I would like to share a story with you. A few years ago, I worked with a job seeker who made a serious error in judgment. He had worked successfully in the financial markets until trying to manipulate the market using illegal tactics. As a result, he was banned permanently from his profession and was in need of help to support his family.
I felt he was genuine in his remorse and I did all I could to assist him. I examined his transferrable skills. He was very talented in analyzing data and statistical analysis. We looked towards the health care industry, as the ability to analyze vast amounts of data is wanted. Tailoring his resume specifically to emphasize the relevant aspects regarding his knowledge, he was able to secure an interview. Being up front about what he did wrong, along with showing how he would be an excellent fit for the position, he got the job. It was a significant cut in pay compared to what he had made on Wall Street, but it was an opportunity.
For the next couple of years, I would get intermittent calls from the human resources professional at that company thanking me for sending them this person.
We all make mistakes. Some big, some small, but it is how you learn from them that matters. If you made a glaring mistake that is hurting your ability to get a job, be up front about it and look towards taking your transferrable skills to the next opportunity. Sometimes it may seem like a step back but in the end, you will end up ahead.
Do you have any similar stories about helping those in similar situations? How would you react to someone coming to you for help? Post your thoughts.
To read more of Lavie’s posts related to the job search, go to Lioncubjobsearch.blogspot.com
