I work in a particular section of the charity sector at a senior level and there just aren't the roles. I last worked for a small charity with fewer than 10 staff and I want to step up to one with 15-50 staff. But when I go for roles I am told I don't have experience at that scale or in the specific section.
It's not health, but it's a bit like saying I've worked in general health and I'm applying for charities in pharmacology or dentistry and they say but you haven't worked in pharmacology or dentistry, - even though the work I do does not need that kind of knowledge or experience. When someone experienced in dentristy applies, even if they don't have my skills, they are more likely to be hired than me.
I am applying for roles at the level below my previous job in larger organisations to get experience at scale or in different sectors but not getting interviews. Where I worked previously I was paid at the level the more junior roles pay in the larger sections, so the money will be similar.
Tomorrow's interview is strange. I was told on Thursday that I hadn't made the shortlist and the distinction between the candidates was very fine. Then on Friday I was told there was a change in the process and I could be interviewed if I wanted. I said yes because it's all experience but obviously I don't expect to get it.
It hasn't helped that I have been unwell, firstly needing my ankle operation and six weeks' recovery, being in hospital seriously unwell for three weeks, then being on antibiotics for three months. I'm only just beginning to feel I've actually recovered. So I left my last role in autumn 2024, was told in winter 2024 I would be having the surgery, had the operation over the summer of 2025 and I'm now back in the running in spring 2026.
There has only been one role in my section at my level at a similar size organisation. I applied and didn't get interviewed and they appointed someone more junior than me. That's when my recruiters said I needed to apply for more senior roles or in larger organisations.