Ask the headhunter

K.D. asks:

I’m an experienced and versatile project and portfolio manager with over twenty years of experience leading complex initiatives across diverse sectors. With an MBA and ITIL 4, Scrum, Prince2 and IPMA certifications, I specialize in driving digital transformation, optimizing IT governance and delivering solutions that align with strategic business goals. My professional career includes significant roles at a multinational electronics company, where I led SAP ECC implementations and the global S/4HANA transformation, and at a Swiss government institution, where I optimized IT governance processes. I have extensive experience in IT project management and process design from my time as a freelancer and co-owner of a company, demonstrating a proven ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and manage risks in global environments.

Nevertheless, I’ve been looking for a new position for over six months now since my last contract expired. I’ve applied to hundreds of jobs in Switzerland, but also abroad, particularly in Germany and the US, where I’ve lived and worked before. So far, I’ve had only one interview, with a Hays recruiter, for a position I could have done in my sleep. For most applications, I received no response at all, and the companies that did respond rejected me. Without exception, I’ve applied for positions within my competence range, and often even below my level, because perfect matches are simply rare.

Due to the lack of resonance, I’ve started to doubt myself. At times, I feel desperate. It seems as if reaching the age of 55 automatically disqualifies you from the job market. My network hasn’t provided much support so far either, though I must admit there isn’t much left of it after Covid and my divorce. I was never much of a networker anyway. I’d do anything to get an interview, because I usually manage to convince people when given the chance to talk to them. What can I do?

The headhunter answers:

If I understand you correctly, you’ve already applied to hundreds of jobs, even below your level, where there’s little or no challenge for you anymore. That seems like a waste of time to me. With your experience and skills, you should be able to make a logical next step, and suitable positions are certainly available.

You’re right in wondering whether you’re approaching this correctly, because there’s a lot that you can improve. You need to focus on roles that are truly within your reach and don’t represent a significant step backward. Being a 55-year-old woman certainly doesn’t mean you’re out of the running. You have a wealth of experience, and organizations desperately need that experience!

Make sure your presentation on paper and Linkedin is to-the-point and attractive. Emphasize what you have to offer. Ensure your Linkedin photo radiates positive energy; your current picture is unsuitable. You have to realize that, at your level, you’ll need to network to find a good position. Use Linkedin for that; that’s what it’s for. Participate in discussions, join groups and write a contribution now and then. In short: make yourself visible.

To be invited for an interview, you primarily need to ensure that you meet the established profile for the position. If they ask for experience in defense or maritime logistics and you don’t have it, it’s obvious that candidates who do will have priority. However, if you meet all the requirements, you could try contacting the recruiter/hiring manager. Ask for more information about the role, if only to briefly draw attention to yourself. Because if you’ve had a good conversation, however brief it may have been, you increase your chances of an interview invitation. Prepare every step of the procedure well; a lot can depend on it.