhos. E trabalhar muito em conjunto a segurança potencializa do suas habilidades e competências e treinando e muito o momento da entrevista.

Once you've completed self-assessment in Step 1, start with the "highs". 1) Identify the industry that you're interested in. 2) Looking at current trends, identify your unique skill combinations that are in demand. 3) Go online, look at different job postings. Identify a handful that makes you excited when thinking about taking on the roles. Find common characteristics among the job postings (i.e. all of them had to do with cloud computing, etc.). 4) Do more research using the common characteristics. Compare the job posting qualifications to your own. Identify gaps you need to fill in to meet the criteria. 5) Close any skill gaps that you've identified (courses, books, etc.) 6) Network with those who are in proximity in the field.

A resume should be forward facing and point toward the job you want, not the jobs you had. Showcase your transferable skills. Explain any long employment gaps.

One thing that can be helpful is to be able to show on your resume &/or cover letter how you have remained meaningfully engaged. This can take the form of additional training that you've received to keep your skills current and, perhaps more importantly, how you have continued to offer your time/skills to others in some way. Pro bono work that *highlights the skills that you want to highlight to a prospective employer* can be helpful in landing a new opportunity.

Given that you've found the job postings that you're interested in from the previous steps, 1) Highlight the skills and achievements that are relevant to the position (by looking at their qualifications) 2) List all soft skills or core values that align with the company of interest 3) Make sure it is an application-tracking-system (ATS) friendly resume (proper formatting and include relevant keywords) 4) Proofread, proofread and proofread. 5) Don't include information that is irrelevant to the job posting of interest

Aligning skills with key metrics that you’ve achieved showcases your previous successes more than a list of previous responsibilities.

It is important to understand your goals and your target during the job search. Take the time to think about what makes you happy in a work environment, to help you determine what type of role you should apply for before updating your resume.

In interview preparation, I find it useful to remind my clients that this is a two-way conversation. They are also interviewing the business to ensure it’s a good fit for them! And another positive mindset is to remind them that the interviewers usually want them to succeed, they’re not there to trip you up, they want the process to be positive and go well as much as you do

The key to interviewing, especially when switching careers, is confidence. You need to show the new company why their role makes sense for you and, just as importantly, what you will bring to the table. In addition, you need articulate why you are switching careers because it's going to come up. The key here is to talk about the future, not about escaping the past (most people hate their current line of work, hence the switch). It's your career and you can attempt whatever you'd like but you also need to convince the interviewer why you're a good fit (like any other candidate). Also, ignore any criticisms of your reasons for changing. I switched from Wall Street to CPG Marketing years back. It was hard but well worth the effort.

Helping clients think about how to answer some of the common questions in an interview is powerful. For example, giving them steps to create a strong "tell me about yourself" answer can help set the tone for the interview.

1) Practice mock interviews with a friend. Ask for honest feedback on your overall presentation. 2) Really nail down a few key questions: "tell me about yourself", "why should we hire you?", "tell me about your weaknesses (and how you overcome them)", "what are you looking to achieve at our company", etc. 3) Research the company well and ask a very specific question about the company's objectives. Choose one that you're interested in helping them achieve. Highlight how your skills can contribute to the objective if applicable. 5) Never overpromise. Be genuine.

Imparting tips and techniques to set the right impression at interviews: a) Always research the company profile (mission, vision, culture etc) and understand the job scope. One can never be prepared enough. b) Grooming, dressing the part and be punctual. c) Greet with a firm handshake. d) Smile, make eye contact and ensuring good posture. e) Maintain a positive attitude, demonstrating positive energy and enthusiasm. f) Avoid small talk. g) Avoid bringing up salary, compensation and benefits especially at the first interview. h) Use answering techniques with the CAR (Context, Action, Results) and KSA (Knowledge, Skills, Attributes) methods. i) Familiarise between Behavioural and Technical Questions. j) Above all, be you.

Acknowledging one's emotions is key in a transition, especially if it comes from self-limiting beliefs. It is too easy to focus on/internalize a letdown and it is human, but saying it out loud and then questioning it helps put things into context and rely on areas in which one has done well as a counterpoint to the current thought. Try to address how you feel, then ask if the thought behind it is valid or just a reaction to disappointment. Write it out if it helps you process it, but process it. Try to gain some insight from it. Then give yourself some grace; these transitions are rarely easy for anyone.

Don't get bogged down if you're not selected. We need to acknowledge that there's always someone who is better than us (except those who are the best of the best). Sometimes companies have different priorities or they value someone with certain skills over yours. Sometimes it's a timing issue. Don't take it personally. Keep looking and believe in the values you can bring to the table. Continue to develop yourself into someone who is indispensable. The ultimate goal is to be SO good that companies feel they're at a loss for not hiring you. Just keep trying.

I always suggest taking breaks during the job search. Maybe a day or a weekend, whatever you choose take the time to regroup so the job search does not effect your emotions too much.

Searching for a job can be nerve cracking, in particular because so much is out of your control and there is so much you can do. Be kind to yourself, define what doing your best means to you, hold yourself accountable to you and then do something else. Staring at your phone will not get you an interview any quicker. Rather, develop your form of job search/life balance, learn from setbacks and feedback and find your own ways to still feel achieved.

The way you position your gap is everything. Whether you’ve been unemployed for 2 days or 2 years, your drive and motivation for change will be important for prospective employers to understand. I worked with a lady who has been out of work for almost 2yrs and she saw that as a big black mark against her. Yet, she was offered a role (and salary) more senior than on offer because they saw her potential. However, taking time out to give birth, raise children and reconsider what you want to do next isn’t a negative. It’s part of life. If a prospective employer holds that against you then perhaps it’s not the right culture for you. Just saying 🤷♀️

I would add that as a career coach it is important to keep up to date with work trends. If we are to support others in landing new roles or transform their careers, we also should be aware of market changes and different kinds of new career pathways.

Navigating career transitions post-unemployment centers on two pivotal pillars: Self-Assessment and Psychological Support. Self-assessment serves as a bedrock on which all decisions are grounded. By uncovering the individual's skills, interests, values, and aspirations one can get a clear comprehension of oneself, thereby setting goals and taking strides toward right career path. Psychological support equips individuals with tools and resources bolstering against the challenges of self-doubt and anxiety. It serves as the anchor, ensuring clients maintain a positive mindset, and ultimately persevere through the challenges of the transition. Together, these elements empower clients to make informed decisions and flourish in new careers.

Being out of the workforce for a prolong period of time can seem like a disadvantage. Here are some steps to help get back in the game. 1. Reach out to your network. Let them know you're ready to get back in the workforce. 2. Make a list of your skills and then highlight your top 5 skills that you are excellent and love to doe. 3. List your values and highlight your top three values. 4. Reach out to past colleagues and friends to schedule informational interviews. 5. Start building your professional brand. 6. Start engaging and sharing content on LinkedIn that's aligned your brand. Bonus tip: Don't settle for crumbs

This transition phase could be much easier if they understand and leverage the power of networking. They can connect with people going to virtual and in-person networking events, conferences, interest clubs, start up clubs and also for volunteering. 1) Networking will help them connect with different individuals to understand different kind of work areas. 2) Make important connections who can mentor them on the new career option. 3) These people can also help in matching the person with key people or offering any work opportunities. Do not shy from seeking support from people.