My employment history looks like a crossword puzzle because there are so many different industries and experiences listed. How do I convince an employer to hire me when my qualifications are all over the map?
Having a background that covers multiple industries has its advantages, but, if not managed properly, it can have some negative repercussions, as well.
First of all, you’re not alone. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts the average employee will hold 10-12 jobs during his or her career, given that the median stay in a job is 4.1 years.
Convincing employers to hire you begins with your resume. You need a straight-forward resume with skills presented in a clear, concise manner.
When targeting a specific position, focus on those skills the employer is most interested in, then highlight those parts of your background that meet their needs. Keep in mind, skills usually fall into three categories: people, things and data.
A good way to attract attention with your resume is to use skill headings instead of an objective statement. Skill headings help the employer quickly assimilate your areas of interest and skills, though more than three can become cumbersome. You can find skill headings within job descriptions.
The most important element to convincing someone to hire you is your belief in yourself. You need to be convinced you have the right qualifications instead of seeing your background as “all over the map.” Potential employers are not nearly as distracted by the number of jobs a candidate has had as they are by a job candidate who stumbles and fumbles when explaining their background.
Skills can transfer from one industry to another. Developing a way to present your background will give the impression you have a focused job search instead of a career made up of disconnected roles.
