How can you help a client with a non-traditional background break into a competitive industry?

When assisting clients with non-traditional backgrounds, start by uncovering their transferable skills—those versatile abilities like communication, problem-solving, or leadership. You can do this through skill assessments, career assessment (GOV.UK and Truity have some good free online tests) and reflection exercises. Encourage your clients to review their diverse experiences, professional and personal, to identify and highlight the skills they've honed and showcased.

To assist clients with non-traditional backgrounds, it's crucial to customise their resume and cover letter for the industry and job they're targeting. This involves highlighting relevant skills and achievements, incorporating keywords from the job description, and considering a functional or hybrid resume format that prioritizes skills. Normally, professionals have more than one resume tailored to specific roles and industries. Cover letters are somewhat important, they are easy to customise to different roles and organisations. The resume is key.

Network as if your career depends on it because it does! However, don't be awkward. You don't want to send a connection request to a stranger without introducing yourself. I've used this simple framework thousands of times, and it works perfectly every single time: "Hey [Name], Hope you are well. I noticed that you are a [commonality] like me. Would love to connect. Best, [Your Name]." Most people are open-minded and willing to help you out, especially if they share some commonalities with you. Then, you can start a conversation to learn about their industry, etc. In your next interview, you can mention that you've already had conversations with John, a director at company XYZ, about the industry you are applying for.

Another critical step in assisting a client with a non-traditional background is to help them expand their network and establish a reputation in their desired industry. Encourage them to connect with industry professionals, including graduates, mentors, and influencers, and seek advice, referrals, or opportunities on a frequent basis. Leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn, X, or Instragram to showcase their expertise, share insights, and engage in relevant discussions. Additionally, guide your client to explore opportunities that enhance their credibility, such as volunteering, freelancing, or taking online courses. Building a strong network and reputation can open doors in a new field.

How to answer 9 out of 10 interview questions with just a single statement? Your unique journey is your greatest asset. Whether it's a non-traditional background or a distance learning degree, use these experiences to craft a story that sets you apart. Turn perceived weaknesses into strengths tailored specifically for the role you're applying for. Make the interviewer see that every step in your journey prepared you for this role. Most interviews start with variations of this one question: Why are you here and why are you the best fit for this role? No matter what the interviewer throws at you, you just reference your story, extract the relevant segment, and provide a seamless answer.

The last crucial step in assisting a client with a non-traditional background is interview preparation. This involves in-depth research on the company, industry, and role, as well as anticipating potential questions and challenges. Help your client refine their elevator pitch, stories, and responses to common and behavioral questions. Additionally, work with them to address any concerns or gaps the employer might have regarding their background, such as explaining career changes, skill acquisition, and adaptation to industry culture and expectations. Effective interview preparation is key to showcasing their value and potential in a new field.