Job hunting tips - moving away from specialism

[atlaz]

Made redundant a couple of months ago and struggling to get interviews never mind a job. I worked in a fairly niche role and in this area there just aren't the jobs about at the moment.

I'm happy with moving out the particular area I used to work in but I'm just not successful with my job applications - the responses I'm getting are along the lines of "this job isn't the best fit for you and we'll keep your cv on record for the next 6 months and contact you if we have a job more appropriate for your skills and experience"

I was previously a higher rate tax payer and the jobs I'm applying for are paying between 70 - 80% of my previous salary which I thought was a reasonable place to aim for given transferable skills but not perfect fit.

I don't know where to go next really, or whether I'm aiming too high or too low and whether I just need to keep plugging away or what.

All advice appreciated

Hi, we're moving this to our Employment Issues topic now at the OP's request.

Hi op, our area sounds very similar and I've sent out letters like that recently myself. We do often follow applications up later so don't lose heart.

Roughly what kind of thing are you looking for?

As a tip, with new gdpr regs it might be an idea to make it clear you'd like your details to be held - employers will need your express consent to do so from May if I've understood correctly.

There was a tick box as part of the application process regarding details being held.

I kind of assumed the line was a generic brush off and I didn't meet the essential job requirements (which were actually rather vague). I've had to rewrite my cv to target these jobs and I'm left wondering whether I've missed the mark or something else.

I'm looking at data/information analyst type roles. Previous work involved a lot of data analysis in a particular specialism but I wasn't a data analyst as such.

Have you had the chance to include a covering letter explaining your reasons for changing direction?

As an employer, I wouldn't mind what these actually were as long as there was some justification- broadening experience, new challenges etc and an evident interest in the company.

No, unfortunately so far the jobs I've applied for have been cv based via online portals. So no opportunity for a covering letter or supporting statement.

Was your work in a particular sector? Private / public?

I've worked in both the private and public sector in the past, but similar roles in both.

Pm. Me :)