Looking for a Job after a Long Absence from the Work Force

Dear Deb:

I went to work as a secretary for an insurance company right out of high school in 1978 and was with that same company for 20 years.  I quit in 1998, when my husband and I could afford for me to stay home.  I did not work, but spent time on my church choir and in a twice-weekly bowling league. I am a very young 53-year-old and want to get back to work.  I am great at surfing the Internet and I can create documents in MS Word.  Also, I don’t think the insurance industry has changed much in the last 14 years. Whatever I don’t know, I can learn quickly. However, I am getting zero response to my résumé. What should I do? ~ Anita B.

Dear Anita:

Many companies would love to hire a hard-working, adaptable, and dedicated person.  You need to define your job goal, gain the skills required, and then market yourself for those types of opportunities. First, there are self-guided online courses you can take to build up your computer skill so you are well-versed in the basics for administrative jobs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and possibly Access). Research the industry because there probably have been some changes in how insurance companies operate since you left in 1998.  It is also possible that as you consider your career goal, you may decide to target a job outside the insurance industry. 

Without seeing your résumé, it is tough to advice you on how to change it. However, if you are getting zero response, my guess is we can make some improvements to the résumé.  A good writer or career advisor can help you uncover recent accomplishments, even if they are outside a professional setting. Also, a writer may help you determine how to display your early history. Most likely there are strategies a writer can recommend you showcase for your target position.

Thanks,

Deb


If you have a question for Deb, please email debra@careersdonewrite.com. The Ask Deb column appears every Friday on our blog at the Careers Done Write website.  

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The Four Ingredients of a Modern Job Search