| I Must Return To A Former Occupation |
Not many people have the courage to switch occupations, but among those who do, some find they really don't like the new job as much as their previous one. When that is the case, it's best to admit the mistake and return to the previous occupation. The problem, of course, is that your most recent experience no longer relates to your goal.
One of the more common situations is that of the former "producer" who finds that "management" is not so satisfying and rewarding as expected. Educators sometimes reach the same conclusion and find that they want to return to teaching. Many times, the employer is unwilling to return the person to their old job. That means the only way to reach their goal is through a well-executed job change. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to handle this situation.
Mindset
Keep in mind that your recent experience does not detract from what you have achieved previously. In fact, it has probably helped you develop a broader perspective, and perhaps new strengths and capabilities, all of which would make you more effective in your past occupation. An astute employer will recognize this.
At any given moment, each of us brings to the table the talents and knowhow developed over several types of positions. It is rare that all of someone's experience will apply 100% to the job they are seeking. Your related experience, regardless of when it was developed, applies fully. The other experience, regardless of when it was developed, may or may not add to your appeal, but it certainly will not detract.
Resume
On your resume, use a format which presents goal-related achievements first, regardless of when they occurred. Put a summary near the top which emphasizes the experience most closely related to your current goal. After that, use a heading such as "Relevant Achievements" or "Sales Achievements" (if Sales is your goal), as a device to help justify the lack of emphasis on your most recent position.
When you present your most recent experience, consider a headline such as "Supporting Experience" and show how you developed or used skills there which would also be valuable in your previous occupation, which you are targeting once again. Those skills may complement the basic skills of that occupation, and help you excel in it. More often than not, you will have gained additional insights that would not be possessed by someone who never left the field. If so, an introductory statement for that section of the resume could make that point.
Interviews / e-mail / Letters
In interviews and correspondence, you can turn this seeming liability to an advantage by using it to emphasize your motivation. You can make the point that, after being away from the field for a while, you realized how much you enjoyed it, and how right your talents were for it, so that the employer is not likely to find a more enthusiastic and motivated candidate for the job. You can reassure them that you'll never be looking over your shoulder, wondering whether you might be happier doing something else.
You can also portray yourself as whatever you once were, plus more. Sell the fact that you will be an especially versatile, highly productive, extra value performer. When possible show that, as a multifaceted person, you will be able to deliver better results than you you'd be capable of without this experience.
Actions
Catch up on any reading or research you need to do, in order to make sure you are totally familiar with all the latest developments in your field. If you can do this easily on the Internet, that is ideal. You may prefer to visit the Business Reference section of a good city or university library and ask for assistance from the reference librarian. Reviewing the past year's trade or professional publications will usually be sufficient, and there are references available that enable you to quickly scan the headlines of all major articles, and so use your time efficiently.
Examine your contributions in your most recent position closely, and prepare action-oriented stories that show how you used your skills in ways that would apply to your previous occupation. Look for as many specific result indications as possible. By giving as much evidence as possible in memorable stories, you will reassure the prospective employer about your enthusiasm and your continued ability to deliver results in your previous occupation.
Develop and coach enthusiastic references from inside and/or outside your employer organizations, to include customers, suppliers, sales reps, consultants, etc., who will be happy to attest to your ability to deliver results. Review your resume with them, and make sure they keep a copy available for reference when and if they are called.
This step will enable you to make the statement in an interview that, "You've heard about Joe Smith from Joe Smith, but you really need to hear it from some of the people who know me best, and I strongly urge you to call them." That will erase any lingering doubts that you might not be a top performer.
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