Hello Mayank.
I am an HR professional, 43 years old, with 15 years of experience. I was working with a CMM level 5 software organisation till 2013.
Then I joined the government sector as a contract employee in a similar role.
I have done this for six years and I feel my skills are not utilised properly. There is no scope for improvement and I am underpaid.
I am looking to rejoin the corporate sector but my profile is getting shortlisted at any job that I apply for. Help me!
Vijay
Working in Bengaluru

Ans: Dear S,
Yes, your career has strangled due to some wrong decisions. In order to strengthen yourself, you must try to improve on your skills and try to make friendship with the top management for better growth. This is the best option.
Other wise, you can look for better positions in other organizations once you get the right opportunity
This is a relatively risky proposition. .

Ans: Hi Ramgopal,

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing in your job search. It's not uncommon for experienced professionals to encounter difficulties when re-entering the job market, and there could be several factors at play. Let's explore some potential reasons and strategies to overcome them:

Education Background: While you mentioned that you pursued your education through distance learning, it's essential to highlight your years of work experience. Many employers prioritize practical experience over formal education, especially in HR roles. Ensure that your resume and cover letter emphasize your extensive 15 years of experience and the skills you've gained during that time.

Resume and LinkedIn Profile: Make sure that your resume and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date, professional, and tailored to the roles you're applying for. Highlight your achievements, skills, and certifications relevant to HR or staffing.

Networking: Leverage your professional network. Reach out to former colleagues, supervisors, and contacts you've made during your career. Attend industry-specific events, conferences, and webinars to network and stay updated on industry trends.

Job Search Strategy: Be strategic in your job search. Target companies and roles that align with your experience and skills. Tailor your application to each job, emphasizing how your background makes you a strong candidate.

Skill Enhancement: Consider updating your skills to align with the current HR and ITES industry requirements. You may want to take online courses or certifications to boost your qualifications and demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development.

Interview Preparation: If you're getting interviews but not job offers, work on your interview skills. Practice common HR interview questions and refine your responses. Focus on showcasing how your experience is an asset to potential employers.

Consult a Career Coach: Consider seeking guidance from a career coach or mentor who can provide personalized advice and help you identify areas for improvement.

Be Patient and Persistent: The job market can be competitive, and job searches can take time, especially when you've been out of work for a period. Stay persistent and keep applying to positions that match your skills and experience.

Financial Planning: Given your EMI commitments, it might be wise to revisit your budget and explore options for temporary or part-time work to help manage your financial obligations while continuing your job search.

Self-Care: Lastly, it's essential to take care of your health and personal issues. A healthy and balanced mindset can positively impact your job search efforts.

Remember that job searches can be challenging, and rejection is a part of the process. Stay resilient, keep refining your approach, and you'll increase your chances of landing a suitable role in the HR or ITES industry. If you encounter specific challenges along the way, consider seeking advice from professionals in your network or career experts.

Best regards,
Abhishek Shah

Ans: Dear Sir/ Madam,

Few tips for your reference-

Update your cv - call out the key skills as per the industry and tailor your resume as per the job you are interested in.
Networking- For example reach out to ex colleagues, Alumni meets, be active on platforms like linkedin and other professional and relevant industry groups.
Skill development- while you are looking for job work on developing your skills relating to data management, financial analysis etc
Research the organizations you are keen to join.
You can also look at contractual/ freelancing roles until you get the job you want. This will add to your experience.

All the best. Hope this helps

To Your Success
Thanks and Regards
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Do both - try for a job as well as look to upskill yourself with some courses. Check what are the industry requirements and then plan your course.