Slump is not time to wing it
Ask Kate Column:
Peter writes: With respect to career change, how do you go about applying for a position in which you have no previous experience? Anne wants to know how to write a cover letter to land a job she is not qualified for. Ditto Lyle.
Sorry to be blunt, but the short answer is you don’t. You don’t apply for jobs if you don’t have most of the skills and experience being asked for in the job ad.
The job market strongly favours employers right now so you need to ask yourself: Why would a company hire a person with no experience when it is being inundated with applications from experienced people? No reason. I realise I sound stern but if I saw you putting your hand on a hot stove I would be yelling for you to pull your hand away to prevent you getting hurt.
The same applies here. You won’t hear back and you will be left feeling low. I understand people are frustrated by the seemingly sudden change in the employment market from skills shortage to skills flush but being a mismatched candidate will not help you land a job.
For those who missed last week’s column, many good candidates are getting the silent treatment as a result of the sheer volume of applications hitting the desks of recruiters and hiring managers.
Everyone who reads Ask Kate knows I frown on that sort of rudeness. I especially frown on any employer who does not tell a candidate who has interviewed for a role that they didn’t get the job. No excuse for that.
However, I do understand why recruiters and hiring managers don’t reply to candidates who have none of the qualifications and/or skills and experience needed to apply for a job. Career change takes work and a good strategy. A cover letter or resume tweak will not do it.
Award rates
I have also had questions about award wages. For information, visit the websites of the NSW Office of Industrial Relations or the Workplace Authority.
Careerone.com.au also has a Salary Centre in our News & Advice section with links to salary surveys and to award rates.
Visit www.industrial relations.nsw.gov.au or phone 131528 for information on NSW award wages, workers’ rights and help for young workers.
The Workplace Authority has redesigned its website. The workplaceauthority.gov.au home page has a Rates of Pay tab at the top of the page. There is also a helpline for those under federal laws, 1300363264. Click on the info line link for the numbers connecting you with the Workplace Authority translation or hearing impaired services.
