Author: Lavie Margolin, Career Coach
Several years ago, I worked with a job seeker who made a serious error in judgment. He had worked successfully in the financial markets until trying to manipulate the market using illegal tactics. As a result, he was banned permanently from his profession and was in need of help to support his family.
I felt he was genuine in his remorse and I did all I could to assist him. I examined his transferable skills. He was very talented in analyzing data and statistics. We looked towards the healthcare industry, as the ability to analyze vast amounts of data is highly desired. Tailoring his resume specifically to emphasize the relevant aspects about his knowledge, he was able to secure an interview. Being upfront about what he did wrong along with showing he would be an excellent fit for the position, he got the job. It was a significant cut in pay than he had made on Wall Street but it was an opportunity.
For the next couple of years, I would get intermittent calls from the Human Resources professional at that company thanking me for sending them this person. We all make mistakes. Some big, some small but it is how you learn from them. If you made a glaring mistake that is hurting your ability to get a job, be upfront about it and look towards taking your transferable skills to the next opportunity. Sometimes it may seem like a step back but in the end, you will end up ahead.
About the Author: Lavie Margolin is a New York-based Career Coach and the author of Lion Cub Job Search: Practical Job Search Assistance for Practical Job Seekers. To learn more, go to Lavie’s website, Lion Cub Job Search:www.Lioncubjobsearch.com