Career change and CV help.
Discussion
Hello, looking for some advice from some of you wiser than myself.
I'm 23 years old and a qualified Plumber/Heating Engineer. I hate my job and the industry (the hands on side of it atleast). I want a complete change of career. Problem being I'm struggling to think of ways to make myself desirable to potential employers.
On paper, I'm a young plumber with no experience in anything bar hands on work in the construction industry, besides qualifications in Aircraft Engineering. How do I gloss over this and make myself desirable to employers in a completely different business sector?
My local Council have several trainee positions. HR Officers, CAD Technicians, Estate Officers etc, money isn't great, but to be honest I'd be happy at minimum wage if it meant I was doing a job where I was treated fairly, wasn't expected to cancel my plans pretty much every weekend with less than 12 hours notice and had my efforts recognised.
Although I hate my job, it has helped me develop people skills and has opened my eyes to the world. I know the grass isn't always greener and that every job will have aspects I won't like.
I've got quite a few qualifications, several NVQs, level 2 and 3 in Plumbing and Aircraft Engineering. Obviously they are irrelevant to what I wish to do. But could I use them to my advantage?
I've only had this one real job since the age of 18, so never had to apply for another job, no recent experience of interviews. Another problem is, I need to keep all this quiet from my Boss, he won't take kindly to me leaving. So references will be tricky as my only other forms of employment have been labouring and take-away delivery!
I know it seems a bit of a stupid post, but I need to make my CV appeal. Please share your wisdom PH
I'm 23 years old and a qualified Plumber/Heating Engineer. I hate my job and the industry (the hands on side of it atleast). I want a complete change of career. Problem being I'm struggling to think of ways to make myself desirable to potential employers.
On paper, I'm a young plumber with no experience in anything bar hands on work in the construction industry, besides qualifications in Aircraft Engineering. How do I gloss over this and make myself desirable to employers in a completely different business sector?
My local Council have several trainee positions. HR Officers, CAD Technicians, Estate Officers etc, money isn't great, but to be honest I'd be happy at minimum wage if it meant I was doing a job where I was treated fairly, wasn't expected to cancel my plans pretty much every weekend with less than 12 hours notice and had my efforts recognised.
Although I hate my job, it has helped me develop people skills and has opened my eyes to the world. I know the grass isn't always greener and that every job will have aspects I won't like.
I've got quite a few qualifications, several NVQs, level 2 and 3 in Plumbing and Aircraft Engineering. Obviously they are irrelevant to what I wish to do. But could I use them to my advantage?
I've only had this one real job since the age of 18, so never had to apply for another job, no recent experience of interviews. Another problem is, I need to keep all this quiet from my Boss, he won't take kindly to me leaving. So references will be tricky as my only other forms of employment have been labouring and take-away delivery!
I know it seems a bit of a stupid post, but I need to make my CV appeal. Please share your wisdom PH
Booey said:
You would be amazed to hear how many people would like to change career into what you do now! I may be one of them.
What makes you want to get out of it?
Unless you work for a big firm or yourself, you'll get treated like dirt. Its boring, stressful, repetitive and thankless.What makes you want to get out of it?
I'd probably enjoy it more working for a different firm, the one I work for are greedy beyond belief, they expect way too much from us and its put downer on the whole industry for me.
I could write a whole page on how I feel about it, but I'll save it.
Rickyy said:
What sort of things should be in a cover letter? I've not done a CV since school!
Depends on the job. Mine is usually very simple..
Seen this advert for this role, and I enclose my CV, on which you will see that I have the following skills (similar to those on advert!!!), and experiences (similar to those on advert).
Followed by look forward to discussing the position with you etc.
A brief and formal introduction explaining; which vacancy you are applying for (there maybe more than one), why you wish to apply and some of the necessary skills you feel you possess that are of course relevant to the vacancy.
The worst you can do is; add no introduction to your email and then simply punt your CV to as many possible employers as possible. You would be surprised how many folk utilise this ‘blunderbuss’ approach and then wonder why they fail to get an interview.
The worst you can do is; add no introduction to your email and then simply punt your CV to as many possible employers as possible. You would be surprised how many folk utilise this ‘blunderbuss’ approach and then wonder why they fail to get an interview.
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