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Sliding down the greasy pole!

Sometime ago I decided on a major career change, as a result of changing priorities in my life.

Problem: my resume and covering letter seem to alarm recipients. Why would I be looking for a lower level management job after my previous jobs? Because I want to work part time and although I intend to be as professional as I always have I think I am frightening people. They are certainly not responding!

What should I do?

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avatar careersurgery 29 December 2006 Career Surgery
  • jack

    It’s always surprisingly tough to take a step back from the rat race.
    My advice is to be extreamly honest in your CV and Covering Letter. People will always assume the worse reasons for a change unless you tell them otherwise

  • Charlie

    A common dilemma, faced by many. You’ve tipped the scales from mostly looking at work as a taker (ie what’s in it for me) to looking at work as a giver (ie what can I give back). This is something which organisations as a whole find hard to deal with, since they’re mostly geared to rewarding the former.
    Changing your priorities in life will mean nothing to a prospective new employer other than scare the pants off them. Most of them won’t even come close to recognising, yet alone understanding, the values that are now paramount in your life. So don’t try and explain it to them; it will be a complete waste of time. Instead, appeal to their base instincts of greed, bargain hunting or deal making.
    That means re-structuring your CV so that it tells them precisely the skills, knowledge and capability that you possess. Your equity, if you like. Then make your covering letter a sales pitch which says that if they’d like to know more, you’ll be happy to talk to them. That’s the first crucial step in the engagement process, leading to a meeting or interview and finally, the prospect of an appointment.
    Most importantly, the whole process remains within your control and not theirs. YOU are pitching yourself to them; YOU are deciding whether or not you’ll follow up any responses you get; and finally, YOU will be the one who determines whether or not you’ll work with them or not.
    It’s a surprisingly simple and powerful formula which is understood by most; recognised by many; and practised by only a few.
    Surprise yourself in 2007 by becoming one of the few; it shouldn’t be that difficult, since it seems like you’ve taken the biggest step already.

  • Chris F

    I sympathise with your problem. From experience there are usually two key factors that have to be overcome.
    The first is convincing a prospective employer that you’re actually genuine, as most will think you’ll get bored and be off as soon as you find something better.
    The second factor is that a lot of bosses worry about having a highly skilled person in a ‘lower-rated’ position. The reason for this, as put to me recently by a temp agency, is apparently that they’re frightened you’ll want to take over.
    I’ve found that one successful way forward is to send a cut-down CV giving your key skills and a covering letter asking for advice on how to gain entry to their industry. A lot of Senior Managers are flattered to be asked and will be pleased to help. Once you are in a meeting you at least have an opportunity to explain your aims and convince them you are genuine.
    Hope that helps.

  • Andrea Treeby

    I can empathise with all these feelings about wanting to do something worthwhile, more satisfying for you and not having to tow the Corporate line. I am in your situation and my advice is purely “Never give up”. Don’t sell yourself down the river – I spent 26 years in one company ; my skills and experience will get me my next position – I have two interviews lined up for next week. Be true to yourself and hang on in there…Good Luck

  • Jim Perry

    I sympathise, but share the views of my fellow respondents. As an employer, I would be concerned if presented with an application whose skill level far exceeds that necessary for the job. However, if you can clearly explain your reasons for changing direction and convince the reader (in that short letter) that you’re going to stick around long enough to add the required value, then you should find they welcome you with open arms. After all, what employer wouldn’t want a “bargain” employee.
    The worst thing that you can do is lie, or bury your previous experience with altered Job Titles on your C.V. Trust me, it all comes out in the end.
    Good Luck!

  • Neil

    I am in a similar situation to yourself. I suspect most recruiters will see your desire to ‘downgrade’ as a lack of commitment, regardless of your protestations. Personally, I have had zero success trying to convince employers and recruiters that I am happy to downgrade. I suspect that this fear is not shared by Chairmen/Non-execs, who simply want to hire the best performance/value employees they can (I know I did), and are mature enough to understand the desire for a healthy work/life balance. Try approaching these people. Good luck.

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