Ask the expert: Mature and seeking work

Q. Significant portions of my career have included health management positions in both the private and public sectors; quality assurance facilitator in health and contract work developing national contract documents and reviewing national policies.

To assist with a career change, I studied last year at university gaining a graduate business diploma focusing on strategic management.

During the mid-90s I completed a general business diploma.

I have been actively pursuing full time employment for four months attempting to do all the right things like working with agencies, replying to media advertisements, surfing the net and networking whenever opportunities present themselves.

Additionally I am enhancing my computer skills, keep myself fit and do whatever I can to maintain my motivation.

However, as I am in my 50s, perhaps there are few employment opportunities and I would be better to consider a small business opportunity or investigate contracting.

Are there resources in New Zealand that either list business opportunities or provide any contacts that are supportive of mature people attempting to change their career?

A. After four months, it is easy to get discouraged about a job search, but it often takes at least twice that to find a job if you are making a career transition.

So first, keep on perfecting your CV and looking for employment.

Keep in mind that most jobs are not advertised, and target your networking and CVs at local employers that are likely to need and use your particular set of skills.

It may take some initial exploratory interviewing, and networking, before you can get your foot in the door and CV into consideration, but at a minimum you may pick up some contract work that keeps you current and connected.

You may want to give some additional thought to whether you wish to be self-employed, since you have raised it as an option.

Look for sources of information that can help you to set up a business if that is the path you take.

Your first stop could be the Bizinfo website, through Industry NZ.

You may also look for temping situations at appropriate levels in the health care industry - there are all sorts of temporary placements, right up to chief executive officer level.

There are great resources available online for career transition and older workers.

My favourite website for information

www.wcl.govt.nz/popular/careerstart.html

is put together by the Wellington City Library.

www.industrynz.govt.nz

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