Thank you for the opportunity, the last mail I read is about selling yourself, which is, including the benefits the organization can derive when they hire you. I only have less than two years’ experience in a job as an administrative and finance officer although I studied mass communication.

I got a bit confused because there are times you apply for a job that you don’t have experience in, how will you relate that both in your CV and interview, that is if you are given the opportunity.

Sometimes am not sure about the kind of job I should I apply for. Fear, uncertainty. Not knowing what is expected. I had to quite my last job because I was becoming unhappy. Its not the kind of life I wanted, the salary was unimaginably small, nothing you do is enough. And it was not challenging.

I have been trying to get another one but it’s not easy. And there was one interview I went where the interviewer asked me if I felt over qualified for the job, I said no. That was the only question she asked me.

Is it right to disclose your salary to the present employer?
I think a thorough examination on this

Thank you once again

Ok you have asked me several questions here -let me define them and answer them one by one.

1. When you apply for a job where you don’t have experience, how will you deal with that in your CV, and interview.

As always, look at what you can meet from the specification in the ad and the job description. Then you need to talk about transferable skills, such as leadership, team player, management skills. Then indicate that you are willing to learn. Many companies give in- housetraining, particularly if they use bespoke software and systems.
Then remember that interviewers are looking for someone who has a great attitude, will fit into the team, has a can-do approach to life. That is more important than relevant experience. So focus on what you do have to offer, rather than your lack of experience.

2. Are you overqualified?

Why do interviewers ask that? sometimes they worry that you won’t stay long, will be unhappy with the work and the rewards, and maybe come after their job if they are line manager. So, you need to alleviate their worries with an appropriate response.

“I have worked in more responsible positions, but I need more balance in my life now that I have caring responsibilities/ want to spend more time with my family”

They may even be pleased that you have better skills and experience than they dared hope for. You just need to handle the issue carefully and show them that you are aware of it too, but willing to work with it. maybe you can say that you admire the company and think it is going places, perhaps there will be opportunities for you down the road.

Or that you relish the prospect of mentoring younger members of the staff.

3. Should you disclose your present salary? I think you mean to ask

Really the interviewer is trying to establish if you are both in the same league. I would not volunteer the information, nor give it on application forms. But I would indicate the salary range I am looking for, if asked directly at interview.

Then I think we ought to look at reasons you quit your job, and see what that tells us in terms of your career management. I invite you to read these posts, which will help you to think about your interests, personality, ability, lifestyle preferences, and leisure interests and see what type of work might suit you. Then you can set goals and develop a strategy to help you find a suitable career.

Career management model

Career management Process

Although I appreciate you can’t absolutely control your career, if you put some thought into it and take responsibility for its management you can at least head in the direction you want to go.

Good luck