How to make myself employable again

[willowtreewii]

I'm looking for some help in making myself employable. I used to work in fashion buying but had a long (10 year) break due to a serious illness.

I'm in good health again but unable to get as far as interview with the 35+ jobs I have applied for. I've applied for entry level through to the mid senior level I was at when I left the industry (junior buyer).

How can I make myself more employable? I don't really have a network in the industry anymore - most of my old colleagues are not around/overseas (I worked for a European brand).

At my age I feel unpaid work experience wouldn't be the right route (40 yrs old). I'm thinking about studying for a way in but not sure what route to go down. Accounting, procurement? The fashion buying process is quite different to these and being young and on trend with recent work experience is more valued than financial qualifications.

I worked in the luxury market previously for some really amazing brands.

With 10 years break, as an employer I would want to see some commitment from your part to show you have either gone back out to brush up on your skills eg, unpaid work, volunteering etc. or have gone out to find other work, whist you are looking, for instance part time shop work, supermarket, fast-food. As it shows commitment to work.

Saying "At my age I feel unpaid work experience wouldn't be the right route (40 yrs old)" would be a massive big red flag for any employer.

You have to understand that you are now in a job market full of very bright individuals, who are willing to do almost anything to get work and experience . Sending CV`s Going on about what you once were over 10 years ago will just get you resigned to the reject pile.

As some one who went back to university in their 40`s and completely changed career and has now got a excellent job, you have to understand your past has transferable skills, but you are no longer at the level you once were and that will not get you a job and just getting a bit of extra training will not land you the jobs. If you have to start from the bottom and do some work for free to get your foot back in the door you will have to do it.

Thanks for your thoughts. I do have some volunteering work and freelance work I did throughout the 10 years for the same company (only it was just 1 day every fortnight or so)

I’m willing to go back and study for another degree or similar - and willing to do some unpaid work experience - I just picture a 40 yr old vs bright young grad offering work experience and can’t imagine I’d be the first choice - particularly in the fashion industry

I do have things on my CV over the last 10 years, just not any solid full time employment with a high end fashion brand like my previous employment

Have you thought about changing direction and looking at other opportunities, outside of fashion buying?

I have, though I really loved what I did and it would still be my career choice if I started again. I’ve thought about getting back in by going down a buying or procurement route for other types of companies with a view to moving back towards fashion in a few years’ time

How up are you on sustainability, can you get training in this area? Are there any short courses at London College of fashion (online delivery perhaps) perhaps. Maybe you could start a blog discussing issues in buying and sustainability.

I keep up with sustainability issues in the supply chain - that’s a good idea. Thank you.

Bump

Would you go down the academic route? Take a masters or pgdip at central st martins and maybe teach an industry based course? All the arty universities seem to offer them!

Also, are there any recruiters that specialise in your area? When I went back to work in communications I got friends to recommend agencies and they were great to talk to about what I should be aiming for in terms of role and salary. It was higher than I thought!

Thanks - I’d love to do a Masters but feel I’m so long out of the game I’d probably need or start all over again within study or at least go back a step … there’s lots to look into and I think more conversations with recruiters will be a good way to continue my search. Admittedly when I first began making calls we were firmly in lockdown and all retail was closed