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By: Amy Rossi
Overcoming Career and Skill Gaps
I have a gap in my employment history, should I do a functional resume? What is the best way to overcome my career gap? I’m registering for school, but what else should I do?
STOP RIGHT THERE!
Before you start a new degree or pay for education, do a little research to make sure you are spending money on something that you really need. Employers are constantly searching for employees with current, demonstrated skills to fill the position. When looking for the right “position fit,” they examine your history to get an understanding of where you gained the knowledge to do the job, whether in a classroom (technical) or in a work environment (practical). Generally, candidates that have both technical and practical knowledge are considered best qualified.
RESEARCH TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU REALLY NEED.
Step 1: Analyze the jobs; analyze your background. Read the job descriptions for positions that you are interested in. Do a quick Gap Analysis by making a list of education, experience, certifications and skills required for those jobs. Check your resume for the education, experience, certifications and skills listed, circle any of the items not listed on your resume. They are your “qualification” gaps. You might not need another Master’s if the job only requires an associates. You might only need a simple
certification like a PMP or a software skill in project management. If you are unsure what you are missing, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT with an MSCCN or CASY EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST.
Step 2: Identify Technical and Practical Gaps. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE demonstrates that you understand the field. EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS are considered proof of your “technical” knowledge.
What are you missing?