Online Career Workshop - How to successfully plan your career path

Thanks to everyone who attended our workshop today and special thanks to Laura and Emma for all of their help and advice. 

Many of you submitted questions that we didn't have time to answer so we will endeavour to provide you with some more answers on the blog tomorrow...watch this space!

In the meantime please feel free to give us your feedback by leaving a comment below.

If you missed the workshop and would like to view the recording please click here. 

Don't forget that our next workshop will be held on Thursday 28th at 1pm. We will be focussing on mature jobseekers and how you can use your experience to your advantage. We will give practical advice on how to succeed in your jobsearch including:

- Structuring your CV

- The types of roles to consider

-  Keeping up to date with technology

- Key interview tips.

To book your space please click here.

Comments

[Rob Wickstead]

Very useful presentation and discussion. Some helpful points came out like uploading your CV every month so it shows in the 1st 10 pages of lists looked at by recruiters. Also I understand a bit more on the pyschometric tests now.

I have a question, however, not directly related to the webinar. I have just had a few interviews recently, where I was not successful as I hadn't the industry experience. Other than that I had very positive feedback from the employers. How can you therefore persuade recruiters to take a different view and risk and employ someone who doesn't come from that particular industry sector they work in. It's very annoying.

[Nicola Forde, Workthing+]

Hi Rob

Thanks for your feedback on our workshop, I'm glad you found it helpful.

There are two things you need to concentrate on when you're looking to change industry. The first is convincing the employer that you've done your research and have knowledge of the industry; the second is highlighting how the skills and experience you already have can be transferred to the role you're applying for.

As you are a Workthing+ member I'd recommend taking advantage of your free trial with Alert Data. Have a look in the Business Trends and Market Focus reports for the industry you're looking to get into. Also set up a news alert so you know the very latest industry news.

Commenting on blogs and contributing to industry forums is a great way to build your reputation and demonstrate thought leadership and it will really impress employers and prove you're serious about making your move into the industry.

Don't forget that you can ask how things went at the end of an interview. If you get feedback to say that you don't have the right experience for the job, ask what you would need to do in order to be considered for the position.

If you feel that recruitment agencies are reluctant to put you forward for roles in a new sector, try applying for roles directly with companies that interest you. Create an outstanding speculative application, it shows initiative and that you have a particular desire to work for that company...you never know where it could lead.

Good luck

Nicola, Workthing+

[Rob Wickstead]

Hi Nicola

Thanks for all your good advice, some of which I am already doing. For instance I have been applying direct to companies that interest me and getting quite a few replies back. Even though they tend to be negative at this time due them having been through restructuring I have had one very positive reply from one company's HR team.

I think I opened up the free trial on Alert Data some time ago but didn't actually get time to use it. Could it be reset for me as free again, possibly please?
With Alert Data, can you obtain lists of local companies in the area that interests you easily? Also is it easy to set up the news alert you mention about?

Thanks
Rob