Why you aren’t finding a job in a different field

I have been a truck driver/warehouse manager for 16yrs I am getting an Associates of Applied Science in Computer Aided Drafting and Design in June and am pursuing my Bachelors in Construction Management. I was layed off in September’08. Any pointers on how to make the transition to my new career and make my resume stand out. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Teddy, pharmacies have to do extremely careful inventory control and product handling, so these skills should serve you well! In your cover letters and resume, emphasize your experience in these areas — and in interviews, give concrete examples of how you solved inventory-control and/or product-handling problems. You might point out the similarities between food and drugs (it’s not for nothing they’re both regulated by the same federal agency, the Food and Drug Administration!): Both usually have expiration dates, must be handled in sanitary conditions, etc. You might also think about taking some pharmacy courses (perhaps at night) at a local college, to show that you want to familiarize yourself with pharmaceutical products. Good luck!

I’ve been in the cooking industry for 15 yrs.And am know looking to make a change into the world of pharmacy tech.I have tons of background exprience in inventory control and product handling.How can this help me in my career choice?

The big problem throughout employment today is that there’s way too much focus on “what you have done.” What both employers and candidates need to focus on is “what you can do.”

This is a time of great change. It doesn’t make sense to believe what you’re best at is what you’ve done the longest. We need to find ways that get both the employer and candidate to focus on the work that needs doing now. That’s where you put the research in action, and that’s where a smart employer realizes you are serious and dedicated towards contributing to the bottom line.

As a hiring manager, I ask not what you have done for others. I ask instead what you can do for me. Stop sending resumes. Start sending employment proposals.

Landing a job in this market takes real savvy, skill and a bit of luck. Whether you are applying to an opening in your current industry or looking to jump to something that you’d rather do, you need to have the words that will get you an interview. Specifically, your resume needs to position you as current and valuable. Present your skills and experiences in a fresh, “must hire” light. Make sure that you have the keywords for the desired industry that you are applying.

DHResumes, writing with results

Three options: 1. Volunteer for an organization in your desired new field. 2. Snag an internship. 3. Engage in reverse mentoring. http://tiny.cc/tuBGa. Then position your sabbatical from “real work” in a way that makes your resume stand out.

Another way to research the field or industry you want to enter is to attend conferences or networking events that attract professionals from that field. You want to make connections with people working in the field because most jobs are found through networking that any other method. If you’re an extrovert, talk to the people there and attempt to schedule some follow-up informational interviews. If you’re an introvert, take notice of the program content or topics, the exhibitors, and what attendees are talking about. Make some one-on-one connections and follow up with email exchanges or meet for coffee/lunch.